Unpacking The Realities Of Studying Abroad

Before I set off for my study abroad, my head was in the clouds with epic expectations. I pictured myself living out a scene from The Lizzie McGuire Movie, scooting around on a vespa with a charming Italian by my side, completely immune to homesickness and basking in the thrill of new experiences. 

I imagined my days would be filled with laughter, the taste of authentic pizza lingering on my tongue from morning till night, and the joy of soaking up every bit of fun and culture around me. It was going to be the time of my life.

But beneath the shimmering surface of my dream come true, there were layers I had not expected. I wish I had known that sometimes, the most vibrant streets can lead to the loneliest of alleys. I wish I had realized that fun isn’t a constant — that there are moments when you just need to hear a voice from home, or when you crave the comfort of your own bed.

Some days, the loneliness hit harder than I ever could have imagined. Even though I was there for one summer, not having my safe space got to me. I remember this one weekend, both my roommates were out exploring other cities, and there I was, alone, in a foreign country with unfamiliar surroundings.

I did something I never thought I would do — I went out alone. I decided to party solo for the first time in my life. It was a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, I made new friends, collected a treasure of memories, and lived experiences I would never forget. But it wasn’t all perfect; I had to navigate through creepy encounters and the unsettling echoes of catcalls. 

For instance, every morning, when I’d leave my apartment for the 30 minute walk to class, the sensory overload was real. The streets of Italy were a symphony of sounds: cars honking, pedestrians chatting, and vespas roaring past. It was a mix of energy and chaos. 

There was a moment that really threw me off. A man who had apparently been watching me managed to find my Instagram. He sent a direct message, casually mentioning he sees me walk by every day and complimenting my looks. That message sent a shiver down my spine. It’s one thing to deal with the hustle of the streets, but it’s entirely different and unsettling to be watched and contacted like that. Sure, Italy offered a spectrum of experiences – the good, the bad, and the downright strange — but that particular encounter was a stark reminder to always be aware of my surroundings.

Now, there were moments when I found myself missing the comforts of home — especially the little things I’d taken for granted back in the States. One of the things I missed the most was free water. It might sound silly, but I was used to walking into any restaurant and getting a glass of ice-cold water without even thinking about it. But when I was abroad, that wasn’t always the case. I found myself really craving that simple refreshment, especially after a long day of classes or exploring.

I never thought I would appreciate a blast of cool air so much until I was studying abroad. Some days, it would get super hot, and not every place had AC. I would daydream about being able to adjust the thermostat and escape the heat. It made me realize how lucky we are to have those everyday luxuries back home.

But perhaps the most surprising was how much I missed American food. I’ve always been up for trying new dishes and embracing different cuisines, but there were days when all I wanted was a juicy burger, a steaming hot dog, or all you can eat sushi. Those cravings would hit me out of nowhere, and it was like a wave of homesickness that could only be cured by a taste of home. It wasn’t just about the food itself, but the memories and comfort that came with it.

The truth is, studying abroad is a mosaic of moments — some are exhilarating, others challenging. It’s a dance between the life you’ve always imagined and the reality you live, a reality that teaches you resilience, independence, and the value of your roots. I’ll never forget the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories made. But most importantly, I’ll always cherish the growth that came from stepping outside my Lizzie McGuire dream and into my own story.