1. “Is my American showing?”
The first few days in your European city will be a wake up call that no one here wears open-toed shoes or colors brighter than golden brown, and there are certainly no daypacks slung casually across their chests. You’ll try to wear neutrals, hide your maps and use the subway systems nonchalantly, but face it, you can’t hide your pure joy for a perfectly positioned selfie in front of the Trevi Fountain (Lizzie McGuire style). And just like that, you’re bleeding red, white and blue.
2. “Wait, how much for the bathroom?”
We’ve all experienced the desperate search for a restroom. Usually, you can pop into a restaurant or gas station and act normal as you power walk to the back. Hopefully you’ve brought your wallet, because popular spots like train stations, McDonalds and others will charge you up to 1.50 euros to relieve yourself. I undoubtedly expected a golden throne waiting for me, but alas, it’s just your average pot and sink. You’ll even meet friends in line, just like all those drunk girls you became besties with at the bar bathroom, except its 2:00 pm and you just really have to pee. Pro tip: wait until you’re on the trains, bathrooms are free!
3. “God bless Paul.”
One of the constants in your life, Paul can always make a weary day better. Paul is a sandwich salon selling delicious concoctions served on a fresh baguette, macaroons on steroids, and other baked sweets. In almost every train station, and on most street corners in France, Paul is the go-to for a quick meal that will not disappoint. Pro-tip: The Mixte is simply ham and cheese, foolproof yum.
4. “Did Jesus touch this building?”
Whether you’re navigating a busy plaza or wandering in a lesser-known corridor, everything in Europe is old. Like really, really old. Coming from the States, you may remember visiting the Liberty Bell and thinking, “wow that is so historic and cool.” Get ready to stumble upon cathedrals from the 13th century, casually placed in a city center, right next to a Starbucks, and definitely not closed off in glass.
5. “Free Wifi, guess we’re eating here.”
Say goodbye to continuously refreshing Instagram, as Wifi is quite the premium in Europe. I remember learning about the mysterious “Internet Café” in French class, but it’s no myth. Restaurants often promote their free Wifi right next to their daily special. The good “weef” is hard to find. While it’s nice to sit down and catch up on all the latest Snapchat stories, it’s also refreshing to be free from your phone. When you feel awkward, tough luck; you actually have to connect and make real conversation with those around you. And honestly, look around, you’re in Europe, there’s just so much to stare at.
6. “Wish I hadn’t rolled my eyes at the travel games my mom tried to pack.”
The 16-hour train ride to Budapest is when you think back to the moment your mom tried to slip travel size Connect Four into your bag. Of any activity on study abroad, the long train rides are where you will make your closest friends. Creative friends are the best ones to find, as you can only play “Would you rather?” so many times. By the end, you’ll realize that you’ve just made as many inside jokes as you had in all of seventh grade.
7. “Is tap water really poisonous?”
The most shocking realization in Europe: it’s normal to spend a couple euros on water when tap water is easily available. Well not so easily available… Restaurants will often tell you that the tap water is not suitable to drink, even though you’ve been downing it all day. You’ll also notice that a beer will be half the price of water. If you beg enough, they will often give you tap water for free, but you’ll have to deal with the shame of the whole restaurant looking at you like you just asked for a glass of dirt. If required to pay, savor each sip, it’s worth about ten cents.
8. “How do I say, 'Where is the bathroom?' in _________ again?”
If you make it all semester without getting lost, then you’re inhuman. You’ll find yourself learning new languages, especially when asking for restrooms. Sometimes you’ll even meet some fun locals that will give you suggestions for the city you’re in. Guided by a local, the city will be even more amazing. And you’ll leave each country knowing how to say the same few words in yet another language.
9. “Who knew I would see a childhood friend on a random pub crawl in the middle of Germany."
You probably won’t be the only person you know studying abroad in Europe. But you probably aren’t expecting to run into anyone you know without tedious prior planning. It will shock you how many people you can see serendipitously on your travels. It will also shock you how many people you will recognize, but not remember their names—a Facebook friend from middle school on the same tour as you on the Western coast of Ireland! #cray
10. “What did I just order at this kebab place?”
One of Europe’s many unique offerings, the kebab restaurants at every turn are a true gem. Serving well into the night, these little shops offer any type of kebab you could want. But kebab does not mean a few pieces of meat on a skewer. It’s a strange slab of meat that they shave pieces off of to put into a pita with other delicious things. One bite and you’re in love. You will probably go all semester without knowing exactly what’s in it. Pro Tip: get the Samurai Sauce. It’ll change your life.
11. “Where the hell is the Mexican food?”
Europe is somewhat of a culinary paradise. From tapas to gelato to foie gras, you can basically satisfy any craving, fancy or street food. But after a couple of weeks, you’ll start to feel something is missing. And that something is chips, guacamole, and queso. Most cities have food to every whim, but Tex-Mex food is not to be found. It’s a hard reality that you can’t saunter into a restaurant to the sweet chorus of “Welcome to Moes!” But then you take a bite of pasta in Italy, and all is right with the world.