Studying abroad is such an amazing opportunity and if you ever have the chance to pursue it, don't hesitate. It really is a once in a lifetime experience that you shouldn't pass up while in college. Even though it is amazing for so many reasons, there are also so many crazy thoughts that run through your head on a daily basis as your departure date nears. Here is my personal list of wild thoughts that frighten and excite me every day about going abroad.
1. How am I supposed to fit my entire life into a suitcase?
You're telling me I need to survive off of only one suitcase of my belongings for five months? Where do I begin on stuffing three seasons worth of clothes, shoes, accessories, toiletries and mementos into one bag?
2. The classic 'Taken' scene
Liam Neeson is not my father, so looks like I'm done for.
3. What if I meet the love of my life in some random foreign country and we never see each other again?
The. Most. Tragic. Love. Story. Ever.
4. What happens if I don't understand the language?
I fail and that's the end of it? Hop on the next plane back to the states and accept endless confusion and defeat?
5. What if I am completely out of style?
They say Europe is like three years ahead in fashion. Is my classic cardigan and ripped jeans look not in anymore?
6. Will they ever stop making fun of my clear American accent?
Already prepared to be made fun of in a foreign language every day of my life.
7. *Imagines myself overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, sipping out of a champagne glass in silk pajamas on a balcony*
Yeah, I wish.
8. Who am I going to miss most?
Will it be my mom? Dad? The cute boy who sits next to me in class that I've never talked to? I just don't know.
9. What if I hate ALL of the food and they don't have cheeseburgers?
Accepting the fact that I may be starving myself for five months.
10. Will I even want to come back home?
Maybe I'll fall in love with the culture and never come home and live out my life in a foreign country by myself.
11. Who is going to take care of me when I get sick?
My mom isn't going to fly across the world to make me homemade chicken noodle soup and my roommates aren't going to be there to give me medicine every four hours.
12. Will I be different when I come back?
Will people be able to tell how much more travelled and cultured I am when I come back home?
13. I wonder how many countries I can explore before I run out of time and money
GiphyI pretty much want to see every inch of Europe, so we'll see how far I can get.
14. Is anyone going to miss me?
Will my friends and family even notice that I'm half way across the world?
15. How will I leave all the incredible people I meet abroad after five months?
I already think coming back home will be just as emotional as leaving home. I am not ready for either experience.
Is it too late to withdraw?
I am freaking out. Stress. Finals. Foreign language. Alone in a foreign country. Ahhhhh.
17. Five months is soooooooo long
I have to be away from home and all my family and friends for five whole months. How am I going to survive?
18. Five months is NOT long enough to be abroad
Who can accomplish all their personal goals, travel plans and become better at a foreign language in only five months?
