#studying abroad

[booksandglitter]

essay writing with a view <3

[twistedcharismaaa]

Lost & Found Pt. 10.1

Summary: You’re living a suffocating life and you finally find breath in Masego.

Author's Note: Hi guyssssss! I hope you’re doing well! I love and miss you guys!!! I’m back with an update! An actual update for this story (can you believe it? Lol) ! It’s been a thousand years it feels! I highly suggest going back and reading the previous chapter for a refresher! I hope you all enjoy reading! Please leave a comment for ya girl! You know I live for the commentary! Love you guys!!!!!

(Flashback)

Slowly, Tiffany shifted from her relaxed state and sat forward. She uncrossed her legs and placed her notebook on the mahogany-colored coffee table in front of her.

“So, you broke up with Desmonde?” she questioned.

“It was mutual I guess,” you shrugged. “Not much was said,” you continued.

“Can you tell me a little about Desmonde?” she quizzed as she interlocked her fingers.

“I met him shortly after my mom died. He was the local mechanic in the neighborhood. Before I knew it, I just fell into his arms I guess,” you answered reluctantly.

“And with all the time you spent together, how did he make you feel?” she asked.

“He made me feel..” you paused. “He was like…” The word lingered on your tongue as your eyes danced across the room as if you were visibly looking for the right words to say.

“Take your time,” Tiffany insisted.

“He was like the breath in my lungs?” you responded as if you were unsure.

“Ah, he was your love,” Tiffany replied smiling.

“That’s the thing. I don’t know if I ever truly loved him,” you admitted.

“Can you explain further?” she quizzed.

“I think I just depended on him. He made me feel less alone in the world,” you explained.

“And in his absence, you feel like you can’t breathe? As if you don’t have anyone to depend on? Am I close?” she guessed.

You nodded quietly in agreement.

“I would consider Desmonde more of a distraction for you,” she answered.

“A distraction from what?” you questioned feeling somewhat confused.

“Your grief,” she breathed. “You lost your mother and you lost your baby. You distracted yourself with him. He was nothing more than a tangible coping mechanism.” she added. “And now that he’s gone, you can grieve so that you can heal,” she continued.

Immediately, you closed your eyes to shield the oncoming tears that were determined to be set free. Nervously, you bounced your leg repeatedly as you crumbled the hem of your shirt sleeve in the palm of your hand.

“Feel it and let it pass. Breathe Charisma,” Tiffany whispered. —--

(Present)

You answered the phone and readied yourself to hear all of the bullshit that was going to spew out of Desmonde’s mouth. Dramatically, you rolled your eyes and pressed the phone to your ear. With an exasperated sigh, you answered with such disinterest. The sound of desperation that coated Desmonde’s voice caught you by surprise, but what shocked you most, is the news he delivered. The moment the news traveled from his mouth and into your ear caused an instantaneous reaction. Your eyes widened with disbelief as your free hand found residence over your quivering lips. Quickly, you closed your eyes in hopes that your incoming tears wouldn’t shed. You didn’t realize you were frozen until a drunken stranger bumped into you snapping you back into reality. Your eyes were forced open and naturally, apologies were exchanged between you and the partygoer.

“Charisma are you still there?” Desmonde questioned.

You completely forgot that your phone was still resting against your ear. You never did verbally respond to the news.

“I’m here,” you breathed.

“I-I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but believe me when I say that I do care about you. I always have and probably always will,” he admitted.

“Desmonde -” you paused. Before you could respond you felt a gentle tap on your shoulder.

Slowly, you turned around and were greeted by one of Micah’s security guards, Big Mike.

“Hey, I don’t mean to interrupt but Sego just finished his meet and greet session. He’s looking for you. I can escort you to him if you’re ready?” he quizzed.

“Okay. Can you give me a minute?” you responded politely.

“Absolutely,” Big Mike answered as he nodded.

Soon after Big Mike walked away and allowed you to finish your conversation. He made sure not to stray too far away, he could sense something was wrong.

“Desmonde, you still there?” you quizzed.

“I’m here,” he replied softly.

“Desmonde, I think it’s better if I figure this out by myself,” you responded, calmly.

