As a current sophomore, it seems like most of the people around me at BC are talking about where they’re going abroad next year. I decided a few months ago that I was not going to go abroad. It simply wasn’t the right choice for me. However, hearing so many people talk about the amazing reasons to go abroad and their incredible plans in Europe gives me major FOMO. So, to remind myself that it’s okay that I’m not going abroad, I’ve compiled a list of reasons why choosing not to go abroad has its perks, too! If you’re still struggling with the decision of whether or not to go abroad, here are some of the benefits of staying at BC and not going abroad:
1. You don’t have to miss Marathon Monday!
Marathon Monday is my favorite day of the year at BC. With so much excitement and fun, it’s hard not to love Marathon Monday. Since it seems like the majority of people who go abroad tend to go during the spring semester, those people will miss Marathon Monday while they are away. If you choose not to go abroad, you won’t have to worry about missing the greatest day of the year in Boston.
2. You can form better connections with professors and mentors.
One of the things I’m looking forward to next year is forming better relationships with my professors. By not going abroad, you can spend an additional semester working with and getting advice from professors you admire. Also, with fewer people competing for a professor’s attention, you’ll have the opportunity to form great connections with the teachers you look up to and respect. This will be super helpful when it comes time for internship help, potential research opportunities, networking, and letters of recommendation.
3. You can get more involved in clubs and organizations.
If you aren’t going abroad, you have a good chance of getting more involved in some of your clubs and organizations. With fewer people around who are your age, you’ll be able to stand out and really earn a bigger role in the groups you’re involved in. Try applying for positions on the executive boards of your clubs/organizations to take on a greater role in the things you like doing. Since you’ll be around for the whole year, you’ll be able to truly commit to a program and make a difference.
4. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new friends.
Most of my friends are planning on going abroad next year. At first, I was nervous I wouldn’t have anyone to hang out with or go out with. However, I realized this would be a great opportunity to meet new people I normally wouldn’t hang out with on a daily basis. Since most of the people who choose not to go abroad will probably be in the same boat, it’s a great opportunity to make new friends and spend time with new, fun people.
5. You probably won’t have as much trouble with picking classes.
With fewer juniors vying for classes at BC, it will probably be a lot easier to get the classes you want when it comes time to pick classes. I’m very excited for this prospect since it seems like I always get a horrible pick time.
6. You have the chance to try things you normally wouldn’t try.
Since most of your friends won’t be on campus, you’ll have the time and the opportunity to get involved in things you normally wouldn’t be motivated to try. Just think how fun it will be to show your friends how involved you are on campus when they get back from their adventures abroad! Just because you’re not going abroad doesn’t mean you won’t have the chance to try new things. You’ll also be so excited to show your friends new restaurants, shops, classes, workout studios, and more when they come back to BC after being away for so long!
7. You can visit all of your friends over spring break.
I’m already planning my trip to Europe next spring to see my friends and explore a new part of the world with some of my best friends! It’s a fun excuse to do something different and fun for spring break.
8. You get to spend more time at BC.
I love Boston College and I’m really looking forward to spending every minute of my four years of undergraduate education taking advantage of everything BC has to offer!
Now all of these reasons aren’t to say that going abroad is a bad idea. Going abroad is an amazing opportunity. If you’re struggling to decide if you want to go abroad or not, try to remember that there are definitely pros and cons to both options. The choice is yours! You really can’t go wrong either way. Good luck!
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