1. Getting a Visa
Depending on the country (and how good you are at following instructions) this is either a little frustrating or extremely frustrating. Some people start doing their VISA months in advance and some, like the Argentina group from Holy Cross, do their VISA while in the country. Technically the VISA process for Argentina is a breeze, especially thanks to our awesome coordinator who set up all the appointments for us. Basically we just had to show up, wait in line, and pay a few processing fees. However, I somehow managed to make everything more difficult and ended up getting lost and wandering around the city for 30 minutes before finding the building and ultimately going through the hour long process. So just a piece of advice: Google it.
2. Packing
This is the first difficult thing about study abroad. I mean I usually love packing. I get everything I need and make a ton of lists and grab all my favorite clothes. However, packing for a week-long vacation and packing for five months in another country are two completely different things. Anyone who says that they only packed one suitcase and didn't regret it are complete liars. Especially when you're going to a place with distinct seasons. Also the whole "leave room for souvenirs" idea is too idealistic. I'm just glad my gift to my host mom was a blanket because if it was a t-shirt then I would be buying another bag to take things home.
3. Host Families
Speaking of my host mom, she is amazing. Now, not all study abroad programs require a homestay, and living in someone else's home isn't for everyone, but for me it is a definite plus in my experience. It is, however, important to remember that not everyone is going to get along with their host family and that's the risk you take (willingly or not) when you get put into the program. My host mom and I get along incredibly well and it gives me another opportunity to work on my Spanish. It's actually even better than in my classes because she will correct phrases that I translate straight from English where my professors will just answer my questions. I definitely know people who don't have as nice of a relationship with their host parents but most say that it is a neutral experience not negative one.
4. The Slump
Oh, Cassie this article is so funny and full of wonderful things. Thanks reader, but it's time to talk about the ice bucket challenge of study abroad, The Slump. Unfortunately this bucket of cold water isn't a funny video or raising awareness for a terrible disease. Instead, this is the part of the semester where the homesickness kicks in. It's different for everyone and for me it's been the last few weeks. Granted I've been having a ton of fun traveling and meeting new people and even having some visitors (shout out to the best parents ever). However, all my friends are together back at school, I missed my little sister's birthday, and I'm really missing the track team. However, it is extremely normal to go through The Slump during study abroad; nearly everyone does. It's just important to keep in mind that the feeling will pass and you will continue having great experiences.
5. Traveling
Okay, back to fun things! For me traveling is one of my favorite parts of studying abroad. I've seen giant salt flats (Jujuy), waterfalls (Iguazu), mountains (Salta), and I am heading to wine country (Mendoza) next month. Having only seen the east coast of the United States I hadn't seen much of the world, or even my own country, before this trip. I'm enjoying exploring Argentina so much that I am now planning out places I want to explore in the U.S. Most of the places that I've gone to are about the crazy gorgeous views and I think that seeing how incredible nature can be without us intervening has really made me appreciate this opportunity that much more. Even though traveling can really drain a person’s bank account, I think the experience is definitely worth it.
6. Classes
Alright, another thing people seem to leave out when they are describing study abroad is the whole studying part. I mean, wherever you choose to go you cannot escape that half the time you’re going to be studying or in class. Just this past week I had four essays due, so I think I can say that I am definitely experiencing the study part of study abroad. I’ll keep this part short because the difficulty of classes (and whether or not they are in another language) depends entirely on what program you choose. Besides, classes are classes and if you’ve made it this far you can make it through study abroad.
7. Being Awkward (Learning Cultural Norms)
Now, I will preface this by saying there will always be times that a person gets thrown off by cultural differences. Here in Argentina, everyone kisses each other on the cheek when they arrive and when they leave. This isn’t only people that you know, but literally every single person in that room whether you’ve met them before or not. Now this isn’t bad, I’m an affectionate person who is actually looking to invest in a “free hug” shirt. No problem, right? Wrong. There is some timing thing that I somehow manage to get wrong with everyone unless I see them all the time. It might be because some Argentines realize some foreigners are uncomfortable with the whole kissing idea so they go in for a hi-five or a handshake and then you seem aggressive as hell trying to kiss them. There is no winning and to be honest I will probably perfect it just before I leave and then freak out all my American friends, so I will just accept that as it is. In any case, no matter where you go, there will be cultural differences and you can only do your best to fully integrate yourself into that culture.
8. Why it’s All Worth It
There are highs and lows to any opportunity in life and study abroad is not excluded in that. Alright, give me a second to grab my iPhone, black leggings, and Starbucks gold card before saying this next part because it is one of the most basic things I will ever say. Anyway, here it is: No matter what happens, studying abroad will always be one of the best decisions of my entire life. There, I said it. I know that it is super cliché but some clichés are there for a reason. I mean, think about it. Study abroad is a time where you go to another country, maybe have to speak another language, and you get a bunch of responsibility shoved at you. If that doesn’t make a person grow up or even (dare I say it) find themselves, then I don’t know what does. Add in some traveling, meeting people from all over the world, and poorly timed essay due dates and you have the makings of a great story. So if you have the opportunity to study abroad, do it. Every single second, whether you’re in The Slump or on top of a waterfall, is absolutely, 100% worth it.
