As the semester abroad comes to a close and thousands of Americans flood the tiny European airports to return home for the summer, the reverse culture shock hits hard. From the hefty overweight luggage fees to delayed flights, traveling home is no easy feat. On my journey home (only two flights for me!), I struggled with the idea of going home and leaving behind my comfortable Italian routine. Un cappuccino per favore! Here are eleven thoughts I (and every abroad student) had at the end of the semester.
1. Where am I going to get my coffee now?
I woke up extra early on my last day (morning actually) in Italy to get a cappuccino from my favorite café that also happened to be on the street I lived on. It was extra sad knowing this was the last time I would bother the staff for a to-go cup and cornetto, and they lovingly gave us stickers to go on our overcrowded laptop screens. I knew I was leaving behind the world of latte art for cheap iced coffee as I sat outside taking in the last views of a quiet morning in Florence. It’s tragic really. Dunkin, I’m so sorry, but you will never be the same.
2. What do you mean I can’t walk to the store
It is baffling that American cities and towns are so spread out. Study abroad students have the luxury of strolling out of their apartment buildings and around the corner to the nearest coffee shop or bodega. How is it some of my friends have to drive 45 minutes to get a pizza? I have to have a car and buy gas now to go anywhere and everywhere. Oh, the convenience of Europe….
3. What do people do around here?
I had the pleasure of living in an apartment building that sat above two bars that were rowdy every day of the week. I would hear a rendition to a Lion King song at 4 AM on a Tuesday morning, and now my street is silent. Where are all the people? I’m not quite sure what there is to do around here. Where are the wine bars? What do you mean you only sell cheddar cheese?
4. Can I get a drink?
This relates to “What do you do around here?” Besides the slim selection of bars and non-existence of European cafés, the United States has a drinking age that is actually followed. Huh? Looks like you’ll have to skip unlimited red wine at dinner, and forget about finding your school’s specially colored shot at the local bar. Where are my Lion’s Fountain fans at?
5. I miss my roomie.
Did you ever think you would miss sharing a room? Probably not, but here you are wondering who to talk to when you come home (cue quiet little brother or rowdy older brother that’s never home). If you live far from your roommate, it’s even harder too, but don’t worry, you will still get sarcastic texts checking in on you. I won't start crying but...
9. I’m bored.
The typical feels of a college student returning home for the summer, without the chaos and busy schedule that college provides.
10. This food does not taste right.
Does anyone over here know how to make fresh pasta? What about the sauce? I’m not sure America can backtrack on genetically modified and processed foods to produce the magnificent tastes that Italy, France, and the rest of Europe has to offer.
11. Can I go back now?
You’ll be saying this before you even get on the plane home. Make sure you get a job with enough vacation time to come back and visit that barista you love, your favorite café, and the friendly dog that sits outside the bodega.
