1. Where the heck am I?
I ask this question at least 10 times a day. Although I'm getting better at reading paper maps, getting lost is a common occurrence.
2. Why is my test grade so low?
If you're like me and studying abroad in Spain, you might be a little disappointed to see a lower grade than usual on your tests. After our first test (on which no one got an A), our professor said they were some of the highest grades he's had! *cue nervous sweating*
3. Why are you so close to me?
Get used to 0 personal space. Strangers on the metro and on the streets are perfectly happy practically standing on top of you.
4. Those are most definitely Americans.
I'm not sure what it is, but Americans are the easiest people to point out in a crowd. My friends and I even have a game where we point them out and listen for the undeniable American English accent when they pass by. I can count the number of times that we've been wrong on one hand.
5. I don't speak *insert language here*
You may be studying abroad to improve your Spanish or French or German, but at the end of the day, your foreign language skills are never as prepped as you think they are. Let's face it, learning a language in a classroom for a total of 3 hours a week at home just doesn't cut it.
6. Where do I buy *insert essential item here*?
No Walmarts, no Targets, no problem...EXCEPT when you need to buy some really odd, miscellaneous item that isn't associated with a pharmacy or supermarket.
7. Let's walk, it's only 50 minutes!
Ridiculously long walks turn into common occurrences when you study abroad. Late at night, the metro is closed and a taxi is a gazillion dollars, so it's not usually much of a debate whether to walk or not. In heels!!
8. I just want Panera.
I lovvvvveee the food abroad, but after 2 months, you start to miss your favorites from back home. Your whole day can be ruined with just the thought of a Bacon Turkey Bravo and strawberry smoothie.
9. Free Wifi? Let's eat here!
It doesn't matter what you're craving, wifi always beats out the food choices. Free wifi means you don't have to take a 30 minute metro ride back home to send an imessage or check your email.
10. I haven't had gelato in awhile.
Yes you have. You had it yesterday, but does that stop you from getting another cone today? Absolutely not- gelato for every meal.
11. I'm never leaving!
Studying abroad is one of the best experiences in your life, and no matter what, you will never be ready to leave when the time comes. At least once a day, I say that I'm never leaving in protest to the idea that I'll have to one of these days.
