Dasanaike, Emmy

Emmy Dasanaike

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose to study abroad because of my appetite to experience the world around me and to learn about cultures outside my own. As an avid reader, I grew up dreaming of places in Europe and the brooding, majestic castles and bucolic countryside of the United Kingdom. I wanted to seize this opportunity as an adventure and learning experience. I chose to apply to the Edinburgh exchange program because I have always been intrigued by the nature and history of Scotland. As the capital city, Edinburgh offered a variety of experiences and a walkable and safe atmosphere. The University of Edinburgh is an esteemed university with many interesting courses to learn from, a diverse student body, and a fantastic exchange program. I knew I wanted to be part of an exchange program for affordability and immersion purposes, and Edinburgh was an intriguing, beautiful, and historic place to be. 

What did you learn about yourself?
Studying abroad showed me parts of myself that I did not know existed. Mainly, I learned a lot about my curiosity and adaptability. While I was in Scotland, I was constantly being faced with new experiences, phrases, and traditions, and honestly—I loved every moment of it. I made Scottish and English friends through university, and we delighted in learning about each others’ countries and ways of life. I participated in traditions such as ceilidhs and Burns Night, I tried my share of haggis, and soaked up the history found in castles and museums around me. This curiosity about the culture around me allowed me to be adaptable, not worrying if I didn’t fit in or didn’t understand all things Scottish. I did a fair bit of traveling for the first time as well, and learned that I can, in fact, navigate public transportation, whether in English or not—and if I did miss the train, there was beauty to be found in the small town I landed in. 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from my time in Scotland was a weekend trip with the Exchange Student Network. I took a bus, along with about 40 other students, north to the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands. Climbing on the bus, I did not know anyone, but climbing off, I had made friends from across the globe, including Finland, France, and Australia. During the weekend, we hiked to a mystical rock formation, touched the ancient stones of a castle, had fish and chips upon the port from which they were freshly caught, saw the roundest moon sit upon a mountaintop, and dipped our faces in the alarmingly cold fairy pools to achieve ‘eternal youth and beauty.’ On the bus ride back, our tour guide told us old Scottish folk tales and we sang “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond,” a song made richer after having stood upon the banks ourselves. It was a weekend where I was immersed in the culture and beauty of Scotland, and I found myself deeply entranced by a country so far from my own. 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
To future students studying abroad, there are a few things I would say. One thing would be, although it may seem like you are alone, you aren’t truly. There are many people at your university who are there to make your transition easier. Your support system at home, though they may be thousands of miles apart, are also there for you, and there are many international students going through the same thing. Secondly, get comfortable with doing things on your own. Although I had many wonderful experiences with new friends, there were times that I wanted to do something, or go somewhere, and didn’t have a buddy to go with. I began to do many things solo that I would not have been comfortable with doing on my own at home, and learned to enjoy my own company. Don’t let a lack of company stop you from experiencing all there is to see. Finally, remember the impermanence of your time, and cherish every moment. Though there were times I missed home, I kept it at the forefront of my mind that I was only there for five months, and a fantastically full five months I would have. Let yourself feel, but remember that this is a temporary journey to make the most of. 

How do you identify?
Student of color, Scholarship Recipient

Memories