“Charisma but I think - “ Desmonde tried to interject.

“I think it's better if I figure this out by myself,” you repeated, but this time more sternly. Thank you for telling me.” You added before abruptly hanging up.

Gradually you approached Big Mike.

“Actually, can you take me back to the hotel? I’m feeling a bit tired,” you confessed.

He nodded in agreement. “I’ll let the boss man know,” Big Mike stated.

Easily, Big Mike escorted you to the car safely. He watched you climb inside.

“You good? Comfortable?” He quizzed, with a warm smile.

“Yes,” you answered with a slight smile.

“Cool, cool. I’m going to make a quick call and then we’ll pull off,” he promised.

“Sounds good,” you replied.

“Aight,” Big Mike responded before closing the car door. —-----

Big Mike dialed Micah up to give him an update on the unexpected change of plans.

“Ayeeeee Big Mike!” Micah answered cheerfully. “Y’all on the way?” He asked.

“Not exactly. We’re heading back to the hotel. She said she doesn’t feel too well,” Big Mike explained.

“Is she sick? You think she caught something? You know what, I’ll meet y’all there,” Micah stated.

“Yes sir. Sounds like a plan,” Big Mike answered.

The call came to a mutual end and Big Mike hopped in the driver’s seat and pulled off. You rested your head against the window as you simultaneously looked out of it. You tried your best to quiet your mind.

“Feel it and let it pass….” you silently thought to yourself. —-

Part 9

@ghostfacekill-monger @chaneajoyyy @sapphichottie @straightouttasimulation

@soloperator @19jammmy @soulfuljas @sheabuttahwrites @thadelightfulone

@isisafrofairy @blackburnbook @neeville @nelleana

@theboldlady @geriixox @mooon-berry

@just-juicee @teardropzih @highasfantasy

@savagescorpion @xxariaxxaxx

@themajesticnigerian @theholytrinity

@theconsciousrebel @squigglyemotions

@theycallmechanty @gbdinfinitedrill

@nzia-writes @justanothernerdgirl @pinkthongs @mindnmybidnesss @charismablu @fendionmyfeet @iamrheaspeaks @shewrites02 @iammyownlover

[reading-books-in-the-moonlight]

studying abroad

[eilidhstudies]

🪐 22.11.23

I had a pretty good day! it wasn't even *that* productive if I think about it but the vibes were better than yesterday ✨

today I:

- did my morphology homework

- read through chapter 13 of general linguistics (I still need to take notes on this chapter but I'll do that later this week)

- did my daily 30 minutes of greek verbs - it's still a lot but I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of it

- read some things online about egyptian demotic just for funsies

- read a lot of Babel! I'm obsessed with this book

- had a Latin linguistics lecture, I did go home early but at least I tried

- studied greek & latin vocab. I have a latin vocab test on friday, I definitely do not know everything yet, but I'm sure it'll be fine

[a-pop-of-korean]

Semester in SK: Things to Buy at Daiso

안녕하세요 여러분! Today I have a post from my Instagram about things to buy at Daiso! For those who don’t know, Daiso (다이소) is a chain of stores founded in Japan that are also quite popular in Korea (at least in Seoul that I’ve seen!) where you can buy a lot of everyday necessities. Here are just a few of them! I hope knowing these words is helpful if you’re ever in Korea! 화이팅!

*Picture of Daiso logo is not mine!

My masterlist

Join my Discord chat here to practice Korean with others!

Follow me on Instagram here for more Korean content!

Get Drops Premium using my affiliate link to expand your Korean vocab!

Check out my Ko-Fi to support this blog and my studies! Thank you for your generosity!

