Ayra Noor Sangi
Double Major: Asian Studies, Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication
Pre-Departure Post
Hello everyone!
My name is Ayra Sangi, and I am a senior double majoring in Asian Studies + Modern Languages and Linguistics.
In less than a week, I will be flying to Taipei, Taiwan!!! I’ve wanted to study abroad in Taiwan since I was a junior in high school, and now that it’s actually happening, it’s hard to believe that this is real. I have spent years daydreaming and learning the language, so I really am grateful for the opportunity. To say that I am excited feels like an understatement but I’m also very nervous. I am basically a weird blend of anxiousness and happiness. I know these feelings are completely valid, so I am just going to take it one step at a time!
Although this isn’t my first time studying abroad, it is my first time going for an entire semester. I have been lucky to study abroad at UMBC, which has definitely helped me prepare for this experience, but they were both short-term programs. This time, I will be spending three months in a completely new country that is on the other side of the world.
Thankfully, I have traveled internationally before so I am hopeful that I will be able to adjust to the new environment quickly. That being said, every country is different and has its own culture, history, language, etc., and this can definitely lead to moments of culture shock and homesickness. However, this is just a part of the experience, and I have a great support system set up with my friends, family, and program.
Not surprisingly, one of the biggest challenges has been packing. It’s been hard to find time to pack and do anything else since I have been doing a full-time internship during the summer. 40-hour weeks and other commitments have unfortunately made it difficult to start packing, so I am supremely behind (that’s nothing new – I have a horrible habit of procrastination). In my defense, after working eight hours a day and coming home to find an empty suitcase in my room, it can be overwhelming. The idea of organizing, planning, and putting everything in my suitcase is not something I am looking forward to. I wish I could skip the packing process and just get on the plane. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that, no matter how hard I dream. However, I have bought everything I needed to buy, including medicines, new clothes, shampoo and conditioner for my dyed hair, and other miscellaneous items. I got everything I needed, so now I just need to put everything in my suitcases, which will happen… eventually.
One thing I managed to get done was getting my hair redone last Saturday, since the color was fading. I wanted it to look fresh before I got to Taiwan. My hair is dyed in the peekaboo style, meaning it’s hidden unless I lift part of my hair. It looks great, so I am super happy about it!!
Academically, I will be taking an intensive Mandarin Chinese course through CET Taiwan, which is designed for students to learn the language. It’ll be my first time in an immersive environment, which is something I am really looking forward to. Being surrounded by the language is a great way to build your comprehension. I am also taking a Taiwanese history course to do something other than language and expand my knowledge of the culture.
Other than academics, I am just excited to explore Taiwan. I plan to explore the entire island in the three months that I will be there. There are no shortages of museums, national parks, cafes, bookstores, and many other beautiful places that are definitely worth visiting. Just thinking about all the places I can visit makes me super excited.
As the day of my flight slowly approaches, I am just getting through my last week at work and trying to properly start packing. Every time I check something off my to-do list, three more things seem to appear. This post ended up being a bit of a ramble, which honestly feels pretty fitting considering where I’m at mentally right now. If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! I hope you all continue to follow me this semester.