When you come home from studying abroad, there are several things that people don't tell you. You know about the culture shock you might face when arriving in the different country, but never the shock you have coming home. Part of the experience is the arrival back in the USA. Whether you are surprised by how easy it is to get around, that finally everyone speaks your language, or how much you missed the little things in life -- like free water -- everyone has a different reaction to coming home.
How does the money work here again?
When you go abroad you get used to how Euros (or Pounds) work. It takes a while to get used to carrying around small bills such as the American Dollar. Also things are way cheaper in America.
Wow. Literally everyone here speaks English. That's weird.
It’s a strange feeling to fly to a place where literally everyone speaks perfect English. You might still find yourself using your hands to explain what you are looking for at the store.
I can read all of the signs/menus here too.
Again, English is a beautiful thing. Nothing feels better than not having to ask for a separate English menu or trying to interpret the one you were given. Finally you won't be surprised when your menu comes to the table.
What is this music?
It’s really true what they say: Europe is three months behind in music. If you are in a country where Pandora does not exist (sigh), then chances are you will be stuck listening to the songs you downloaded before you left on repeat.
Ugh, free bread yes.
Unlike America, bread does not always come with the meal. In fact, it is usually something you have to ask (and pay) for. Nothing tastes better than stuffing yourself, before your oversized meal, with bread.
Free water to go with the free bread.
Water. It is one of the essential elements for people to live. You never realize how much you love water until you have to order it by the bottle per table and pay more than three euro for it. Free water is a blessing. Love it, cherish it, and always accept it.
Oh my gosh, is this what fast (and free) Wi-Fi feels like?
The Wi-Fi in Europe is generally pretty terrible, and most of the time it is not free (and if it is, you have to ask someone for the password). Like free bread and water, you never realize how much you love free Wi-Fi. I mean, it is literally everywhere here. When you come back to fast and free Wi-Fi, you can bet your bottom dollar you will be on your phone every minute of every day for the next few weeks.
What do you mean I have to be 21 to order a drink with my meal??
This part is weird. In Europe you can always order a glass of wine or beer with virtually every meal. In America, you can do the same…if you are over 21. If you are like me and went abroad when you were under 21, being unable to freely order a glass of wine without being asked for an ID makes you feel younger than you really are.
I can’t wait to finally sleep in a normal-sized bed.
Apparently the people in Europe have never heard of a full-sized bed. Everywhere I went there were twins. That first night you sleep in your own bed is probably the best sleep you will ever get, but it could also be the jet lag.
Wow, ice water has never tasted so good.
Again, just to reiterate. Free ice water is amazing.
Even if you loved being abroad, remember that nothing is better than coming home again.
