STRESS
Let me give you all a glimpse into the dilemma that has basically been taking over my spare thoughts for the past few weeks.
I am going to study abroad next semester. This has been decided. The problem is, I can't decide where to go. I had been going along all last year and this summer thinking I was going to London. Then it dawned on me that, as a Spanish minor and learner of the language for the past eight years, I should go to Spain. And suddenly, I was faced with an incredibly stressful dilemma as the application deadlines draw nearer and nearer.
I would like to break down my two options for you all, and I ask you to give me an opinion/comments that may (or, really, may not) help my decision. Perhaps someone else can shed some light on the situation, because honestly I can't find reasons major enough to rule out or choose either option.
Option #1: London
-Five of my good friends here are also going
-I can take classes like British Pop Music, Television Sports, and London Theatre (aka...go to shows all the time)
-Travelling will be really easy with three major airports, but probably a little more expensive
-London in general is very expensive
-We are not given housing, but are assisted when looking for a flat as a group
-London is the only city in Europe I've been to twice...in fact, I lived there for a year, so some of the adventure is taken away
-I am relatively familiar with the city and have not been since I was 13...so on the other hand it's a totally new experience
Option #2: Spain (Either Granada or Seville...also undecided)
-Only one of my good friends is going, but he's basically my best friend (quality vs. quantity)...and a few others I sort of know will be there as well
-Classes will be taught in Spanish (SCARY) and will be relatively dull...literature, culture, grammar, etc.
-I can finish my Spanish minor (there's no way I'd be able to otherwise), and become closer to fluent
-There are fewer options for airports for travelling but the flights are cheaper when available
-I would have to live with a Spanish family, which kinda weirds me out
-Totally different culture I would have to adjust to
-I've never been to Spain and probably won't have a chance to live there ever again
Do you see my dilemma?! I know either option will end up being amazing but I don't want to regret anything in my one chance to live in Europe for a whole semester (I can't go abroad twice because I'm going to LA next spring). So please...offer me some assistance, help me see the light!
I am going to study abroad next semester. This has been decided. The problem is, I can't decide where to go. I had been going along all last year and this summer thinking I was going to London. Then it dawned on me that, as a Spanish minor and learner of the language for the past eight years, I should go to Spain. And suddenly, I was faced with an incredibly stressful dilemma as the application deadlines draw nearer and nearer.
I would like to break down my two options for you all, and I ask you to give me an opinion/comments that may (or, really, may not) help my decision. Perhaps someone else can shed some light on the situation, because honestly I can't find reasons major enough to rule out or choose either option.
Option #1: London
-Five of my good friends here are also going
-I can take classes like British Pop Music, Television Sports, and London Theatre (aka...go to shows all the time)
-Travelling will be really easy with three major airports, but probably a little more expensive
-London in general is very expensive
-We are not given housing, but are assisted when looking for a flat as a group
-London is the only city in Europe I've been to twice...in fact, I lived there for a year, so some of the adventure is taken away
-I am relatively familiar with the city and have not been since I was 13...so on the other hand it's a totally new experience
Option #2: Spain (Either Granada or Seville...also undecided)
-Only one of my good friends is going, but he's basically my best friend (quality vs. quantity)...and a few others I sort of know will be there as well
-Classes will be taught in Spanish (SCARY) and will be relatively dull...literature, culture, grammar, etc.
-I can finish my Spanish minor (there's no way I'd be able to otherwise), and become closer to fluent
-There are fewer options for airports for travelling but the flights are cheaper when available
-I would have to live with a Spanish family, which kinda weirds me out
-Totally different culture I would have to adjust to
-I've never been to Spain and probably won't have a chance to live there ever again
Do you see my dilemma?! I know either option will end up being amazing but I don't want to regret anything in my one chance to live in Europe for a whole semester (I can't go abroad twice because I'm going to LA next spring). So please...offer me some assistance, help me see the light!