Going abroad is fun, exciting and nerve-racking. It’s a time to see news places and meet new people who may change your life. But what may be better than going abroad? Finding love abroad! Here are the five guys you’ll meet on your exchange whether you like it…or not.
1. The Flirt
We all know that one guy who won’t stop at no right? Well never fear because they’re on all seven continents! You’ll always find him in the latest attire, hair slicked to perfection and smelling like paradise. The flirt will never be too far away from you. While in his presence you will hear familiar phrases such as “hello beautiful,” “you’re better than all the girls here,” “guapa! bella”! In this plethora of half hearted compliments he’ll be sure to mix in the dangerous, yet heroic activities he’s done with his life in the hopes that you’ll melt, right there. Beware of the flirt however because while you’re in your “I only know how to say yes in this language” phase, he will be sure to trick you into a night out… He lives for exchange students. It is his temporary break from the usual pool of girls that surrounded him. With his good looks and charm there’s bound to be some clingy and obsessive girl just around the corner. No thanks! A jealous girl, and try-hard boy toy is not what you need while settling into a new home. Swerve!
2. The Linguist
This humorous character will always be sure to approach you with a new phrase or word he learned from google translate in your native language. He will generally be sporting a generic sweatshirt and sweatpants combo, but what he lacks in looks he will try to make up in personality. While he thinks his new “fluency” in your language is impressive, it will be more humorous for you when he mispronounces the word “beach” with “bitch.” And while your laughter will embarrasses him slightly, it will motivate him to try harder for you next time. His unending curiosity for your country and the ability to communicate with you will be more refreshing than “Mcflirty’s” advances and you’ll end up lucky to have met such a character.
3. Team USA
USA! USA! He’s the America enthusiast. The one who thinks we all look like Dallas Cowboy’s cheerleaders and football players, who assumes red Solo cups are in every American household, and is absolutely obsessed with New York City and American pop music. You’ll find him wearing some “ironic” graphic tee or an ACDC/miscellaneous American band t-shirt just a few years too late for the trend. He will frequently ask you to show him pictures of your friends back home and where you live, if you’ve ever been to a “Project X” party, or what your thoughts on Michael Jackson are. Although you’ll find his questions to be obvious ones, you will be interested by what people really think America is really like. He will be ecstatic over your arrival not because you’re a new girl, but because you are American and you can better answer questions on pop culture and MTV than the Internet will ever be able to, or so he thinks…
He’s straight out of those movies you cry to. The Hugh Jackman or Javier Bardem of your dreams. It doesn’t matter what he wears, he will always look good in it. His hair will be untouched by product but carefully tossed by the gods and his figure…well I’m sure you get the picture. He’ll always be surrounded by a group of girls but always seem uninterested which will intimidate you but intrigue you even more. He will always remain a mystery and you’ll enjoy the quick eye contact you’ll make in the hallways but never more. Instead of trying to comprehend what your teacher is saying in class, you’ll bide your time fantasizing about exploring the country together. You won’t mind that he remains a mystery, it will never ruin that perfect image in your head.
5. The Friend
He’s the Harry to your Hermione. He’s the one you’ve been waiting for. The one who will always be there to get you out of uncomfortable language barriers, show you around your new home and steer you away from anything awkward, alarming or uncomfortable. He will be there to explain those quirky customs that his country celebrates, give you time to obsess over all the aspects of this new place that you’re falling in love with and of course, be there for you on the days where you miss home more than ever. You’ll spend the most time with him, and you’ll never get tired of it. The friend is the guy you’ll keep in your heart forever. To your astonishment you’ll find yourself missing him much more than mystery boy and begin counting down the days till you see him again.