It's junior year, should I go abroad?

During the course of their junior year, many Muhlenberg students decide to study abroad and leave campus for a semester. As a Muhlenberg senior, I have many friends that left for a semester to see the world and travel to places they have never been. Most people that I talk to tell me that their study abroad was unbelievable and one of the most important things they have done with their lives- and I'm happy for them. I'm glad that my friends and others went to places they may not visit for the rest of their lives. I do believe that going abroad could be an educational and fun experience; however it's not for everyone.As a person that has stayed at Muhlenberg for three straight years, I do not look back at my time here with any regret. As a sophomore, I chose not to join a fraternity, as a junior I chose not to study abroad, and as a senior I plan on not doing my homework. Just kidding. But seriously, studying abroad never appealed to me like it did others. I understand the concept and I'm not writing this article to bash those that chose to leave campus. Not at all. I just think it's important that people realize that there is life at Muhlenberg during junior year. Too many students here have raised their eyebrows and told me that they're sorry that I didn't go abroad. Stop! It was my choice to stay and I'm happy with my decision.

I must admit, staying here for all of my junior year was a bit different than the other years. My close social group of friends lost a few members as some of my buddies chose to go abroad. I even lost my roommate, after two years of a "happy marriage".

Because some of the friends in my social group left, the ones that didn't became closer. We were around each other more and got to know and share more college experiences together. Having fewer friends around campus for a semester, I chose to branch out and make new acquaintances that I may not have done if the study abroad program didn't exist. Once the abroad students came back - our social network of friends was even stronger with the new friends I had made, while the study abroad students were gone.

I'm glad I chose to stay at Muhlenberg for my junior year. I like spending time on campus because to be honest- I don't have too much time left here. I have the rest of my life to visit Europe, Asia and many other places around the world. I'm glad that those that go abroad have a great time and consider it one of the most important things they have done with their lives. For those that did choose to study abroad, don't feel bad for those of us who didn't. I can only speak for myself, but I'm happy with my decision and when my years here are over I won't look back with regret.



By David Yaron '08







During the quintessential junior year of college, one of two things will happen: you may study in a foreign country and revel in the lowered drinking age while cringing at the low value of the American dollar, or you can stay at school while your friends go abroad to gallivant around the world. Never one to back down from a challenge, I chose the former. Not wanting to go too far out of my comfort zone, I decided to live and study at Queen Mary College in London.

The first few days were by far the hardest. I had no idea how this famed "Tube" system functioned, there were so many strange coins in the currency I couldn't keep track of all the change I began to accumulate, and I was seriously jet lagged. But, unlike most people who go abroad, I had a network of fellow Mules right there at QMUL with me. There were eight of us all together, and even though I didn't know all of them very well, I could count on a knowing head nod walking through the campus that reassured me during that first week. After I caught up to the six hour time difference and got myself a map, London became my best friend.

Coming from Muhlenberg, which (in comparison to having all of London at my disposal) is the size of my pinky, it was a far cry from the Chew Street to which I had grown so accustomed to crossing every day. The best part was having options. It wasn't "Should I go to Dunkin' or Wawa?" It was "Should I go to Brick Lane or Notting Hill or Camden or Kensington or Central?" Being abroad made me more independent than Muhlenberg ever could. And for that opportunity I am so grateful.

Now, as for coming back here, I was definitely sad to say goodbye to the city that treated me so well for five months. I didn't have time to have any reverse culture shock becuase I was lucky enough to be able to take the summer to slowly reintroduce myself back into the Muhlenbubble. That way, when the school year started, I wasn't as taken aback by all the "I haven't seen you in forever!" and the "OH MY GOD HOW WAS LONDON?" that so many of my other friends who went abroad hated hearing fifty times a day.

Essentially, I love it here and I love it there. And if I could stick Muhlenberg in the middle of Piccadilly Circus, I would in a heart beat. And if it wasn't for the time abroad, I don't know if I would have progressed to who I am now. But, like all good things,even though it had to come to an end, I know that a little piece of me will always hold on to all that I left behind in London, my city.



By Kristina Lucarelli '08