Groeten Uit Rotterdam! Greetings from Rotterdam, Netherlands. My name is Salvador Terrones and I am a third year interdisciplinary major at San Diego State University. Although I have barely spent my second day in the Netherlands, I feel that I have much to share about my last days in California and my first days in Rotterdam.
It was raining when I arrived in England last Saturday. Having anticipated the U.K. to be a bit wetter than San Diego, I had gone out weeks before to buy rain gear — gear that was now buried at the bottom of my biggest suitcase. Looking around, the other exchange students also seemed caught off guard, eyeing the dark clouds outside the windows with apprehension.
“The best experience of college!”
“You’ll wish it were longer!”
“You’re going to have the time of your life!”
“I’m jealous!”
Every time I’ve mentioned my study abroad trip to someone in recent months, their response is some variation of one of those statements. Usually, it’s a compilation of all of them. People from all walks of life- current students, alumni, family members, coworkers- everyone has encouraged me in this endeavor. They talk purely of the positives: the excursions, the diverse people I’ll meet, the food, the sights, the adventure, and while yes, I’m stoked for all of that… can I be honest?
The global experience, as told by SDSU students 