Studying abroad is a time to broaden your horizons, learn a whole bunch of new things, perfect your second language and live it up, but there are so many things we forget as we’re living so far from the United States. We forget all kinds of personal things, like you should’ve brought that last pair of leggings or that sweater you love, but didn’t think it would fit in. Don’t worry; I’m going to remind you of all the things you forgot. Just what you wanted, right?
1. What a US dollar even looks like
Money is colorful now, but let’s be real, we all forget we can’t spend it like monopoly money, no matter how many times we marvel at all the colors.
2. Home life doesn’t stop
Snapchats of a party you missed are sad, but the party abroad is so much cooler. You’ve gotten a better experience from being abroad than in someone’s apartment on campus.
3. Your family misses you just as much as you miss them
Your family misses you, but if they told you what they were doing at home, you’d want to be there too. They’re helping you out by making your time abroad the best it can be, without reminding you of what you’re missing out on. But trust me, you definitely aren’t missing out on that Minnesota snow.
4. To write down your stories
You’re going to want something to read on the long plane ride home, so why not read the stories of all the amazing things you did, then cry about them while eating the chocolate you bought at the airport convenience store.
5. To appreciate your favorite local place
Whether it’s the pub with the best fish and chips in London or your favorite waterside cafe in Barcelona, take it all in. Go enjoy your favorite new hangout and appreciate it, because as soon as you’re on the plane home, there is nowhere you’re going to want to be more.
6. How easy home life is
When you’re abroad, you’re the only one looking after you. You have to balance having fun with real adulthood. Trying to budget and finding time to study in a beautiful new place isn’t easy, but you can do it!
7. To try something new
There’s different food all around the world. Take it all in, enjoy every bite and don’t forget: that’s what travel is for, eating! Make your tummy feel like it’s on the adventure with you.
8. What it’s like to hear American accents
Face it. Everyone that has lived somewhere else knows that when you hear an American accent you hear home. Either it’s, “OMG I missed this sound!” or, “OMG, I’m not ready to hear that already!”
9. To be selfish
We’re all taught to think of others, but study abroad is your time to explore. See the world, meet new people and especially, find yourself. It‘s your time abroad, so be selfish and take complete advantage of the opportunities in front of you.
10. Not to take a different country for granted
You’re in a beautiful place. Live it up. Do everything you wanted to. Go every place you’ve ever wanted to see. The world is at your fingertips. Get out and go do it. Forget Netflix. You can watch that at home.
11. You do own more than a suitcase full of clothes
Looking at and wearing the same clothes for four months because that is all you can fit in your suitcase is enough to make anyone go crazy. Just remember that when you get home, you can totally revamp your closet. It’s just another reason to go shopping, which is exactly what we all need, right?
12. Your sense of humor
There are some seriously crazy situations that are going to happen to you abroad like having to catch a night bus, losing your public transport card or being hit on by that weirdo at the bar. Don’t sweat it. Laugh it off, because tomorrow it will be a distant memory and something you’ll laugh at for years to come.
13. It will end
Study abroad isn’t meant to be permanent. For some people it turns into life as an “expat” (expatriate), but there are things and people needing your attention at home. Enjoy every day because it’ll all end way too soon, and when you’re on the way back to the U.S. you’ll want to relive those amazing four months.