A Blog about Education Abroad

Tag: semester exchange

  • Bianca Brandt at KU Leuven, Belgium

    Bianca Brandt at KU Leuven, Belgium

    Pre-departure:

    The time leading up to my exchange certainly can be described as a stretching but beautiful process. Going on a semester abroad and actually living by myself in another country was something that I had never imagined doing. The thought of it brought many different kinds of feelings, however my expectancy for something GRAND outweighed everything. The strangest thing for me to come to terms with was that even though I had known about my exchange since being accepted into BCom(International Business), 2019 had finally arrived and it was time for all my preparations to take place. I definitely took a great amount of time processing all the changes that awaited. I am thankful that I took the time to have real talks with the people that I trust with my heart because by the time I arrived in Belgium, I truly arrived on solid ground and was able to handle everything that came my way. I am so thankful for my leaders, family and friends that walked a road with me of encouraging me and stirring my faith because I knew that I was not going anywhere if it was not BY FAITH. I am also grateful to Sarah for keeping me updated with all the admin requirements and their due dates. She certainly helped me approach the entire process and guided me along the way. Given that this was the first official time that I would be going abroad, everything was incredibly new to me. Fortunately, selecting which university to go to was really simple. The moment I saw KU Leuven (which appeared second on the list of possible designations) my heart was convinced that this was the place I needed to be. Once it was official that I was going to be attending KU Leuven, I began sorting out all the admin involved with finalising my modules, getting accommodation and getting a VISA from the Belgian Consulate. Putting together my learning agreement was also incredibly smooth-sailing as they offered a variety of diverse modules that interested me. I was placed in a university residence within a week of applying which was a great blessing. I quickly discovered that it was necessary for me to get a police clearance certificate and had heard that it could take quite some time. I admit that the thought of this first overwhelmed me, but ended up in the position where I was able to go straight to the head office in Pretoria and hand my application in. What was known to take 4-6 weeks to get done miraculously took 5 days in my case. Because I live in East London, I had to fly back to Cape Town to visit a Belgian Consulate approved doctor in Rondebosch for my medical check-up. Once this was completed, I went for my appointment (which was very easy to get). Because I did not have any source of “official” funding from abroad, I was required to pay an additional fee and had to transfer the minimum amount of spending money into a KU Leuven account, obtain a certificate and provide that as my proof of solvency (which I later learned was necessary for all foreign students). This slowed the process down ever so slightly, however once the certificate had been provided, my VISA was delivered to me within two days. Thereafter I booked my tickets, said my goodbyes and my adventure of a lifetime began on 13 September 2019.

    Experience at the Host University:

    One of the things that drew me towards KU Leuven was their mantra that they inspire the outstanding. Upon arriving, I quickly saw that things there were done differently but simultaneously had a golden thread that left their structure pretty much in alignment with Stellenbosch. The differences for me included that classes were much longer – ranging between 2-3 hours long each time (students I met on the exchange even had 5 hour classes). The assessment structure of each module typically included a group assignment of some sort as well as one exam at the end of the semester where the entire course’s content was examined. Interestingly, most of my courses did not have text books (meaning that the only study content I had was the slides and notes made in class). One of my modules was even an open book exam and another module did not have exams but three group class presentations. I found that KU Leuven placed great emphasis on group work and class presentations. This certainly forced me to ensure that I had an even greater understanding of the content than usual given that questions would always be asked at the end that would require me to think beyond the box and provide an educated, wisdom-filled answer. I admit that Industrial Organisation, one of my courses, truly forced me out my comfort zone. The module required that we evaluate ongoing merger cases within the European Union. I was placed in an auto-generated group including a Brazilian, Russian and Belgian student and together we had to spend many hours together grappling with previous EU cases, critically thinking and evaluating the case for ourselves and we were forced to come to our own conclusion based on the facts that we could find. Although at times this was pretty uncomfortable, I found that it was one of the most enriching experiences because apart from it cultivating a solid, communicative and cohesive team, it left me in a position where I had to tap into and grow skills that extended beyond ordinary theory. By the time all the group projects were completed, I had interacted with numerous cultures and nationalities and got to learn so much about different countries and often found myself reflecting on all the concepts that I was introduced to in the introduction to intercultural communication that we completed prior to our exchange. From the beginning of my arrival in Leuven, I realised that the Belgian culture was very much oriented towards task-orientation. Everyone was very driven, managed their time incredibly well and devoted many hours to their studies daily. The amount of content required to study was also more (or seemed more given that everything had to be studied for one exam). Something else that was different was that Christmas time there was not considered family/holiday time… it was a time where the numerous libraries were filled to capacity and students did not want to do anything other than study. Given that I was not aware of the standard in the exams, and that they were each examine out of 20, I studied extremely hard for them, however, when actually writing the exams, I found the standard of exam questions much lower than that of Stellenbosch and much less application based. Despite the content needed to be studied, they were more interested in me provided short and brief explanations of the “complex” concepts. I also was able to complete two masters courses there and the standard there also was exactly like that of a bachelors module in Stellenbosch (in my opinion). Overall I was extremely satisfied with my results. When I arrived, I had heard much negativity about how “don’t expect to be an exchange student and get above 13/20” however I did exceedingly abundantly above this. I realised that the Stellenbosch standard is much higher – not only in terms of the exams, but also in terms of the way we have been taught to reference properly and complete assignments. To sum my experience at KU Leuven up, I’d say that they certainly stayed true to their desire to inspire the outstanding. One of the best parts is that all the content I learnt in my courses has provided me with a wealth of contextual understanding upon returning to Stellenbosch to complete my fourth year. I’d definitely describe this content as being the golden thread that has finally tied all my modules together and given me a blueprint of the overall framework of my degree, the purpose behind my specific degree and the direction that I am headed in my future.

    In terms of my experience beyond academics, I’d describe this part as the truly life-changing component. Unknowingly, I ended up living in the most sought after street in Leuven with a really great rental price (it was only a two minute walk to most classes). I lived in Leo XIII Seminarie (upon applying, I had absolutely no idea what a seminarie was but soon discovered). I got placed in a section that had 13 people – with 11 different nationalities (from China, Belgium, the UK, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Northern Ireland, Czech Republic, Mexico…). What made this experience with my own “Pangaea” all the more interesting was the ages of the individuals. Their ages ranged between 19 and 50. My time spent interacting with them can be described as an eye-opening, perspective-shifting, heart-softening and humbling experience. The people in my community taught me about the resilience of their cultures, they showered me in generosity, hospitality and shared their life experiences with me that left me in awe. We all took turns cooking for each other and introducing one another to our country-specific cuisine and I was forced to learn to make my first Malva Pudding ever. Apart from my great living experience, I spent much time travelling. During my time abroad, I was able to see a glimpse of eight countries and a total of 23 towns/cities. Many people ask me what my favourite town was, however, each one holds such special memories. In the Netherlands I met my ultimate role model at a women’s conference… in Italy, I spent amazing time with three peers from my degree and many places included Sandri and I having amazing adventures (from overpriced potato in Prague to the old town of Luxembourg). It was truly a blessing to share this exchange with Sandri, for us to grow in our friendship, to support each other through the challenges and to explore new places with our “Tuesdays are for Travelling” day trips (since we had no class), waffle and fries trips (the Belgian delicacies), group projects done together and our strengths complementing one another – ensuring the best experience possible. Most times, when travelling by myself, I’d end up going to hidden away places (from Dasing to Barneveld to Beilstein) upon which most times Europeans would ask me “where is that even?” to which I would respond “I don’t even know”. I’d spend much time monitoring the Flixbus and Ryanair app looking for cheap buses and flights and always found great deals. Another massive blessing was being able to connect with other International Business students who opened their places of accommodation and always took the time to show me around where they lived. Traveling yanked me out of my comfort zone and the thought of arriving in random places by myself always initially frightened me but I simultaneously was adamant that fear would not hold me back from all the adventure that waited on the other side. During my long bus rides and walks down palace-filled streets and photo-taking in yellow flower fields, I came to realise that I am stronger and more courageous than I had ever known. Everyday I found myself in awe and would often burst out laughing at the fact that I was living in and travelling across Europe – a dream that once seemed impossible. There’s no way that I could possibly begin to describe my entire experience here, however have been intentional along my entire journey to journal and art my way through – making sure that I never forget the massive shift that took place in my life over this (almost) six month period of my life. If you’re reading this and wondering whether you should take a leap, dive into the unknown and go on an exchange… my answer is YES YES YES! May your heart be awakened at the little I’ve shared about how this time of my life changed me completely for the best, introduced me to the authentic me and deepened my position in Love like never before… may you refuse to let anything hold you back and may no circumstances be the deciding factor about whether you should go or not. Decide that you want to go, have faith and watch an adventure of a lifetime unfold before your eyes. If this even slightly resonates with you, ask yourself… if nothing was impossible, where would you go and what would you do?

    Return to Stellenbosch: 

    The thought of returning to Stellenbosch was one that I often imagined while in Belgium. The hardest thing about my exchange was leaving my church community and being away from my friends that had actually become my family. However, I intentionally made sure that I lived in every moment while away and ensured I embraced every moment, every possible new friendship and every opportunity. Towards the end of my exchange, I knew that it was time to go home. Saying goodbye to Leuven was a bitter sweet moment but my transition back to Stellenbosch actually was more seamless than I had ever imagined. I heard a lecturer say in class before leaving for Belgium that returning back from an exchange is often more difficult than leaving. I’m grateful that she said this when she did because it once again helped me to process this part of my exchange as much as I could before actually arriving back. I arrived here aware that things would be different… I believe that things could have been very different if I had not known this. There is no doubt that my time away fundamentally changed me. I grew in independence, confidence, strength, courage and most importantly, I learnt to be my best friend. I discovered that I am a unique, colorful, bubbly, bold and innovative woman of God. I’d say that one of the most difficult things about being back is that my exchange is pretty much just like a secret – something that no one else will ever have a reference point to. Many people have seen me in class, on Victoria street, in a line outside MyBrew or sitting in church and have excitedly asked “HOW WAS IT?” I always look at them with an expression on my face that says “IF ONLY YOU KNEW”. It is incredibly difficult to put into words everything that I experienced, everything that changed within me and everything that I grew in. However, I have been having a wonderful time having conversations with different people and seeing strings of words flow out my mouth where I finally realise exactly how much I changed. Belgium marks a Great Exchange in my life. Where I exchanged my fears for freedom, my doubts with confidence, my question marks with courage… a deep impartation took place and I have returned with a wealth of wisdom that I am so excited to share with everyone around me. My time overseas marks a period of a download of ideas which I’m ready to implement across the different spheres of my life. I am expectant to take what I learnt and impart it into the lives of others because my mission in life is to add value wherever I go. Just like my heart rose up and I woke up, I’m ready to help others awake and arise… in their studies, their identities, their dreams, their challenges, their finances etc. I have returned feeling more purpose-driven than ever before and I am in pursuit of seeking mentorship in the innovation realm and establishing my own business this year. I have a hunger for new knowledge, new wisdom and new opportunities. I find myself more alert than ever- absorbing all that I hear in class and my eyes are constantly open to identify places where I can fill the gap. I am inspired to see all the gold within me come forth and to see everything I touch prosper. The generosity and hospitality I experienced abroad has opened my heart and left me seeking to always be inclusive wherever I go. On my exchange, I learnt to listen to what others had to say and to love them through whatever they were experiencing. I believe that these are two key attributes that will help me equip and empower others because they provide the foundation to everything else.

    I experienced my exchange to be a window into all that awaits in my future. I know that I will spend my life travelling from nation to nation – equipping and empowering everyone I come into contact with. There’s a powerful truth that assures me that I will see exceedingly abundantly above what I could possibly imagine. The wonderful part of this exchange is that it granted me vision that I never had before. I can finally see what I am working towards. Although I plan to move abroad in the future in pursuit of the vision for my life, I intend to complete my education in South Africa. During my time of travelling across Europe, my love for South Africa grew exponentially and I was able to reflect on all that I have to be grateful for. No matter where I went or who I met along my exchange, nothing compared to meeting a South African, and reminiscing over the taste of braai meat, the bright sun, the beautiful beaches and most importantly, our beautiful country with the most beautiful, diverse and authentic people I have ever met. In conclusion, I would like to say thank you to Stellenbosch University (namely Sarah and Prof Erasmus) for pioneering and making this opportunity possible. Their commitment and devotion to the empowerment of the future generation is commendable and they will always form a special part of this exchange. Ultimately, the greatest thank you I have goes to my Dad who gave me a PhD in Bianca. He woke my heart up and showed me exactly who He created me to be. Now I get to lead other people to that place and help them embrace their uniqueness and the grand plans that are in store for them. On this exchange, a desire to see people discover their voice was birthed in me and I’m ready to spend every moment I have innovating, pioneering and adding value to Stellenbosch University, the Stellenbosch community, South Africa AND the world as a whole.

     

  • Balthazaar Kloppers at Reutlingen University, Germany

    Balthazaar Kloppers at Reutlingen University, Germany

    Pre-departure:

    Here you should focus on your preparations for your trip abroad. It should include information about the visa application, as well as suggestions or “tips” regarding what works well and/or areas for improvement.

    Hello, to the potential study broad student. Firstly, I would like to say you have made the best choice of your university career by wanting to study abroad. Stellenbosch is a great place to study and it cannot be rivalled on many aspects. There is however a sense of not broadening our horizons further than a certain threshold as you stay there due to it being a student town. As a student, you want to experience as much as you can in a short as time as possible and therefore an exchange program is the best way to do it!

    My first tip would be to do your own research. Find out where exchanges are happening, about possible bursaries, what it requires and what you would like. Then go speak to the personnel at the international office. They are more than willing to help and will make the process so much easier. By chatting to them personally, they’ll get to know you and would only be beneficial to the application process.

    He after you are excepted to a exchange, speak to previous participants and also make contact with the host university as early as possible. This will make the whole process of going there much easier. Start your VISA application as early as possible so that you can plan flights and other administrative efforts. Plan financials, trips, academic schedule and other aspects ahead of time. Makes things a lot easier when you get there. Knowing what you want to do before you get there makes it easier to actually go and do those things and gives you a framework to plan around and allows you to do other things as you won’t feel that it will intervene with other things. Having a clear academic schedule makes it easier to plan trips or cultural experiences. It also makes you adhere to academic progress and can provide motivation to keep on working hard on academics.

    Also check stuff like the weather, where you are going to stay and what you would need to bring along. I would say packing first only the necessary stuff first and always keep spaces for things you want to bring back. The earlier you book flights the less you will have to pay so keep that in mind.

    You will never be fully prepared for your trip. That is the beauty of it. Don’t stress to much about the little things. Get all your admin out of the way so that you can focus on the important things. Make sure you have a good contact on both sides, at each university, so that you have someone to refer to each time you go. Make sure you have your financial arrangements in order, like activating your bank card for oversea purchases.

    Experience at the Host University:

    This section should include information about the academic programme, as well as other activities done during your stay abroad. Describe the academic programme in detail and more importantly compare your experience with what you have experienced at Stellenbosch University.

    The academic program for the DIME exchange at Reutlingen University is not that labor intensive. It however requires a lot of planning and group sessions. The subjects were very interesting and relevant. I enjoyed all the classes for their content and relevance towards my degree and the current market. It should be noted that I chose this exchange based on the subject matter as it would contribute to my thesis and also towards my career prosperity. We had to write a couple of exams and had to do projects and presentations, so there is a degree of academic responsibility, but if you have made it this far in your degree this is very easy to navigate.

    I highly recommend making use of the university facilities, such as the library, the classrooms, lecture halls and factory areas. Also, if you can and want to, extend your knowledge by taking extra subjects. I took German for Beginners and couldn’t be happier. It helped me communicate on a very basic level which helped a lot with small things such as travel, shopping, general enquiries and getting around. It makes the travelling and exchange experience so much easier. People are also more inclined to help you and they appreciate people trying to learn their language. I feel you show respect and consideration to people when you try and communicate in their language and you can see their appreciation when you interact with them.

    One difference at the host university is class sizes. It is mainly due to it being a prestige program and small university that the classes were a lot smaller. For all classes we were less than 20 students. It was a nice switch I found. I had a good relationship with lecturers and made me give more attention in class and made lectures more engaging. I found the classes to be more entertaining. Their classes were also a lot longer than ours. For example, the amount of work covered was a lot more at Stellenbosch for any given lecture period.

    I joined several football clubs here, to meet new people and keep active. The university offers a lot of social sports and they facilitate them which was very cool and allowed me to meet more people. Their student council is very accessible, and it was easy to communicate with them. I joined the gym but was disappointed when a week after I joined the price dropped for a week-long special from 20 euros a month to 1 euro a month haha! Public transport here is amazing and bus travel across Europe is amazing. Buy a Naldo ticket which allows you to travel an unlimited amount of times in the region. Going on sites like flixbus, BlaBlaBus Eurolines etc. makes holiday transport so easy and cheap. I visited Prague, Paris, Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich, Porto, Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam in my time here and the travel sometimes was cheap. For example, it cost me 11 euros to Amsterdam and back. Meet new people and make effort, the weather is gonna be cold and suck sometimes but it is up to you to make the best of it.

