Studying abroad is literally the most exciting and adventurous four months of your life. From the priceless artworks to the crazy opportunities like skydiving, there is never a dull moment on this semester long vacation. However, a lot of abroad students, myself included, have come to realize that studying abroad is definitely different from what is expected. For all of you traveling abroad next semester or next year, I have decided to compile a list of three things that shocked me as well as advice I did not really take seriously prior to my travels. And for any of you who have already experienced European abroad life, I am sure you will agree with the list below and have much more to add.
1. Pickpocketing
I know, I know, as soon as you tell anyone you are going abroad to Europe, the immediate response is “Wow that’s so exciting, but be careful of pickpockets!” I received that advice so often that I started interrupting people before they could even say those few words. “Yes I know about pickpockets” and “Don’t worry, I bought a cross body bag that zips and I’ll be super careful.” Well, the constant nagging about pickpockets was definitely for a reason. I truly believe that four out of every five of my friends have been pickpocketed either secretly or in a violent manner, and mostly in the past month. In the first two months abroad, everyone’s property was pretty safe because we were constantly in fear of theft. However, the third month hits and all of a sudden, everyone gets really comfortable. Your apartment feels like home and your neighborhood is no longer scary alone at night. This is where everything goes wrong. In the third month, I heard multiple stories of pickpocketing every week! Frustratingly enough, I was able to add my own story to the mix a few weeks ago when my wallet was taken, including cash, credit and debit cards, and worst of all, my passport. Luckily enough, I was victim to a “moral” pickpocket who stole my cash and metro cards, but returned my wallet to the lost and found with cards and passport still in tact. I was lucky but my friends have not been nearly as fortunate. Remember, no matter how comfortable you are, pickpocketing is a career for some people, and they never stop doing their job.
2. Personal Space
It is nonexistent. Literally. Whether you are waiting on a street corner for the light to change, or standing in a somewhat empty metro car, Europeans will basically stand right on top of you. As a New Yorker, this was extremely shocking and uncomfortable because New Yorkers, and probably most Americans, stand as far apart from strangers as possible, especially in close quarters. In the U.S. two people in an elevator will stand at opposite corners, pressed up against the walls. Here however, I have stood against the wall with a Spanish local standing on my half of the elevator while the whole other side was empty. I understand how trivial it sounds, but when the whole other half of the elevator is open, why does this woman have to stand on my side? This thought has occurred to me constantly while abroad, and most often in my home city of Barcelona. So if you are planning your travels to Spain, (which I do truly recommend) just get ready to be up close and personal with the locals.
3. The Euro and Pound
First of all, the universal thought shared by every abroad student is “where did all my money go?” Money here seems to just disappear out of your wallet, especially on travel weekends. Students want to submerge themselves into the local culture, and this is most often done through food, fashion, and nightlife. (Touring museums and special sites obviously costs money so I have chosen to exclude that from this discussion.) Trying local cuisine is a must, buying new clothing to embrace European fashion is expected, and exploring the local nightlife is basically unavoidable. Sorry to disappoint, but if you think you will spend the same amount of money on these factors as you do in the U.S. you are largely mistaken. This common misconception is mostly due to pricing, especially when it comes to the Euro and Pound. Starbucks is an international brand, and in America, Spain, and London, a grande latte will cost you 3.50. However, in America is $3.50, Spain is €3.50, and London is ÂŁ3.50. For anyone who is new to currency conversion, that latte in London just cost you almost six bucks! The actual numbers are all the same but the little symbols in front is what gets you. Your nice €15 dinner is actually over $20, so you have to decide if you’re willing to embrace “selective conversion.” This is a phrase used abroad meaning you convert the cost to USD if you are convincing yourself out of spending money, but leave it in its original form if you are justifying the expenditure. Some things are worth it, others are not, so its up to you to decide whether or not you want to convert the price in your head. In my personal opinion, the price of a great meal never gets converted.
Despite these troublesome factors, I would never take back my abroad experience. Getting my cash stolen, personal space obstructed, and thinking of all the money lost in conversion rates might sound miserable, but they are merely three speed bumps on the greatest adventure of my life thus far. I will miss 4am beach strolls outside Opium, wearing shorts in November, 4 meals a day (it’s a Spanish thing) and eating churros con xocolat just because they serve it across the street from my apartment. For those who are preparing for abroad, get ready for the most incredible 4 month adventure. Prepare well, stay safe, but most importantly, don’t let the little things distract you from enjoying every moment!