Weeks 12 & 13

The past two weeks...

This is the third and final full month of classes. The end is in sight, which is extremely sad. It's been a chaotic time of both planning and realization. We are all trying to squeeze in every last minute together with this study abroad family we've formed. 

Let's catch up...

Within these two weeks, we celebrated a friends birthday, got our first win in the soccer league (4-2), and got stranded at a train station for a couple hours. Fun times. Everyone is trying to plan out our last few weeks, and at this point, I still had two more trips to go on before finals. And some exciting news: I'll be spending a couple of weeks after finals traveling around Europe with my Arkansas roommates!

While booking flights and stays I've watched COVID restrictions ease up. The pandemic has resulted in loss in many aspects. Additionally, traveling during the past two years has been difficult for everyone, but it seems that the world is beginning to heal. Entry restrictions by land, sea, and air are beginning to lessen. Many countries are no longer requiring COVID tests for vaccinated travelers. Businesses are opening for full hours once again. And mask mandates are being lifted. It's essential to remain cautious and informed while traveling during these times, but there's seems to be some light in this tunnel.

Besides studying abroad during a global pandemic, we mustn't turn our heads from the crisis happening in Ukraine. Many professors are keeping students informed on the situation, and there is ongoing support for Ukraine. Affected persons and families are experiencing tragic loss and fear. All those affected are in need of our prayers. Ways to support and donate are listed here in my post from the first week of the crisis. Remaining thoughtful and aware while navigating around Europe during this war is of utmost priority. These are things you don't usually think about when you make the decision to study abroad, but they are very real and undeniable matters. 

Otherwise, the spring brought some warmer temperatures to Bulgaria - not nearly as warm as back home though. It's coming down to the wire for classes. Deadlines for final exams, projects, and papers are approaching. And the collective realization that we only have a handful of weekends left together is saddening, but it's making us thankful to be together right now (and sparking some ideas about future trips to meet again).

Julia Dick

Location: Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

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