I won’t sugarcoat it – Being a Christian at a secular university isn’t easy. But studying abroad can bring unique challenges that, if not properly addressed, can push your relationship with God to the back burner if you’re not careful.
I recently returned from my semester abroad in Milan, Italy, known as the financial capital of Italy and the fashion capital of the world. I loved living in Milan and gained so much from my study abroad experience. But between traveling to new cities, making new friends, and experiencing different cultures, I had to ask myself: Where does God fit into all of this? And how do I keep Him at the center of my life?
Here are a few things I did to maintain my relationship with God during my semester abroad. These practices helped me stay grounded and not only maintain but also grow in my spiritual life. Now I recognize that, for most college students, this article may not be very “relatable,” but that’s okay. I just want to glorify God through every platform, and I hope this article helps to do that.
- Getting plugged into a church
Before landing in Milan, I researched local churches and eventually found one that seemed to suit my preferences. I also looked for other Christians in my program, which was admittedly difficult because of the dominant secular culture of my cohort. Eventually, I met another Christian student from Georgetown, and we went to a church together called Milan Bible Church, which had a similar worship style to my local church in Boston.
I also attended weekly Bible studies at people’s homes around Milan. I was initially worried about the cultural differences and language barrier (I didn’t know any Italian before going abroad), but I found the group to be incredibly welcoming and hospitable. They even served dinner and dessert during our gatherings! One thing I loved about the church was the emphasis on community. For them, church wasn’t just a place to be fed, but to grow and serve alongside other believers. I felt this love first-hand during my first Bible study, when a group of people I just met prayed for my transition to Milan and for comfort after recently losing a family member. I felt God’s love even from that first week.
So, if you’re looking to keep up your spiritual life abroad, get plugged into a community! Whether that’s a local church, temple, or another place of worship, it’s critical to surround yourself with people who have similar values.
- Reading the Bible
Reading the Bible is an essential part of walking with God, whether you’re on campus or thousands of miles away. I tried to make this part of my routine by listening to daily devotionals during my commutes to and from school every day. That way, I had a set time to do it and it became a natural habit. It’s also helpful to study the Bible in community to better understand and unpack the text. So I made sure to attend my church’s mid-week international Bible studies and young adults groups on Saturdays as much as possible.
However, I’m not perfect in my spiritual practices, and there were times when I took weekend trips with my friends and couldn’t make it to Bible study or church. My best advice here is to find a balance. You could, in theory, attend every single Sunday service but not gain anything from it if you’re mentally absent. So be intentional about your quiet times and spiritual disciplines, and find ways to incorporate these practices during your travels. During my spring break, my friend and I traveled all around Europe, exploring and taking in as much as we could in 10 days. I found myself in Barcelona on Easter, yet I knew I couldn’t miss Easter worship, so I went to an international church in Barcelona that Sunday.
- Prayer and worship
Like reading the Bible, prayer is a way we can seek and know God better. And it can be done wherever, whenever. On the plane, walking to class, eating a meal, before going to sleep… wherever. Studying abroad, while fun, can come with challenges like homesickness, cultural adjustment, and anxiety, but grounding yourself in prayer can help you process through all of these things. Prayer can seem intimidating if you haven’t done it before, but all it really is is talking to God like you would with a friend. Talk about your day, something that bothered you, something you’re thankful for… basically anything, and bring your requests to God.
Listening to music can also help. I made a playlist specifically for my anxiety about going abroad and away from familiarity, and included songs about trusting God in uncertainty. A few songs that I clinged to and that now remind me of Milan are “Same God” by Elevation Worship, “God Turn It Around” by Church of the City, and “eyes locked on the king” by Abbie Gamboa and UPPERROOM.
- Experiencing God in different ways
Finally, don’t limit the ways God can work in your life. I experienced God’s love through church members’ hospitality, through the beautiful landscapes and places I visited, and so much more. Take a walk in nature and appreciate His creation. Give and receive prayer and experience His love. Keep a gratitude journal and write down 3 things you’re grateful for every day. There’s really no limit to how you can experience God.
Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime. There will be ups and downs, life will get busy, and you’ll be tempted to do other things, but choosing God has always been worth it for me.