Caroline's Study A-Blog

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My First Blog Post (T-Minus 121 Days Until Departure)

Katholishe Universtatt, Eichstatt, Germany
My home away from home!

A mind that is stretched by new experience, can never go back to its old dimensions.
– Oliver Wendell Holmes

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to my first post on my blog that is dealing with anything and everything study abroad! I wanted to make this blog so that everyone could keep up with my journey (literally) as I travel, take classes, and explore a new continent! Next semester, I will be traveling to Eichstatt, Germany where I will be studying at Katholische Universitatt! I will be in Germany from March 24th to the beginning of August! This gives me just over 4 months to get ready!

I am currently a student at East Tennessee State University, where I am a scholar in the Roan Scholars Leadership Program! I am a sophomore majoring in Communication Studies with minors in Leadership Studies and Philosophy. I am also a proud member of the Gamma Delta chapter of Kappa Deta Sorority!

Studying abroad was something that I have always wanted to do! For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with different cultures and all they have to offer; and when the Roan program presented me with a study abroad opportunity, I knew I could not resist!

I went through a program called ISEP that matches students with study opportunities across the globe!

Currently, I am finishing up my semester at ETSU and preparing mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially for my time in Germany. From taking German lessons on my phone, to trying to find job opportunities from December to March, to packing lists, pictures, and more! I am excited to share with y’all anything and everything study abroad!

I am thankful for any support, thoughts, and prayers as I embark on this incredible journey!

Don’t worry, there will be more to come!

All my love,

Caroline Parris

Merry Christmas and a Quick Update

A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.
– Collin Powell

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to stop in and share some quick updates about the past couple of weeks since I have been back home! I have been insanely busy working, packing, and spending time with my family.

I currently have 3 jobs to save for Germany and I have been working my tail off! I currently work 2 retail jobs at Altar’d State and Justice, and I do a paper route on the weekends!

I have some very long days, but I know that it is all going to pay off when I step foot off the plane in Germany. I just have to keep grinding.

This week I submitted all of my paperwork to KU (my university in Germany) and I am officially excepted as a student by the international office.

I also registered to take a 3 week intensive German language course before my classes start! I am thrilled about this opportunity. Learning a new language is an amazing skill, especially in the country where that language is spoken. That being said, I know very little German (Duolingo can only do so much) and I am nervous I will get overwhelmed with learning the language; but I believe in myself and my learning abilities! I can do this!

Planning for my trip is in full swing! This morning I received books on how to pack for a semester abroad and tips for living in Germany. I was also gifted many other essentials for my trip like shoes, clothing, and luggage supplies (thank you santa!!!). I am currently trying to narrow down the locations I want to travel to during my semester at KU. There are so many places I want to go, but so little time (and money sos).

I know I have lots of time to plan things out, and I know with time and effort, I can make some amazing, cost-friendly excursions across Europe.

If you have any suggestions on where to travel or what to see, please let me know in the comments!

Thank you for all of the support on my past couple of posts! It is much appreciated.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

XOXO,

Caroline

Last Week at ETSU for 9 Months

Change is the only constant in life.
– Heraclitus

Hi all,

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

While the title of this post seems crazy, it is 100% true! This week is my last week at ETSU until the fall 2020 semester.

Since all of my classes are writing intensive, I do not have any exams during the regular exam week, so I will be juggling exams, classes, writing papers, and visiting with my friends one last time, while packing up my apartment. I officially move out this Sunday.

There are so many things that I love about ETSU! From my classes, to the amazing people that I have met here, and even Johnson City itself has so much to offer. It is a very bittersweet time for me!

Leaving somewhere that has been your home for 2 years is hard!

It seems crazy to think that I will be moving back to my hometown of Canton, NC for 4 months!

Since my program in Germany does not start until the end of March, I will have 4 months to work, save money, and get to be with my family before I leave!

I just need to keep reminding myself that change is a good thing! I just have to keep grinding and push myself out of my comfort zone!

I currently have 3 jobs (YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT) to help save as much as possible. I want to travel as much as possible while I am in Europe!

One great thing about Eichstatt, and Germany in general is that it is directly in the heart of Europe! This means that I can travel many different places in a cost effective matter.

If anyone has any tips for where to travel, their favorte places to see in Europe, or any cost saving tips, please leave them below in the comments!

I will miss so many things about ETSU, but this change is inevitable and exciting! This is just one more step on my journey to studying abroad and I cannot wait to see where this takes me!

Until next time!

Caroline

Anything and Everything Caroline Joy

This is a post so y’all can get to know me!

Oh, hi! I can’t believe someone is actually reading my blog and they want to know a little bit about me?! WHAT?

Okay, but seriously, my name is Caroline Parris! I’m 20 years old and I’m a sophomore at East Tennessee State University (Go Bucs!).

I am a proud member of the Gamma Delta chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority and The Roan Scholars Leadership Program!

I have an amazing family, who loves and supports me (Hi Mom, Chaddy, and Chloe) and two sweet, but wild golden doodles named Sophie and Cooper.

I am originally from the small town of Canton, North Carolina, but I now reside in the not so small town of Johnson City, TN.

I am extremely passionate about the environment and being eco-friendly! As well as eliminating single-use plastics from mt daily life.

I love Zaxby’s texas toast, intramural sports, shopping, and anything that has to do with Steve Irwin.

Got any other questions?!

Please feel free to ask!

xoxo,

Caroline