Currently, I am experiencing a widespread, underrated condition known as SAW. Study Abroad Withdrawal. How could it possibly have gone by that fast? There's no way it's over. Stage: denial.
Before: You've been counting down for weeks, and it's finally here. STUDY ABROAD!!! You finished up your finals, celebrated your last nights in Athens, and headed home to pack up for another amazing experience.
As much as you can imagine what your study abroad trip will be like, there is nothing that can compare to how dope it actually is. No matter where your program is - Australia, Cortona, Oxford, or Prague (like me) - it is guaranteed to be an awesome time. So you head off, ready to kill it in Europe.
After: And then...it's over. Cue the ugly cry on the flight home. I apologize to the German guy that had to witness me tearing up while watching Hunger Games. I wasn't crying about Peeta. I was crying, because I didn't want to leave and return to real life.
So in tribute to all of my fellow SAW-suffering friends out there, here's a few things I miss the most from my study abroad.
1. My new friends.
It doesn't matter that I didn't know practically any of you a month ago, I MISS YOU. You get used to being around people pretty much 24/7, and suddenly being split up is a little traumatic. Major separation anxiety. At least I know we'll be able to meet up in Athens come August.That helps. A little.
2. The food.
Being in Europe excused us all from any sort of diet or exercise plan. We walked so many miles a day that it felt okay not to worry about what we were eating. It took a few weeks until we noticed our pants getting a little tighter...oh well, you'll only do it once right? God bless the Europeans and their appreciation of all things bready and sugar-filled. Every pound was worth it.
3. Exciting nightlife.
As much as we all love downtown Athens, nightlife in Europe is a whole other ballgame. Where the clubs have five stories and people don't go out until 1 AM. Pros: catching the sunrise in Prague often. Cons: whoops, we have class in three hours. Definitely worth it though.
4. BOYS!
There's something in the water in Europe. The boys are cuter, taller, and charming as crap. Although we were always ** super aware and safe, Mom ** it was really fun meeting attractive people from all over the world. It made meeting fellow Americans way more exciting too because "YAY, you actually speak English and know where UGA is."
I couldn't have asked for a better experience this summer or a better program. The beautiful cities and my new friends made it a summer that will be hard to top.
