It's official. I was accepted to my abroad school and I booked my flight. The time has finally come to fulfill my dream to study abroad (a goal I have had since 7th grade).
Last week, I clicked "book" next to the hundreds of dollar flight ticket that would fly me halfway across the world for six full months. I'm thrilled to experience this adventure yet terrified for the unknown. I'm told this is normal.
Here are 15 thoughts of the student going abroad.
1. I hope it's like Lizzie Maguire.
Paolo, pop singers, and designer clothes. Sign me up. I'm ready to make my wish at the Trevi fountain.
2. All the traveling.
Once getting to Europe, it's easy to travel from country to country. I'm beyond excited to eat bagguettes in Paris and try wine in Italy. Talk about cultured.
3. Endless memories.
This will make stories to tell the grandkids for sure.
4. Time change.
Figuring out when I can call home is definitely going to give me a headache.
5. Am I adult enough for this?
Going to college in another state is one thing but living in a different country for six months is an entirely different monster. Am I adult enough for this adventure?
6. FOMO (fear of missing out)
Friends are making spring break plans and you're feeling a little left out. Here's hoping they don't forget about me.
7. Will I be the weird American with the strange accent?
Yes.
8. THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS I STILL NEED TO GET DONE BEFORE I DEPART.
Finishing up this semester, celebrating the holidays with the fam, clothes shopping, saying goodbye, lose 10 pounds, buy a ton of travel books and study the culture. There is so much left to do before departure and it honestly just increases the excitement (and anxiety).
9. I am literally going to be in Europe for six months.
I CAN'T EVEN RIGHT NOW.
10. Food.
No peanut butter, smaller portions....the food differences are almost as endless as the possibilities and opportunities to experience something new.
11. I hope I come back with an accent...or at least some new slang.
I know I will be adapting to a new culture as well as new social norms and I can't wait.
12. Endless pictures.
I have already come to the conclusion that I will run out of storage on my phone and out of memory on my camera.
13. European fashion.
Let's be honest, it's a little bit different than American style and I can't wait to European-ize my wardrobe.
14. Making lists of everywhere you want to go.
Museums, cities, countries....Europe is full of possibilities that I will definitely be taking advantage of.
15. Don't worry mom, I won't move there after graduation....probably.
My mom is nervous and my friends kid that I'll settle in London after graduation. We'll just have to see how these six months go first :)
All in all, I am beyond excited to start my European adventure. Although there are doubts and anxieties, I know it's normal. It's not good or bad, it's different and this trip will give me so many different experiences, as well as the ability to see and live in a different culture. So here I sit, counting down the days until take off!
