Aug 28, 2011 - By Anna Yacovone

 It’s been a little over two months since I’ve been back in the U.S. from Asia and almost nine months since I first stepped onto a plane headed for the wilds of Thailand.

 Before returning, I was warned about what’s called the “re-entry phase,” a stage most study abroad students experience as they find themselves in a minor slump post-return. I even braced myself just in case the happiness from seeing my friends and family would slowly subside, and in exchange, my longing for my friends and time in Asia would overcome  me.

 But preparation or not, in no way was I ever ready for these memories to grip me so tightly.

 However, on the plus side, rewind to two months ago and I was giddy as ever when I spotted my first Vols fan sighting at the Washington, D.C., airport. A young gentleman sitting across from me at the terminal wore a bright Vols orange cap, and I couldn’t help but beam with excitement. And right as my plane touched down at the McGee Tyson airport, I zoomed by the other passengers and straight into the arms of my family.

 Being back in Smokies did wonders for me, and I reveled in my days sipping sweet tea and enjoying hearty southern food and good company. But now that I’m back in Murfreesboro and preparing to finish up my last semester at MTSU before graduation, I can’t help but compare my post-study abroad blues to a bad breakup.

 Thailand was y first true country-love, and it’s taking some time and self-preservation not to make a hasty move like call up Thailand and plead, “Can’t we try this again?”

Nonetheless, like I mentioned in my last article, I’m happy for those sentimental feelings. I wouldn’t trade my time abroad for anything – except well, for maybe more time abroad. 

I wanted to address this last article through to any and all high school students in Sevier County. To those students, who may have even the tiniest bit of curiosity to study abroad in college, I guarantee if you want it badly enough, you can go abroad.

Like most of my dear friends in my hometown, I come from humble beginnings and a family who upholds Appalachian spirit by redefining the meaning of hard work. This industriousness has fortunately blessed me with scholarships that enable me to comfortable attend MTSU. But even so, studying abroad is still a costly endeavor that requires intense planning and careful consideration.

Luckily, I was fortunate enough to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Established by the Institute of International Education, this scholarship only allows Pell Grant recipients to apply so that students typically underrepresented may study abroad. As a first-generation college student hailing from the heart of Appalachia and wanting to study in Thailand, I was granted this award and was able to fulfill my dreams. 

It’s changed my life inexpressibly, and though I’m the same old-fashioned gal who enjoys hiking the mountains and living a simple life, I’m a better version of myself. I’m stronger and more confident and patient than before, and any time a challenge comes my way, I laugh and think, If I survived Thailand, this will be a piece of cake.

I’ve also deepened my interest in learning about other cultures, and as our world’s borders shift closer and closer, it’s important we understand our international neighbors, no matter how far the distance may seem. One such neighbor I’ll always greet with open arms is Thailand, a country where, though the culture and lifestyles are extremely different, I found that whether we’re Thai or American, we’re all one in the same trying to simply live this life.

I encourage any students interested in studying abroad to start their research now because it’s never too soon to think about how to tie this into your college experience. Also, I encourage both parents and students to feel free about asking me or a university study abroad office questions.

After six months of living in Southeast Asia, I can wholeheartedly affirm that the world is not as scary as it may seem and that the benefits of having international experience on your resume are endless.

To sum up my last column, it’s been a joy sharing my experiences with my beloved hometown, and I am so grateful for The Mountain Press to give me this opportunity.

Again, if ever you have questions about Thailand, studying abroad or travel in general, please don’t be a stranger. As a final note, to all the students in Sevier County, the world is a magnificent place to explore endlessly and fervently so please, go forth and enjoy.

Sevier County resident Anna Yacovone can be contacted by email to annamayyacovone@gmail.com.