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Studying Abroad Is An Unforgettable Experience, But These 8 Struggles Make It Challenging

It's not all just traveling the world!

Sophie Matthews

Feb 19, 2019

Villanova University

Studying Abroad Is An Unforgettable Experience, But These 8 Struggles Make It Challenging

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1. Time change.

Keeping in contact with friends and family is hard when you are so busy, but if you are in a country in a completely different time zone it makes it near impossible. When I wake up in the morning, everyone is in the middle of their sleep. When I go to bed, everyone's days are just beginning.

2. Having school work.

It's very hard to be school-focused when you are concentrated on what country you will be flying to next weekend. Despite the fact that your classes will most likely be easier than at home, you still have to try and put some effort in.

3. Spending money.

Everything is so expensive. Some cities are more expensive than others but you will find yourself spending thousands of dollars over the course of the semester if you are travelling a lot. Make sure you budget for this.

4. Staying active.

Sure, there are gyms in other countries, but finding the motivation to go everyday is a lot harder. You are in a completely new place and doing different things so making it to the gym probably won't be high on your to-do list.

5. Language barriers.

This won't apply for every country, but I am studying in Italy and went with no knowledge of the Italian language. I am slowly learning but trying to get around takes a lot of pointing at things and google translate.

6. Different paces of life.

The United States is a very unique place. Everyone is in a rush and does things as efficiently as possible. Most countries in Europe are not like this and it can be very frustrating. This takes a while to get used to.

7. Going out.

At school, usually people go out some Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. In European countries (and particularly Italy), the big nights are Tuesday and Thursday, along with Friday and Saturday. It is exhausting.

8. Having FOMO.

It hasn't been as bad as I expected, but it is sad seeing your friends at school doing things together when you can't be with them.

Despite these little negatives, it is still an experience everyone should have. These complaints of mine are nothing compared to all of the adventures you will have abroad!

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Studying Abroad Is An Unforgettable Experience, But These 8 Struggles Make It Challenging

It's not all just traveling the world!

In This Article:

1. Time change.

2. Having school work.

3. Spending money.

4. Staying active.

5. Language barriers.

6. Different paces of life.

7. Going out.

8. Having FOMO.

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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