My first week in Nijmegen has been nothing short of exceptional. I have gotten the amazing opportunity to meet new people, experience a culture outside of my comfort zone, and focus on my research and bettering myself as a researcher and world traveler. I have never had the chance to leave the United States before, so this opportunity is so new and exciting for me. 

I have always heard jet lag and changing of time zones was something to not take lightly, and boy is that an understatement. It took me almost  three days to get accustomed to when the sun rises and sets, and getting my body on track. When I wasn’t asleep, I was exploring the restaurants, scenery, and activities Nijmegen has to offer. Everyone bikes here, and it is an intricate system of bike paths, so I have been using my first week to try to build up the courage to get on a bike. 

After meeting our research supervisor for the first time this week, I could tell this summer would be nothing but positive experiences. Susanne did such a fantastic job being so inviting to all of us, we even got to introduce ourselves and what we are working on to one of her classes. 

We got to spend a good chunk of the time this week in our office, during this time I was mostly reading through articles that we would be using working under Sussane this summer,  and working on the pilot of our own study. I think that having a dedicated place to work outside of home is something that I rather enjoyed. I am so used to setting up shop in the library for hours at a time, having a place that I can consider mine is very lovely to have. 

I think this week allowed me to explore how adaptable I can be to new situations, and taught me the importance of asking questions, and not being hesitant to ask. I think being in a new country is a prime example of a situation where self advocacy is crucial to one’s self. In conclusion, I could not have asked for a better first week here.

One of the biggest changes since being here is wardrobe. In the United States it is very acceptable to wear “athleisure”… EVERYWHERE! Here was my first day of school outfit I sent to my mom back in Connecticut.