[amanufacturedheaven]

Study Inspo 🌞

For the first time in my life I’m living in a tropical climate! Which is lovely, but since the Studyblr/academia communities’ aesthetic is (for the most part) very dark a dreary, I’ve felt a bit left out of the romanticisation of rainy UK weather. So for all of us living in the tropics/oceania, these are a few academia-related things I’ve adored doing while studying over here :)

Listening to a podcast/reading by the pool

Making sketches of the all the pretty wildlife & nature

Doing my recommended reading at the beach

Studying underneath a palm tree

Going to galleries and seeing all the local & Indigenous art

Reading outside at sunset in the city when the temperatures cooled off

Getting iced coffee on a study date

Taking a break walking in the botanical gardens/nature reserve

Listening to my lectures at an outdoor space at the library

Drinking coffee and writing on the balcony during the rain

Not having seasonal depression <3 <3 <3

[photos- Pinterest]

[mindofmellilla]

alone at brunch

i’m sitting at this cafe i love when this family walks in and they sit at the table next to me. the mother sits on the bench with her youngest son and her daughter on either side of her. the older son takes the chair in front of them and the father glances over at my table and graciously asks if he could please have the empty chair across from me and i agree. i sit there reading my book while sipping my green concoction of ice and matcha as this family interacts and converses. the youngest son, also the one seated closest to me, fiddles with his shoe laces as the daughter asks her mother if she could tell her about her latest discovery about the planets. the father is trying to figure out that qr code menu while the older son decides to dump the sugar packets from their container onto the table and arrange them like some sugar packet castle. as i glance over to them before looking out the giant window near them i can’t help but think about my own family, about my mother and father and my sister and brother, about how i was with them just a few days ago. about how we were laughing together and debating acting performances in a film we had just seen. and i can’t help but smile, i miss them it’s been barely three days but i miss them terribly. i think about calling my mom right now, but i decide not to, she’s probably at work anyways. i could message my dad but he’s got lots to do. my sister maybe, but what would i even say? would i ask her about her search for colleges or if she’d finally decided what major she’d apply to? no, that would only annoy her, i don’t want to be a grievance. i could message my brother, send him a quick text, but he’s 12 and i don’t really know what to say to him, talking to him is always weird because he’s quite mature but acts like a 3 year old and i never knew how to talk to him when he was 3. besides his phone is probably out of charge. i usually love being in my own company. i usually love eating by myself. but right now with this family right next to me with eldest son having completed his castle of sugar, and the mother taking a picture of her daughter as she bites into a strawberry, and the youngest son licking his spoon clean of chocolate syrup, i see just how alone i am. ‘i love being alone,’ i remind myself, ‘i love being alone.’ yes. i love being alone; i hate being lonely.

i hope you enjoyed this little entry, writing it was somewhat cathartic. xo mellilla

[chinesefoot-ball]

im loving cali so much

[beautifullychaoticworld-blog]

sometimes I regret studying abroad... I often feel like it was a mistake and I just wasted all my money on studying abroad only to end up back to my home country since I can't stay... another thing I regret is transferring schools when I was about to start secondary school. I also partially regret studying PR... (I think I should've done a more arts degree and not give a fuck about there not being any jobs for it after graduation). I don't really care about going into harder fields like business administration and marketing just because I studied PR lmao.

[kodiescove]

Hey everyone! I'd be truly appreciate if you could check out and share this gofundme for my friend Jamal! He's trying to come to the US for his college education! He's a real great guy, and has been helping me learn Arabic!

[its-ohsoquiet]

Bluets by Maggie Nelson // study session

[twistedcharismaaa]

Lost & Found: Lost Files Pt. 2

General Summary: You’re living a suffocating life and you finally find breath in Masego.

Summary: An “outside looking in perspective” of Charisma and Masego’s continued night.

Author’s Note: Hi guyssss! I’m back with a little update! I hope that you guys are all doing well as always! I’ve missed you guys! This is a continuation of “Lost & Found: Lost Files Part One”. I hope that you all enjoy!!! Please leave a comment for ya girl! You know I live for the commentary!!! Enjoy! Enjoy!!!

Laying flat on her back taking him like a pro. Her mouth open. His teeth gritted. The moans. Him, furrowed browed engraving his vows in her womb. Her back was arched as she loudly sang praises to her king. Her legs rested around his shoulders like fine drapery. He placed his hand around her neck and gave it a subtle squeeze. And she wore his hand around her neck proudly as if it was the finest jewelry. Sweat fell from his chest as he crashed into her like a summer’s rain. He grunted like a beast as he ran his tongue up her leg looking her wickedly in her eye. 

