Studying abroad is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life, because already in the month I have been away from home, I have learned to appreciate immersing myself in a new culture. And while traveling around Italy and experiencing everything from the cuisine to the couture has been incredible, it is fair to say that there are a few things that I yearn for back home. But I am far from the only wanderlust traveler who feels this way. No matter how well adjusted you become to your new European environment; there are things you never realized you would miss from the states. Here are just a few of the things you will miss while studying abroad.
1. Your Favorite Restaurant
Although European delicacies are absolutely to die for, from time to time I miss my local Chipotle. One of the biggest differences between Europe and America is that many places in Europe primarily cater to the local cuisine and finding something multi-cultural to fulfill your cravings can be difficult. I can tell you with absolute certainty that my first meal when I get back to America will be a satisfying Chipotle burrito bowl.
2. Watching Your Favorite Shows Live
I seriously curse my friends for getting my into The Bachelor before I left for Europe, because now if I want to watch it live I have to stream ABC at 2am in the morning or wait until the next day. Getting used to the time change isn’t easy and keeping up on addictive television is work in itself. Thank God for Hulu Plus, or else I would still think that Olivia had a shot at Ben’s heart.
3. College/Sorority Events
Although I was perfectly happy to sacrifice a semester in the States for one abroad, from time to time I do feel like I am missing out on the fun happening on campus. From club meetings, to performances, and of course the parties, it can be hard to be away from the action while having to start over in a new environment. Although, if missing out is something that you worry about when considering studying abroad, keep in mind that I wouldn’t trade this incredible European adventure for all of the raging frat parties in the world.
4. Being Able to Communicate Easily with Friends and Family
Back in America, I rely on being able to contact my friends and family at any moment and know that they will likely be available to chat. But you have to sacrifice that when traveling abroad both because of the time difference and the lack of roaming data. When you study abroad, you will have to say goodbye to the comforts of roaming data and get used to only being able to communicate with people in Wi-Fi areas during a time that you can both compromise on. Luckily, your friends and family are going to miss you terribly and keeping in touch is a great way to keep from feeling isolated while abroad.
5. The Cash Flow From Your Weekend Job
I definitely don’t miss devoting my weekends to customer service, yet not having the constant stream of funds is an adjustment I had to work through. Budgeting is one of the most important parts of studying abroad and budgeting your funds to accommodate for food, books, transportation, and weekend trips is essential to a healthy study abroad experience. It may be difficult to learn to watch your money at first, but budgeting is something that we have to do for the rest of our lives and studying abroad gives you a head start before graduation.
6. Your American Friends
It’s amazing how quickly that you make friends while abroad, but it’s hard not to miss the friends you had to leave behind. Studying abroad is an incredible experience full of adventures, but it can also lead to loneliness and isolation in a strange in unfamiliar place. Just know that everyone makes friends at their own pace and that there are hundreds of people in the same situation as you are. So do what you can to put yourself out there but don’t forget to keep your friends back home in the loop about your adventures overseas.
7. The Comforts of the English Language
If you’re studying abroad in a country whose native language differs from your own, you will soon appreciate the ease of communicating freely in your native tongue. It takes time to adjust to a new language and navigating a new surrounding can be difficult when you have difficulties understanding what is going on. But even though it is daunting and difficult to learn a new language, I highly recommend learning enough to get by. Although many places have adjusted to speaking English, places prefer that you make the efforts in learning their language and you will have a much easier time once you can communicate with the locals.
8. Your Family
Even though they may annoy you and drive you crazy at home, you will miss your family. Studying abroad may seem similar to traveling across the country for college, but trust me when I say that amidst the chaos of a new country you will get lonely for your family back home. Traveling around the world by yourself is much more than the pictures you take on your journey, but an adventure of self-exploration in itself and one that is hard to brave alone. There is nothing wrong with longing for your parents when things get hard and a Skype call has the magic ability to get your spirits up.