My journey to Philadelphia for a study abroad program at Drexel University has been nothing short of an adventure. It began in December when I flew back home to Pakistan from Hong Kong, reuniting with family before embarking on this exciting chapter.
From Karachi, I boarded a flight to New York via Doha. A long layover in Doha turned into an unforgettable New Year’s Eve. I joined a city bus tour, met a fellow traveler heading to Seattle, and unexpectedly made a great new friend. Together, we explored the city, soaking in the festive atmosphere and sharing stories from opposite corners of the globe. As midnight approached, we watched breathtaking fireworks light up Doha’s skyline—a magical start to 2025.
The next day, I flew to New York and spent two days at my cousin’s home. It was a warm welcome and a chance to recharge before heading to Philadelphia. Traveling by train to my new city felt surreal; I couldn’t wait to start this new chapter.
Orientation at Drexel was my first glimpse into the vibrant exchange community. After the session, a group of us grabbed pizza, bonding over our shared excitement and unique journeys. While I stay off-campus, my room came unfurnished, and my mattress delivery from Amazon was delayed, leaving me with an empty space. Thankfully, my cousin from Pittsburgh saved the day by bringing me an air mattress—a gesture I won’t forget.
Exploring Philadelphia began with iconic spots like Penn’s Landing and the Rocky Steps at the Museum of Art. I also had the chance to meet some of my cousin’s friends, adding more layers to my growing network.
Academically, Drexel has been a fantastic opportunity to expand my horizons. I’m taking courses from both the College of Computing and Informatics, such as Data Structures and Systems Programming, and the LeBow College of Business, including Managerial Accounting and International Business. Balancing these technical and business-focused courses may be challenging yet incredibly rewarding. It’s exciting to see how these areas intersect and prepare me for diverse career opportunities in the future—perhaps in the United States.
The following week, classes started, and I quickly settled into a rhythm. Basketball games with friends of my friend from Hong Kong who had previously exchanged at Drexel became a fun way to unwind. A week later, I reconnected with a friend from my high school in Karachi, now studying at Drexel, who introduced me to more amazing people.
Capping it all off was celebrating my 22nd birthday—a milestone that felt even more special in a new city surrounded by new friends.
These first two weeks have been packed with adventure, connection, and growth. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this journey holds!
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