Going abroad is one of the craziest emotional roller coasters you can go on, but it’s worth it. At least that’s what people keep telling me. This upcoming Spring I’ll be studying abroad in Florence, Italy. After talking with other study abroad virgins I know I’m not alone when struggling with all of the fears that have been manifesting inside of me! Here’s a list of some of the things that make many others and myself extremely anxious when it comes to studying abroad.
1. Not meeting any friends
This fear has been embedded inside of us since before kindergarten. Naturally, 15 years later, nothing has changed!
2. Wanting to come home
Another one that my childhood has scarred me from. Going to sleepovers only to wake your mom up at 11 p.m. begging her to come get you…but now she won’t be as accessible across the globe.
3. Being in a foreign country (duh)
This is a natural one. New language, new people, new culture. That is a whole lot of “new”!
4. Missing out on what’s going on at your home university
Social media is the blame for this. I get FOMO watching my friends snap chat stories when they live on the floor above me! Watching their nights dancing on tables, and making memories with out me is dreadful.
5. Running out of money
Let’s put it this way, I still use the “Mom, I got an A on my test will you order me a pizza?” to my advantage. My bank account is scared. Actually it’s terrified.
6. Over packing or under packing
This Thanksgiving I packed an entire laundry basket and two duffel bags to go home for one week. Trying to fit three months of my life in one suitcase is going to be nearly impossible.
7. Getting lost
Navigating to a new building at UNH after being on campus for three years is hard enough. In a foreign city? Wish me luck.
8. Missing your parents
S/O Mom and Dad for coddling me until I was 18 years old. Kidding but seriously. This is going to be the hardest part.
9. Gaining weight
They’re not going to be wasted calories though…at least that’s what I’m telling myself.
10. Wanting to stay forever
This is the best case-scenario. When it comes time to leave your abroad university, you’ll know you had an incredible time if it physically pains your heart to hop on the plane back to your homeland. Let’s hope this one proves to be true!