21 Things Anyone Who Has Studied Abroad Can Relate To | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

21 Things Anyone Who Has Studied Abroad Can Relate To

And so the study abroad nostalgia sets in.

24
21 Things Anyone Who Has Studied Abroad Can Relate To
John Reinbott

Studying abroad is a unique experience for those who are lucky enough to do so. Getting the chance to travel the world while taking laid-back classes; what more could a college student want? Despite the fact that each and every story of a study abroad experience varies in countless different ways there are always a few things that all students can relate to.

1. You battled one or more language barriers

But when it came down to it you really only needed to know how to say two things: chocolate and wine (don't deny it because you know it's true).

2. You survived a RyanAir flight

And you thought I mean, if I die on this terrifying death trap from hell at least I can die knowing I only spent 15 euros for this flight.

3. You spent at least one night in a sketchy hotel


And you thought Okay, just go in the room, ignore the random strangers, lock up your valuables and go to bed. Don't even bother trying to shower because there's something green and hairy growing in the drain.

4. You were constantly adjusting to different time zones

But it was totally worth it because it meant you were traveling somewhere new.

5. Google Translate was your best friend and your worst enemy


Sometimes you were able to have a decent conversation with the locals using this handy dandy app and other times you pissed them off because the app made you say, "you look like a dying fish" instead of, "you look nice."

6. You tried a bunch of different types of food

You miss it like crazy and find yourself looking down upon the American equivalent while saying, "it tasted so much better abroad."

7. Your phone is filled with an embarrassing number of pictures of food

Food, food and more food. Enough said.

8. You know your way around numerous cities

You spent the week beforehand figuring out how to navigate the streets and memorized the bus and metro schedules. You walked around these cities like you grew up there.

9. You have enough #TBTs to last a lifetime

I mean, hell, you could start doing throwback Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and you still wouldn't run out of pictures.

10. You miss eating your bodyweight in gelato

It quickly became a normal part of your daily diet.

11. You often found yourself getting lost in a new city

Depite all your careful planning you found yourself getting lost every now and then but always made the best of it and often had more fun than you thought you would wandering the streets of a strange city at 3 am.

12. You spent way too much money on souvenirs

You told yourself Okay I'm only going to spend $30 today. Oh, but I need this. Wait, Mom would totally love that.

And then you had to figure out how to bring it all home.

13. You contemplated smuggling booze back into the US

"Oh how did that get into my carry-on Mr. Customs Employee? It's okay, I'll throw it out for you once I'm out of the airport. Sound like a plan."

14. You made friends with some locals

These people made your time abroad even more special and helped you figure out what was what on the menu, as well as told you about all the good clubs nearby.

15. You have endless pictures of you in front of iconic landmarks

I mean if you don't have a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower, did you even go to France?

16. You learned a lot about different cultures

Despite the fact that it took some time to adjust, you found yourself immersed in the local culture of whatever country you were studying in.

17. You walked everywhere

When public transportation seemed a bit too much for your college student budget it meant there was only one choice––walking. But hey, the Colosseum is only seven miles from your current location, so you'll be there in no time.

18. You have packing down to a science

Your weekly trips to somewhere new forced you to learn all different types of packing tricks and your friends from home are always coming to you for advice.

19. You kept some of the local currency as a souvenir

Because it's the easiest souvenir to get as long as it doesn't convert back to too much money in your home country.

20. You can't wait to be 21 so you can be legal again

The struggle is real.

21. You have the travel bug and can't wait for the chance to go back

You jump at any chance you get and are constantly talking about/planning your next trip.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178523
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5729
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451486
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22727
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments