By anishag22
After two weeks abroad, I'm finally starting to settle in to my new home. A few posts ago, I told you all about how culture shocked I was upon arrival, but now things are beginning to feel much more normal. One thing I never thought about before coming abroad was the fact that I was coming to a new school halfway through the academic year. It never crossed my mind that British students here at Bristol would have already made friendships and connections from the previous semester.
Once I came to Bristol, my "newbie" status was very apparent. Lucky for me, my new flatmates could not have been more welcoming and inclusive. I truly feel so appreciative of the fact that my flatmates have gone out of their way to get to know me and spend time together. In a short time, they have taught me so much about British culture, and I love telling them about the way of life back home. Some of their American stereotypes are funny, some are true, but regardless it has been such a treat to be able to share American customs with my new English friends as I assimilate into their culture and way of life. As compared to London, people in Bristol have not met as many Americans, so it's always interesting to see their reactions when I tell them where I'm from. Choosing to study abroad in a smaller city in England was definitely the right choice for me because I have been able to see what this country is really like - I'm no longer asserting my "Americanness" abroad, but really finding ways to appreciate and understand this new country and culture. I'm looking forward to continuing this immersion process and getting to know Bristol even better in the coming weeks and months.
Until next time -
Xx, Anisha