You could say I suffered culture shock when I strolled back onto campus in late August, reminiscent of my first days freshman year. Needless to say, I threw myself back into the swing of things before noticing that everything was surprisingly different.
The first thing I noticed was my classes, and how strange it felt actually having to move from one classroom to another. What an insult! I actually had to leave a building to get from my bedroom to class – and I couldn’t transverse that space in my trusty slippers, either. Studying abroad gave me many opportunities, and unfortunately made me greedy. Sharing every class with the same 40 people for nine months can put you into a routine and when that routine is broken it can take some time to get settled in.
I was fumbling around with my class list for days before I finally remembered that my classes were actually on the other side of Franz. I’m nearly positive that I barged into a freshman economics class three times before I got it down straight. I could have faked being a part of that class, too, if things got desperate. You could say the experience helped my memory building skills.
However, it’s been a relief to get back to the normalcy of having business classes once more. As much as I love core classes, taking an oral Metaphysics final was probably the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do. As similar as the teaching systems are between Europe and America, Austrians favor oral finals above written exams. As I was clutching a pillow in my lap for comfort, my professor inquired why I would need a ‘baby’ for support. I tried explaining that I was nervous but he merely stated that if I studied and paid attention to the material there should be no need for nerves and that clutching my stuffed baby wouldn’t help me any in the end anyway. Needless to say, by that point I was terrified. The ‘baby’ stayed in my lap.
Paying for books was more sticker shock than anything else. In Austria, our books were provided for us (granted we paid a few thousand to fly over there, but they felt free none the less). When I was frantically searching on Amazon for the best deal and weighing if I actually needed each book I realized the forgotten expenses that come with each semester. My books cost me well into the triple figures (I’m looking at you, Business Law) and I’m hoping I can snag a good deal when I sell them back at semester’s end.
Overall, it’s a relief to be back on campus. Seeing friends and professors in what’s nearly been a year and a half has been a warm welcome home. Being able to go to Pilot functions and scream like crazy at soccer games has been a great reward and I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year has to unleash for me!
Last note – Being back in Portland means the opportunity for coast trips! This past weekend I ventured to Cannon Beach with some good friends of mine and needless to say the trip was beautiful. If you have a car, get out and explore Oregon!