Shout out to all those adventurous souls out there that decided to take their education international. You never really hear about a bad study abroad experience and there are a few reasons why, the biggest being you have an opportunity to experience something that most 20-somethings do not. But for all those students that have gone on a trip to study in a different country, they know that it's a roller coaster of emotions. Here are the five stages of studying abroad:
1. The excitement/anxiety phase.
This first phase consists of the weeks leading up to the trip of your lifetime. The level of excitement about the trip gets higher as your departure date gets closer. Additionally, your packing situation is a disaster. You have to achieve the happy medium of keeping your suitcase under 50 pounds and and packing enough clothes to look fabulous in a different country. Don't even get me started about planning how many things you're going to buy abroad (it usually ends up being more than you planned anyway). The anxiety mixed with excitement is almost too much to handle at one point, but excitement usually ends up dominating.
2. The honeymoon phase.
You have arrived! You're meeting some awesome people in an awesome city, ready to get things started. Jet lag is a little tough, but it's nothing compared to the excitement that lies ahead. You go through the beginning of your trip in absolute awe of the beauty that surrounds you. The sites, the food and the people with you are so different, but its a good different. Congratulations, you've latched on to the high of adventure.
3. The struggle bus/rally phase.
This is the part where people's bodies start to get run down. It's beginning to become a struggle to wake up for class, to get up in time to satisfy your empty, hungover stomach and to down 3+ espresso shots before heading out to start the day. You're getting tired of people staring at you because you're American or trying to speak the native language just to order your dinner. It becomes a relief to see a sign or menu in English. You want to take advantage of every experience for the short time you're there, but your body and mind disagree with you. So does your wallet. Some call mom and dad and convince them that this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance; others tap into their savings account and hope you'll have enough to get you through the remainder of the trip. Despite the lack of funds, sleep, and a horrible diet, you pop some aspirin, take a quick nap to recoup and head back out to see the world.
4. The last hurrah phase.
This is the time where people start to feel the end creeping up fast. You have found the people you mesh well with and try to cherish the remaining days you have left. Yes, you're finishing up your classes, but more importantly you want to soak up the last bits of the foreign culture you can before you come back to the land of the 50 states and 5 dollar foot longs. You look back on your trip on the last day, with a few heartfelt videos of the trip in between, super thankful for your time there. Get ready for your last hurrah.
5. Depression.
Absolute depression. You are happy to see family, friends and significant others, but you still are dreaming about some of the beautiful experiences you had. For the next week you sort through pictures for two reasons: to tell anyone and everyone about your trip and to continue being nostalgic about the overall experience, even though that doesn't do you any good. More importantly, the people. You've met people you would have never crossed paths with if it were not for this trip and you're super thankful for that. Memories were created. Friends were made. And most of all, your study abroad trip will be an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.
**Yes, the beautiful models in this picture are my fellow study abroad-ers in front of the Swiss Alps.
**Cover photo credit goes to the beautiful and talented Emma Weil. To see more of her work, check out her Facebook page at Emma Weil Photography
