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9 Emotional Stages Of Studying Abroad

From an American in Italy

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9 Emotional Stages Of Studying Abroad
Caro Strachan

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting experiences ever! However, leaving home and immersing yourself in a totally different culture means there are a million more emotions going on as well! If you've ever studied abroad, you can relate. If you plan to study abroad, then enjoy the GIFs expressing your future emotions.

1.Exhaustion. Sure you’re super pumped to be here, but let’s be honest, you just spent 28 hours sitting in airports & airplanes, not to mention the old dude who snored for an entire eight-hour flight. That bed is calling ya name!

2. Starvation. Yeah, the airplane food satisfied your hunger pains, but you need more than bland pasta, cheese, and crackers. Nap off the flight exhaustion hit the streets of your new home, and find real food pal!

3. Jet lag. It's real. It's awful. It passes….eventually. Don’t stress about it, you will get a good nights sleep after your body adjusts, typically within 3-5 days after arriving. Some people don’t even get jet lag, & if you’re one of those lucky people, I envy you. FOR REAL.

4. Dehydration. DRINK WATER. Water abroad (at least in many places in Europe) is not free in restaurants like in America. REMEMBER TO DRINK WATER. Whether you have to carry it with you or spend a few euros.

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5. “I’m lost.” As with any new place, you don’t know where the heck you’re going, and your sense of direction is off. Get a map, find some pals, walk around, and figure it out. Welcome to your new home!

6. Homesick/culture shock. Maybe you won’t get it, maybe you will, but feeling lost, sad, and confused is a common occurrence when studying abroad. Just remember to relax, it will pass. You may feel like giving up and going home, but if you give it time and adjust, you’ll be good dude!

7. Travel Bug. You’re abroad, and now more than ever you can travel for lower costs. Planning trips with your new buds is one of the most exciting parts about being abroad! You get to see the world with new people! Just remember that you also need to pay for stuff like transportation and FOOD!

8. Love. You’ll start to fall in love with everything you see while abroad because it's so different from what you’re used to. Take a lot of pictures, eat a lot of food, and experience as much as possible. (I'm studying abroad in Italy currently, so the pizza love is real.)

9. Family. Your abroad friends quickly become your new little family, and you will experience a LOT together. Cherish the people you meet and the time that you have with them, it’ll go quickly!

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