“Sweet,” he breathed along her dewy skin. Relentlessly, he plowed into her and drilled into her, totally fertilizing her soil. Her unsteady hands wrapped around his wrists as her eyes fluttered like a caged bird’s wings. Visions blessing her eyes and running down her cheeks. He elevated her to higher heights. And little did he know, she was somewhere along the stars now. He painted her like a canvas - marking her with his lust and his revere.

Like a comet falling from the sky, she crashed back down to earth and was instantly greeted with his lips. His tongue sparred with hers as his restless hands explored her body. Soon after, he flipped her like the other side of the pillow and worked her ten times over. Her bottom lip was wedged between her teeth as her hands now gripped the cotton sheets as if they held an undeniable solidity. Her chest danced like ocean waves caving in and out as he slid in and out of her. He spread her wider so that he could dig deeper as he planted kisses along her curved spine. He filled her ears with profane words ever tantalizing her. And to her, it was the prettiest sonnet.

And as the early sun greeted the sky once more, they finally collapsed. Joyfully falling into each other arms until they both drifted off into the sweetest of dreams. But there was nothing sweeter than this. That beautiful blooming and budding new love. She loved him and unknowingly to her he loved her too. 

—---

Lost & Found: Lost Files Pt. 1

@ghostfacekill-monger @chaneajoyyy @l-auteuse 

@soloperator @19jammmy @soulfuljas @sheabuttahwrites @thadelightfulone

@isisafrofairy @blackburnbook @neeville @nelleana

@theboldlady @geriixox @errin261 @mooon-berry

@just-juicee @teardropzih @highasfantasy

@savagescorpion @xxariaxxaxx

@themajesticnigerian @miyahmaraj @theholytrinity

@theconsciousrebel @squigglyemotions

@theycallmechanty @satabandO @gbdinfinitedrill

@nzia-writes @justanothernerdgirl @pinkthongs @mindnmybidness @tgigoldie @charismablu  @fendionmyfeet @iamrheaspeaks @shewrites02

[digitalsobrietyblog]

How to use technology to make new friends while studying

It's a story as old as time. You enrol in a program that's in a different city, country or even continent.

Sometimes this means having to adapt to a new culture, new language and new way of life. For many, this is the first time they've been completely on their own - paying their own bills, taking care of their living space and meeting new people.

Being in a new environment means having to adapt. It's challenging because it often forces you to get out of your comfort zone and be the one that drives things forward. While setting up events and asking people out comes naturally to some, most people struggle with anxiety, fear of rejection and other obstacles.

All these troubles are doubled or tripled when you're completely new to a location, without any network to work off of. Studying or working abroad can feel extremely isolating, but it doesn't have to be.

Here's how you can leverage technology to make friends as an adult studying or living in a new city, country or continent:

1. Join Meetup groups and events

Meetup is an extremely useful app/website. You can search up events and groups in your neighbourhood or city. You can sign up to individual events, or become a group member so that you're notified whenever your group organizes an event.

Most events and groups are completely free, so you won't have to worry about any unnecessary fees.

What's more, you don't even have to be physically present to attend. If "real life" friends aren't your thing, there are also plethora of online events you can attend. This option is also great if there aren't any local groups or events that interest you.

This has been one of the main ways I've made a bunch of friends while working and studying abroad.

2. Look into your university's student organizations on Reddit or Facebook

If you're currently studying at a university, you're basically a proverbial fisherman living on a beach.

If you're studying abroad, there are bound to be at least a few dozen, if not hundreds or thousands, of international students in your city who are just like you. They're probably also homesick and trying to fit in. They don't know anyone here either. They want to meet people like them, and make memories that will last them a lifetime, just like you.

Even if the student body of your university doesn't have that many international students, you can still find many people who share your interests and values. You can bond around things you have in common.

The easiest way to start making friends with likeminded people from your university is to look into student organizations. Most universities have at least a few. Some are sports-related, some are focused around a hobby, some are mission-driven, and others organize fun events like parties. Find one dedicated to a topic or activity that interests you, join it, and become an active member.

