When choosing to study abroad in college, one might consider the pros and cons of going in the fall semester versus in the spring. One reason that swayed me to choose the spring semester over the fall was knowing that I would not be missing out on Halloween and Thanksgiving with my family. However, as one holiday in particular swiftly approaches, I find myself wishing I were back home to celebrate.
Did I ever imagine that I would be 4,000 miles away from my boyfriend on Valentine’s Day? Absolutely not. Unfortunately, that is just how the cards played out this year. Nonetheless, I do have a plan in my back pocket to make this holiday special for us, despite the distance.
Here is my guide on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner while studying abroad!
Communicate
Start out by discussing with your partner your expectations for the holiday. Do you want to set a designated time to call and chat with each other on this special day? Or maybe you have the option to ship gifts to each other as a way to show your love and appreciation. Another option is to video chat and share lunch or dinner together over the phone! As long as you both work together to fulfill each other’s wishes for the day, this step should be quite easy.
Time Zone Differences
Navigating plans while facing a time zone difference can be brutal. However, with patience, communication and a little bit of compromise, it can be done! For example, I will be in Milan, Italy, over Valentine’s Day weekend, while my boyfriend will be back home in Illinois. Therefore, we are facing a whopping seven-hour time difference. Before making any plans or commitments to each other for Valentine’s Day, do not forget to factor in the time zones!
Deciding on the Plan
Once you have communicated your expectations and thought out a time that works best for both of you, it is time to actually decide what to do together! As I mentioned earlier, it can be as simple as video chatting to share a meal, watch a movie together or even open gifts together. Remember that, even though you are apart, Valentine’s Day can still be special. It does not have to be about spending a lot of money on the person you love, but instead, it should be about showing your love for them in many different ways. Maybe all it takes to make your partner feel loved on Valentine’s Day is a long, sentimental text from you.
Acknowledge the Difficulties
Keeping a relationship going while facing long distance can be very difficult. Especially for those who have never had to do it before. Some moments can feel lonelier than you expected, and that is completely normal. It can be easy to focus on how much you miss everyone back home, but studying abroad is also a time for growth. Use what you learn from being in a long-distance relationship to make the relationship stronger. Recognize how much patience, communication and effort you have put into building a stable and loving relationship.
Use Study Abroad to your Benefit
Even though being thousands of miles away from your partner during a holiday that focuses on love and romance is not ideal, you can still use your time studying abroad to your benefit. This does not just apply to Valentine’s Day! Make sure to include your partner in your day. Send them photos and videos of the scenery, keep them in the loop on your itinerary and buy them a little souvenir that reminds you of them. As long as you put in the effort to keep them in your day-to-day life, even if it looks different from life back home, it will make all the difference.
Valentine’s Day may look different for you and your partner this year, and that is OK! It does not have to be full of roses, date nights and chocolates. It can be sweet text messages, a video chat date or reflecting on past holidays you have spent together. Use this Valentine’s Day as another chapter in your story, a testimony that proves no matter the distance, you will always have each other.