Every time I log onto Facebook, I see a different article about how great studying abroad is. I don't disagree with them; it has thus far been one of the best experiences of my life. But whether it's Instagram or just social media in general, as I have watched friends jet off to various locations through Europe and elsewhere, studying abroad looked like the easiest and most fun activity ever. Now that I am currently in Spain, I can personally tell you what nobody ever told me—although it’s fun, studying abroad is definitely not a walk in the park.
- It is overwhelming. As soon as we landed in Madrid, we went on a six-hour excursion through the city. And although that was fascinating, I barely remember it because I had already been awake for 27 hours traveling. For some reason, I pictured myself skipping off the plane and doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and sleeping on a mattress made of clouds and fluffy pillows. Not. The. Case.
- School is not a walk in the park. I don’t know if I pictured my study abroad classes to have no homework or exams or what, but classes are way harder than what I was picturing. It is difficult to balance all of the site-seeing you want to do with actual homework and studying.
- You will walk, and walk, and walk. “Do you have comfortable walking shoes?” says my mother. And I thought I did! My converse had always been comfortable, but not when you are consistently walking 12 miles on a day-to-day basis through different cities. My orthopedic shoes are my true best friends.
- There will be things you don’t want to do, with people you don’t really want to be with. You know those people in your classes that really grind your gears? Well, you will be traveling certain cities with them and taking tours of places that you really don’t care about, but just embrace it.
- Traveling requires a lot of planning. Once again, as I’m watching friends jet off, I pictured loggin’ on to the good ole’ Internet and just having cheap flights pop up with a full itinerary all ready to go. And once again, not the case. Definitely worth it, though.
- The food will be very different, and there may not be any American options. This one I blame my dad for, who told me before I left that America was such a dominant country that there would be American food everywhere. Not at all the case. Last night, I had a dream about chicken nuggets. The night before, it was mozzarella sticks. Just the way it is.
- There will be many, many culture shocks. Here in Spain, it is rude to make returns, all stores are closed from 2-4 p.m., and dinner is served at 10 p.m. They aren’t about to change their customs for all you spoiled Americans out there.
- And many, many language barriers. I also thought (thanks to my upbringing) that basically everybody in the world spoke their own language plus English. Not the case at all. Things happen every day—today, I asked the man at the front desk of my dorm for a letter in the mail and he brought me to the cafeteria. Makes for some good stories when you get home.
- You will have the time of your life. Just because you have to adapt doesn’t mean you won’t have the time of your life. New friends, new country—new and improved you.
