Anxious About Abroad? That’s Ok!

For those of us going abroad in the Spring, I think it’s safe to say we’re getting pretty excited. And anxious.

 

Even though we’re considered adults, the thought of traveling alone and living in a different country on a different continent is scary! Everybody says studying abroad is one of the 

best experiences they’ve ever had and I don’t doubt them. However, I think it’s completely reasonable to be a little nervous prior to your departure. Here are some reasons why:

 

 

Traveling alone in the States is one thing, but traveling to another country alone is another story. While I’m not one to get anxious about traveling alone, the thought of navigating myself through various foreign airports during layovers and trying to find my luggage at the other end is somewhat nerve-racking. For those of us who don’t have a direct flight, the idea of spending two-plus hours in random European airports doesn’t sound ideal (especially if you’re obviously that lost American). In addition, the phone-sitch when traveling out of the States is always a bit dicey. You may be able to connect to Wi-Fi, but then again you might just get nothing. So if this is the case, then how are we supposed to contact our parents when we land to tell them we’re safe? How are we supposed to find our way to our new home for the semester? See, it’s okay to be a little nervous. 

 

 

Even with international SIM cards and janky flip phones with foreign cell services, communication is still something to think about. While there are apps such as Viber, What’s App, Skype, and of course, Facebook messaging (all of which require Wi-Fi), it’s weird to think we’re going to have to schedule our calls to the States and go without constant texting. Also, the whole idea of navigating around a foreign country with a semi-reliable mobile device isn’t the most comforting thought. What if you get separated from your friends and don’t know your way home? What if you’re just plain lost? I’m not trying to scare you guys, but it’s important to think about these kinds of things. 

 

 

Let’s face it, food is really freaking expensive these days. Unless you’re doing a homestay (which actually only decreases your need to pay for food by a little), chances are you’ll have to buy all of your own groceries and meals out. But how are we supposed to afford it?? Especially for an entire semester!! The majority of us are unemployed college students who rely on our K-Cards…So what are we supposed to do? Well, I guess we’ll have to cut down on late night snacks and invest in the cheapest products. Or maybe even have our parents send us Ramen noodles and Granola bars in the mail. What do we do? We don’t want to starve! 

 

 

Depending on your study abroad program, you might not know where you’re living until right before you depart. On the other hand, your program might require you to do a homestay or live in a dorm (there are other different living options too). However, no matter what your living situation turns out to be, I think it’s completely fine if you’re getting anxious about it pre-departure (at least I am). Who knows what kind of family or roommate you could end up with! Or where your apartment could be! As you can see, I’ve thought about this a lot. While I’m trying not to imagine the infinite possibilities about my living situation for five months, I just can’t help it (and I’m sure you guys can’t either).

 

 

So obviously it’s going to take some time to adjust to our new homes when we’re abroad. The people, location, food, language, and basically the entire atmosphere will be different than what we’re used to in the States. However, I don’t think any of us want to look like the stereotypical America tourist and stick out like sore thumbs. Hopefully as the semester progresses, we can begin to fit in with the locals, learn the “cool” lingo, and eventually blend in (somewhat) with our new cultures. Although this might take a while, everyone who goes abroad comes back saying it will happen. So let’s not worry too much!

 

…Okay, maybe we can keep worrying…a little.