5 Songs to Add to Your Study Abroad Playlist This Summer: More Than Just a Soundtrack
Study abroad is an adventure like no other, and music can be a powerful companion on this journey. While the source material offers a list of songs, I'll take a different approach, focusing on the personal experiences and emotions that these songs can evoke, and how they can enhance the study abroad experience.
The Passenger by Iggy Pop: Embracing the Unknown
"The Passenger" is an iconic song that captures the essence of embracing the unknown. Iggy Pop's lyrics transform the fear of leaving one's comfort zone into a liberating experience. The song's message of finding freedom in movement and the realization that everything is made for you and me is particularly relevant for students embarking on their study abroad journey. It encourages them to venture out and explore, just like Katherine Goble, who hiked, took a ferry, and dined with locals in Norway, creating magical memories.
For Tomorrow by Blur: Navigating the Adjustment Period
Blur's "For Tomorrow" is a perfect soundtrack for the adjustment period that many students experience when going abroad. The song's lyrics, with lines like "holding on for tomorrow" and "trying not to be sick again," reflect the fears and uncertainties that come with navigating a new environment. However, the optimistic instrumentals and Damon Albarn's singing style provide a light-hearted contrast, reminding students that they are not alone in their struggles. Myles Reeves, a psychology senior, found that traveling alone initially scared him, but he eventually embraced the experience and continued to travel solo even after meeting new friends.
Half the World Away by Oasis: The Mental Push and Pull
Oasis' "Half the World Away" beautifully captures the mental push and pull of studying abroad. The lyrics, with lines like "my body feels young but my mind is very old," reflect the melancholic feelings of leaving home and the excitement of exploring a new place. Katherine Goble, who challenged herself by navigating a foreign city, transportation system, and language barrier, found the experience exhausting but incredibly rewarding. The song's ability to convey the emotional journey of leaving and arriving somewhere new is a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of study abroad.
Mis-Shapes by Pulp: Finding Your Place Among Many
Pulp's "Mis-Shapes" is an anthem for finding your place among many in a shared experience like going abroad. The song's duality and passion reflect the connections that students make with people from different backgrounds. Myles Reeves, who connected with people from Europe, Asia, and Africa, found that hearing about the differences and similarities to their home countries made him realize that even though they were miles apart, their lives could still be similar. The song's message of finding your place and making a move is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and connection during study abroad.
Lucky Man by The Verve: The Lasting Impact
The Verve's "Lucky Man" encapsulates the lasting impact that study abroad can have on a student's life. The soulful ballad speaks from the perspective of someone who is still learning and growing, much like a student after going abroad. Shealyn Paulis, a first-year journalism graduate student, loved her experience in Peru so much that she secured an MSU graduate research position based in Peru. The song's rawness and repetition of being a "lucky man" reflect the profound personal growth and transformation that study abroad can bring. Myles Reeves, who credited the experience with making him more open to talking to people and learning about new cultures, also found a lasting impact on his life.
In conclusion, these songs are more than just a soundtrack for study abroad; they are a reflection of the personal experiences and emotions that students go through during their journey. From embracing the unknown to navigating the adjustment period, finding your place among many, and experiencing the lasting impact, these songs can enhance the study abroad experience and provide a backdrop for the life-changing trip that students will remember for the rest of their lives.