    Return to Stellenbosch:

    As I returned to Stellenbosch, I found myself quite nostalgic of my time in Germany. It was an amazing experience and I was somewhat reluctant to come back. But as all good things it had to come to an end. As I came back, I acclimated quickly. I was back in the office working the first Monday after my return, had my first braai the night I came back and got to see most of m loved ones as soon as I arrived back.

    It was a few days before I got into the swing of things, found my feet and returned to somewhat normal skin-color. I realised how much I missed the South African spirit, the people and the WEATHER. I’ll never take hot days for granted ever again.

    When coming back to South Africa, don’t delay things too much. Get back into a nice routine and gradually do all the stuff that you wanted to do when you got back. Trying to cram all the social and family time into the first week will just end up leaving you exhausted. It is important to touch base with your supervisor as you return and with the people that are helping you along your thesis journey. I would recommend doing this as early as possible. Things however got a bit difficult when the coronavirus broke out as I got back from overseas.

    Take what you have learned from your experience and apply it to your life. No really. It sounds like a cliché but it couldn’t be more true. I learned so many personal skills, developed as a person and grew stronger in relationships and it was evident when I got back. Being able to communicate better and being more self-efficient is something that I noticed a lot. I make meals everyday instead of very now and then since I have been back. It is an embarrassing fact that I only learned to do laundry when I was 23, but that is something that I have been doing since I’ve been back, haha!

    All in all, it was a great opportunity that I was glad that I made the most of. Thanks to Stellenbosch University and to Reutlingen for making it an incredible experience and helping with the entire process. Everyone wants you to succeed and it is evident in the help that they provide, so thanks to them and if you are reading this and wondering if you should go

  • Ashwin Thyssen in Gothenburg, Sweden as part of the Linnaeus-Palme Exchange Program

    Ashwin Thyssen in Gothenburg, Sweden as part of the Linnaeus-Palme Exchange Program

    Pre-Departure

    The pre-departure period started roughly at the start of March 2019, after my application for the exchange had been accepted. What follows, then, is a brief detailing of the process that led up to the actual exchange.

    Host University Application

    As part of the process, the Linnaeus-Palme exchange programme required me to submit an application. In an essay I had to capture in which ways the exchange experience would enrich both my own research, and that I contribute the academic community in Stellenbosch. A word of advice may be helpful here, in the essay it may prove wise to draw from the insight that you’re present concerned with—doing so illustrates the application of the knowledge you are producing.

    On the whole, the entire process takes place online. It is wise to be quite responsive to email correspondence; the liaising administrator will be sending various emails to ease you into the exchange programme—a readiness to respond counts in your favour. Doing so sets you at ease.

    Passport and Visa Administration

    Following confirmation that the application has been approved, the visa application should take place. At the time of application, I did not yet have a passport, fortunately I applied for one and received it in record time—in less than two weeks.

    After this it was essential to start the visa application process. The entire process is online and the SU International Office would be your go-to to sort out the process. Once your application is submitted to the Swedish Embassy, it will be required that you finalise the process in person. This means you will be required to visit the Embassy in Pretoria. The sooner this is done the sooner you will receive communication of its approval. It is strongly advised that you launch this process as soon as you have your passport; I only received communication of approval days before my departure.

    Logistics of Arrival

    Having noted these administrative processes, a few thoughts on the logistical planning arrival is important. It is highly recommended that you choose to arrive on one of the designated days; on these a service will be available to transport you from the airport to your place of residence. Two respective dates were designated, at the start of my exchange.

    In addition to this, the University’s International Office has quite a few programmes planned the week prior to the start of classes. Arriving early, then, allow you the opportunity to get to know not only the city a bit better before classes but also, and perhaps importantly, to meet people that are also international. In all, the pre-departure processes should not cause major problems—throughout this time the international offices of both SU and Gothenburg are your lifelines.

    Experience at the Host University

    My time in the world’s greenest city, Gothenburg, spanned from late August 2019 to early January 2020. This offered me one hundred and thirty-five days to get to know Swedish culture and education, at least the semblance present in Gothenburg. During this time three things became quite important, which I would learn to cherish and consider important.

