I was just offered a weekly column in the campus newspaper's new World Traveler section. I thought my pre-departure column that got me the job would make an appropriate first entry to test this thing out before I leave. For one, I can't figure out how to indent the first lines. Preparing to study abroad is a journey in itself - the first step in learning to cope with stress, exercise patience, develop cultural awareness, and accept humility. The first of these lessons I learned during finals. Attempting to understand German grammar is stressful enough without simultaneously attempting to rent an apartment halfway around the world. I frequently envisioned myself wandering the streets of Rome, homeless. Eventually, time-differences and a constantly fluctuating exchange rate were conquered. I now envisioned myself wandering the streets of Rome, enjoying
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