ndmckinney|net

It’s cliché, but true; you can never really go back home after all.
I flew home from Amsterdam last Friday (01/06/07) via London Heathrow. Coming back to the US after 5 months of being away certainly opened my eyes to my own lifestyle, not to mention those of my fellow Americans. The stereotype of the US as fat, lazy, and arrogant is somewhat well deserved.

Before I left, I used to think that Washington, DC was one of the most sophisticated cities in the U.S. To some extent, I still think that’s true. But having been in Europe, and lived among the Europeans, I noticed that DC is really not any different from the rest of the US. Certainly, as I was told by my international friends who have visited Washington, it is the most European-like city, but it is a far cry from Paris or Den Haag.

Since my return, I’ve had an interesting time readjusting to being home. In some ways, it feels like I never left; in other ways, however, I feel completely detached from society. I’ve certainly never been one for popular culture or trends, and having been away from US culture for a while, I feel even less in touch with the general culture. I’m not sure exactly where I fit in, but I’m not so sure it’s here anymore.

I’m certainly not claiming to want everything to be European. I think that the European approach to life is very nice, but it is radically different from the US, and I do not think that it would do well here. In some ways, European attitudes are quite backwards from those in the US (for example, European life still revolves very much around the home, and many public arenas are closed quite early), although the US is not exactly leading the way in every area (we are quite conservative socially, as a general rule).

Overall, I would like to say that I had a great experience. I’m now to the last stage of my study abroad experience: reflection. Maybe after a few more weeks, I’ll be able to make more out of the entire trip.

Today begins the final exam period at Erasmus University. The worst of it takes place in the next two days, with three exams.

My schedule of exams, for anyone that might be interested (all times GMT +2):

1. 21 May @ 09.30: International Organizations
2. 21 May @ 18.30: EC Competition Law
3. 22 May @ 09.30: European and Comparative Criminal Law
4. 26 May @ 09.30: ADR
5. 30 May @ 09.30: International Economic Law

Between ADR and Int’l Econ, I’ll be travelling with Vanessa to Paris. After my last exam, Vanessa and I will travel to Amsterdam for one last night in the Netherlands, then head home on 1 June. My last two weeks in the Netherlands are among the busiest of my stay.

[UPDATE]: My criminal law exam is on 22 May, not 26 May. I don’t know why I want to put all my exams on the day I go to Paris.

I can’t believe I’ve only been in Rotterdam for a week now. If feels like so much longer. Things have significantly improved for me since I came here last week. I am comfortable working my way around the city now. I know where to get good groceries. I have people with whom I can talk and explore the city.

What is disappointing is that my classes don’t start for another two weeks. In fact, one of my courses, History of International Law, does not start for three weeks. There are a few courses in the law school that will start next week, but mine do not. I’m not alone in this; most of my classmates don’t have class until 12 February. We’re trying to work out what to do…

Yesterday, I started my orientation program at Erasmus University. I met the other people in my program, most of whom are not native English speakers; there are 4 Americans (including me), 3 Czechs, 2 Italians, a girl from France, another girl from Finland, a guy from Slovakia, a girl from Turkey, a girl from Lithuania, a guy from Scotland, and a girl from Portugal. If I’ve left someone out, I apologize. I’ll edit the post later if I have.

I’ve become quite aware that my way of speaking is somewhat unique. My counterparts from other nations use different expressions. Often times, these expressions are literal translations from their native expressions. Similarly, I’ve noticed that I use colloquialisms and expressions in English that do not make sense if you did not grow up in the U.S. I wonder if my expressions will change once I come home. I’m sure they will; I’m just uncertain to what degree.

I’m getting ready to head out to Erasmus today for my first day of orientation. We only have to stay a half day today. Take that, UB Law!

I received email confirmation today that my application to Erasmus University Rotterdam has been accepted (save for a minor glitch in my request for accommodations, which has been corrected). Once I receive my insurance application, I should have everything ready to go for my journey.

Next step: my flight there. I’m looking at British Airways flights 216/434 to Amsterdam and then the train from there. If anyone has a better (or cheaper) suggestion, I’m all about it.