    Time Management

    It is no secret, fundamentally the exchange is educational—the hope is to acquire new and produce new knowledge. This, of course, is not done in isolation or in a vacuum; new knowledge is immersed in the everydayness of life. Coping with the demands of everyday living—ranging from lack of sunlight (getting vitamin D pills is highly recommended) to being homesick to dealing with a breakup and to submission deadlines—requires a balancing act.

    Being the committed procrastinator, during the exchange I became good friends with time management. This is for two important reasons. First, I had to complete my master’s thesis by the end of November 2019; having only submitted chapter one by my arrival in Gothenburg. Second, the academic programme was relatively relaxed, classes were every second week; though, this required committed reading of the coursework. In order to meet these deadlines, time management became an abiding friend—here’s the good news, one improves in time; so, don’t stress it.

    Be(come) Involved in Community

    I am an extrovert; I find joy and strength when around people. Being away from those I know, and love filled me with immense existential dread – and language renders me inarticulate to describe this. Quite soon, in fact immediately, I realised the importance of getting involved in community. How did I do this?

    Well, as a good Christian (pause for laughter) and theologian I joined a local church. For those interested, Gothenburg has a rather diverse religious scene—most folks, schooled in Western religious practices, should find a faith community they may be able to call home. More close to home, at my residence in Johanneberg SGS Olofshojd, a weekly event took place that provided an opportunity to meet new people. Be sure to follow the Facebok page GIC Buddies, this should provide much needed information for getting to know the city and its people.

    In addition to this, I was quite happy to form part of RFSL Göteborg; an association for LGBTI+ folks. It hosted a weekly coffee meetup at its office on Wednesday at 17H00. To my delight, this provided the opportunity to meet quite a few queer people. Of course, if engagement likes these are uncomfortable; there is the good and faithful Tinder and Grindr.

    Cultural Scene

    In time I would learn that Gothenburg is the cultural centre of Sweden. Friend be sure to visit the many museums and galleries—they are fairly affordable, and many have a student discount. For book lovers be on the lookout for the Book Fair in mid-September. On the whole Gothenburg provided the perfect space in which to do research, to produce knowledge.

    Return to Stellenbosch

    Days before my return I was beset with some heavy anxiety, I arrived in South African on 11 January 2020. I had feared that my programme would return to being as busy as it had been prior to my departure—which, of course, was completely different from my experience of Gothenburg, Sweden. I think it helpful to consider three concern when preparing oneself for returning to South Africa and Stellenbosch.

    Easing into Busyness

    If I could give myself advice prior to returning, it would be to hold off on meeting too many people. My first few weeks were immersed in coffee meetups, wine tastings and so many other social engagements. Of course, retrospectively, these many encounters drained me immensely. I, therefore, think it quite important to ease one into the busyness of Stellenbosch.

    Planning my return, it was pushed forward by an international conference I had participated in—I had presented a paper on my master’s thesis research. Weeks after my return classes would start and I was appointed a tutor, add to this finalising my master’s degree (with the defence looming). Also, ‘reverse culture shock’ is definite a thing! It took me quite a few days to realise that I was not in Gothenburg, but in Cape Town—with all the dangers that come with inhabiting this space as a queer person.

    Tying Up Loose Ends, and the Way Forward

    Part of my return, as stated, was drawing my master’s degree to close—the thesis had just been submitted at the end of November, the defense was looming, and I participated in a conference. The best advice, I think, would be to return mindful of that which needs attention upon arrival; for me this was defense preparation and readying myself for tutoring.

    Returning also meant I would have to finalize what 2020 would hold for me. While in Gothenburg I had unsuccessfully applied for funding for a PhD programme. Returning, then, required a plan of action, especially at the start of a new year. The tying up of loose ends, therefore, must include formulating a plan forward when one is completing a degree mid-exchange.

    Rest

    This, then, brings me to the third idea I think essential upon return. Rest is essential! This cannot be overstated. Only weeks later, by mid-March, I had felt the lethargy of being overly productive without centering and prioritizing my body’s limitations. I think it wise to allow oneself the grace of at least a week or two of little social engagements, to come to terms with the change in geography and reorient oneself—this is especially crucial at the start of a new academic year.

    The temptation, of course, is to think that fun activities—a wine tasting here, a kuier there—will not contribute to one’s tiring. But, this I learned, is not true. Being around people can be profoundly enriching while also immensely draining. This, no doubt, is exacerbated by the fact that they have not seen you in some time and would love to hear about your experience. Please prioritize rest, friend.