The Problems of Studying Abroad Pt. 2
Okay, it's been long enough. Let me finish this post *cracks hands*
4. Did I forget something?
I practically lived out of this bag.
There will be a constant sense of anxiety while studying abroad. You always want to make sure you don't forget something before you leave and that you don't lose something in a foreign country. If you're like me, you'll probably hold on to your bag a little tighter in the beginning of your trip. But like I stated before its really important that you trust yourself. It'll ease off the pressure and you'll forget simple things less because your not over stressing your brain.
You could also be like me and leave your laptop on the plane when you reach Portugal.
Don't be like me....
5. Will they like me?
Me and travel buddy Lynda in Milan.
This topic I feel more specifically has to do with studying abroad. I came on this trip with a class of students (there was 18 of us) and two professors from Broward College. A big thing that I feared was that I wasn't really going to connect with anyone once I was in Italy. But I found that I had a lot more trouble connecting in America than in Italy! Would you look at that! Sure there are a few people on the trip who I haven't had a legit conversation with but that was to be expected. My suggestion for people who are going to study abroad is to come out of your shell a little bit more. You're going to be in another country, this is the perfect time to do it! Be an entirely different person! Say things that you generally wouldn't say. Do things that you have always been afraid to do. Talk to people you wouldn't have imagined talking to back at home. Ask that cute guy if he could help you with your homework....The world is your oyster! Enjoy all of these new experiences and tell people about them. They will be great conversation starters.
6. Sleep? WHAT sleep?!
Let me just say that my motto in Italy was that "Sleep is for when I'm back at home." On average I probably slept a total of 4 hours a night when I was in Italy (don't even ask me about Florence). I was always taught to sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a night...well that COMPLETELY went out of the window in Italy. And ya know what, I don't feel bad about it. I was in Italy! For only a month. There were so many new things to experience. So many new things to see! The nightlife was so unique, especially for someone like me who has never really experienced much of ANY nightlife. Also factoring the homework that I always procrastinated and the late nights skyping my significant other, sleep was kind of not even on my mind. Maybe you guys don't have a mother like me who can actually lose sleep over the thought that I am not getting any sleep, which effectively guilt trips me, But because I do, I will always feel bad for not getting enough when I should be. In America at least. Because when we were in Florence for only one night....lets just say that if I got any sleep it wouldn't have been half as fun.
Oh, how I miss you Firenze....
7. You'll eventually have to leave
After you get over the initial realization of the problems I have mentioned before and after you have gotten used to those dilemma's and after you start to truly get used to your surroundings....you realize its going to be over in a week. And then it's finally over. Over over. I had this epiphany that it was going to be over soon when we left the University of Urbino to Florence which meant six days were left. And then when we got off of the plane from Rome to Portugal six days later and Professor Bartolucci and I got my laptop back (finally!) he told me "well, that is your last adventure. Now we are going home!" It finally hit me. I'm actually going home. The trip of a lifetime was over. Luckily, I had a lot of growth over the past month. I didn't break a sweat as much as I thought I would in the beginning. That's because the end always seems scary when you first start out. There was nothing for me to be unhappy about. I got what I needed from Italy and after a months time it was definitely time for me to go.
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Professor Bartolucci also said something else on my trip that really made me think. He said:
"Good times always have to end. Because if it doesn't you'll never say you had the best time of your life"
And he was right.
Even though I experienced these problems throughout my trip I would say that it all still is very much worth it. I plan to do this again. This time through new lenses. I wonder what this trip will be like the second time around? Will I still experience all of these same issues all over again? Will I be a pro at this point? I mean I lived through the transportation going on strike one weekend in Italy where I, for a short period, was stuck in Venice. I can do anything right? Maybe.
And maybe I'll write about it too.
Whitney <3