While it has only been a month, my time abroad has already taught me so much. I’ve had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally through my internship at Euronews and my academic courses focused on European politics and society. At Euronews, I’ve worked on a range of video projects, from quick-turnaround pieces on published articles to more complex productions, like a social media video for the final episode of Brussels, My Love (which my editors loved!). That project in particular taught me a lot about thinking on the spot and being creative when given vague parameters. I’ve also published my first article, which I pitched and researched away from my day-to-day tasks, for the tech department.

Over time, I’ve become more comfortable with the editing process and with navigating the newsroom independently. Academically, I’ve deepened my understanding of European politics and Belgian political history. Through engaging class discussions and field trips, like visiting the Parlamentarium or a migration museum, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the European Union’s political landscape, as well as the internal politics that goes with living in Brussels. I’ve especially appreciated learning about Belgium’s unique cultural divisions, most recently having an interesting conversation about different definitions of race across linguistic lines during class at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Outside of work and class, I’ve had so much time to explore. I’ve already been to a unique array of cities, including Paris, Chamonix, Geneva, Antwerp and Amsterdam. I have gone from eating frites on the edge of a canal to taking my first hike on the Swiss Alps, a shift in cultural immersion I’ve never experienced before.

Life outside Missouri has shocked me in ways I never expected. Despite all of the travels, my greatest adventure has been learning to live outside of my comfort. I didn’t realize how challenging it truly is to live in a country with a different language and with generally different lifestyles. It has felt like moving to a new school, except without any of the comfort items that makes moving possible. I still have so many more adventures to take, and I can’t wait to keep learning more about myself and the world outside of the U.S. with the friends I’ve made along the way.