For those of us who chose to travel abroad, we dreamed of the places we’d see, the countries we’d visit, and the foods we’d eat. Heck, your favorite displaced Ohioan-turned temporary- Bathonian here dreamed of visiting all the Harry Potter film sites she could, and finding as many tea and coffee shops as she could to cuddle up in on cold, rainy days. But after two weeks abroad, I’ve quickly realized that while studying abroad is wonderful, magical, and certainly eye-opening, there are more than a few misconceptions that students tend to believe before they come abroad.
Here are the truths you need to know before jetting off to a different country for a semester:
1. Just because you’re physically out of the country doesn’t mean that you’re out of it.
I mean this. When in another country, you’re essentially a walking representation of your home country, for better or for worse. I cannot tell you how many people have asked me about Trump. Or the election. Or the lack of help in rebuilding Puerto Rico. Or building the wall. As soon as I open my mouth, I’m an American, with all the prejudices that come with it. Again, for better or for worse, I’ll never know.
2. Studying abroad ISN’T a vacation.
Sure, it’s fun to visit new places, meet new people, see and try new things, but there’s a reason it’s called “studying abroad.” I’ve always believed that the word “studying,” comes from the words “student” and “dying,” and “studying abroad,” is no exception. While you might have a great GPA in the States (you can’t call it America over here, because to Brits, there is more than one America), you can’t just throw your studies away. The education system is different wherever you go, and grades DO matter, especially if you’re trying to get credit for them once you return home.
3. Studying abroad doesn’t magically solve all of your problems.
It’s a lot easier to ignore them if they’re not right under your nose, but let me tell you— if you don’t actively work to solve them, or prepare for them before you leave, it will get much harder to do so when you return. As soon as your wheels hit the tarmac back on US soil, those problems will be at the forefront.
4. Culture shock happens, regardless of how “well-travelled” you are.
I’ve been to Bath before, so I thought I knew what to expect. You know what they say about assuming? Yep. Once I got used to the concept that everything (with the exception of some grocery stores and restaurants) closes at 5, I learned to plan my day accordingly—adding in time for walking, crossing streets, and having awkward conversations with Brits.
5. Real life still goes on.
Study abroad doesn’t always look like something Instagram worthy. Sometimes there will be days when you won’t have enough energy to go out with your friends because you’re loaded down with homework, or you spent all night watching the weirdly wonderful reality TV shows on the BBC and didn’t go to bed until late. That’s okay. You’ll also have days where you don’t get a great mark, or you’ll get lost, or wake up late. Don’t discount the harder aspects of your study abroad experience—they’re part of life, and they’re inescapable. Lean into them, and I promise you’ll be better for it.
6. Those Instagram-worthy shots are often the most dangerous ones.
Am I the only one thinking this? I saw a girl standing in the middle of the street to get a selfie, and all I could think was, “How has she not been hit by a car?” Seriously. The driving here is crazy, and you HAVE to be careful.
7. While it won’t all be sunshine and daisies, it will still be pretty damn good.
Like I said, I’ve only been here two weeks, and I’m already in love with my experience. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to study in Bath, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. But now that the illusion of perfection has been shattered, I think I can grow to love it even more.