With everyone posting statuses about studying abroad next year, I oddly started thinking about all the things I would not have access to while away. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to live in a different culture and experience all it has to offer, however, I shall miss these quintessentially American novelties. Here’s to the land of the free, and the home of everything fried — you shall be missed….for now. XOXO
1. Friends and Family
Not only an American student abroad problem, but as your loved ones live in the States, they deserve a spot on the list. I recommend downloading Skype (if you haven’t already) to place free international calls.
2. Internet
This might be more of a personal problem since I’m studying abroad in China, but I do hear that even in Europe Netflix and Hulu just aren’t the same. That said, spending your summer binge watching American TV will not be frowned upon.
3. Frat Parties
Whether you love them, you hate them, frat parties exemplify why the American college experience is unlike any other in the world. Nowhere else in the world does the word “party” mean showing up to a grimy house, dancing on elevated surfaces, all the while holding a drink you either grabbed from a trashcan or kiddie pool. Regardless if your school has Greek life or not, I’m sure some of this rings true at all #American colleges.
4. Peanut Butter (aka God’s gift to the world)
Unclear as to why the rest of the world refuses to sell or like peanut butter, but they should catch up ASAP. That said, if you have an addiction to PB like me, stock up before you go abroad because rumor has it that it’s impossible to find.
To the rest of the world: riddle me this, what do you put with you jelly? —Felicias.
5. Football
I’m dreading being away in the fall because that means missing football season. Every American sports fan knows all too well the trials and tribulations of rooting for your favorite team. Regardless of the outcome, the tailgate and camaraderie surrounding the event ensures a good time for all.
6. Driving
It’s probably a good thing that the rest of the world relies much less on cars and gasoline than the U.S.A.; however, no one can deny the freedom driving a car grants oneself.
7. American Food
The food you’ll be eating abroad will inevitably be delicious, but when a craving strikes for a burger, pizza, fries, milkshake, fried chicken, a Twinkie you’ll yearn for home. The local McDonald’s might be able to mend the longing, but you know deep down that it’s just not the same. If only Boot pizza did overnight air deliveries………
8. The American Flag
You might not thinking much about the Grand Ol’ Flag right now, but I can bet that anytime you see the stars and stripes abroad you’ll feel a sense of pride… and then immediately turn to your friend and blabber about home much you miss home.
Other Contenders:
-Being the ONE with an accent
-BIG Coffee: Vente non-fat iced vanilla latte you will be missed.
-Big Box Stores: FYI, stores where you can buy your groceries, make-up, I-pad, leaf blower and swimsuit only exist in Amuuurrriccaaaa.
-Ice: Internationally, people take their water room temperature–SOS.
If you don’t miss any of these things, I’m sure you’ll return to the States with a renewed sense of pride for your home nation. Bon voyage!!