Try to attend as many events as you can, participate in online discourse, join the group chats and talk to people. It sounds scarier than it actually is. Remember that people who run and attend these events do it because they're passionate and want to meet other passionate people. You share the same goal. Don't be afraid to meet them and show them who you are.

How do you find out if your university has student organizations? You can search them up on Reddit or Facebook. Type something along the lines of:

{Your university} groups

{Your city} groups

{Your university} organizations

{Your university} student organizations

You can also try to find subreddits or Facebook groups for your general student body. Most universities have some social media ran by students to promote their events. Try to find them! I guarantee you that they're going to be thrilled by you wanting to join them.

3. Find websites or apps with your city's events

Most cities with medium to large populations have apps and websites dedicated to listing out events of varying sizes. These can range from bigger events like concerts and stand-up comedy nights with famous comedians to smaller events like reading clubs and canvas painting sessions over a glass of wine. These are public events, and many tend to be completely free.

You can find them fairly easily by searching up Events in {your city}. These sites tend to be pretty popular so they should be somewhere at the top of your search results page.

Even if you think your city is too small for that, or that your country isn't too techy, I highly suggest trying to find them nonetheless. You might be pleasantly surprised!

4. Join Discord groups centered around your interests

If you're a fellow Discord enjoyer, you might be a member of a few Discord servers pertaining to your hobbies, especially gaming. But you might not be very active in most. Well, now I'm going to ask you to actually talk in those groups. Become more active, talk in voice chats, join movie nights, start new events, join and play in the Minecraft server with others. I know, I know, it's not easy. But that's why you should choose one or two servers you care about the most, and really try to get to know the people there. Just make sure everyone you're talking to is comfortable (and of-age)!

If you've never used Discord before, that's okay! If none of the tips above worked for you, try creating a Discord account and joining a few servers centered around a topic or hobby you like. Discord servers are basically like a giant WhatsApp group, but a bit more organized. Most people are really nice, and you can just leave if you don't feel comfortable around some people or in particular servers.

There are two main types of Discord servers: public and private.

Public Discord servers tend to be very large and can be overwhelming sometimes, because there are loads of things happening at any given moment. But they're also much easier to find and they tend to be more active due to the large member pool. Public servers also tend to be more moderated and have a clear hierarchy of admin, moderators and other staff.

Private Discord servers are created by individuals for their friend groups. You won't find these servers online, because they're mostly based on a member inviting you. These groups tend to be smaller and have more freedom. It's easier to integrate into a smaller group like this, because everyone already knows they can trust the other members.

There are many ways to find and join Discord servers. Here's a few ideas that I've used in the past:

Browse through public servers listed on DiscordServers.com.

Go to subreddits dedicated to particular topics, and then look for Discord groups that people list. Sometimes the subreddit has an official Discord server, and sometimes you have to find them up through the search bar. Just type in "Discord" to find them.

Most YouTubers and celebrities have official and unofficial Discord servers, so look in YouTube video descriptions or online for any mention of that.

If you use Twitter, chances are that many of your mutuals are in some Discord servers already. Keep an eye on that and ask to join if they mention it.

5. Use Google Maps to find cool places

No, I'm not setting you up to get murdered haha.

Open your Google or Apple maps app and browse around your town. We usually use these apps when we know the location we want to go to already, but how about using it to find places that look interesting?

These apps have come a long way since their inception, and they're basically full-fledged search browsers now. Type in "cafe", "gaming", "coworking space", "library", "gallery", or similar places you'd like to go to but you don't know if they exist. You might be surprised.

[eilidhstudies]

☔️ 20.11.23

not rlly vibing with today, wasn't very productive, at least I took a shower and went out to print some things

[melaschnie]

Sunday, 15/05/2022

it’s been a while since i posted (ironically in my last post i said i’d make saturdays my “official” posting days but oh well live kinda happened and that was decidedly Not Fun. anyways, this week i finally made it to the Deichmanske Bibliotek and snapped one (1) pic. so many books. so. many. also featured: me cradling my newest physical acquisitions like the babies they are :’) i will happily (re)read them once i move back home in the summer - i absolutely cannot wait

[mesmemos]

Day in My Life as a Marketing Student in Paris, France 🇫🇷