Study abroad is every college student's dream. After all, when else in your life are you going to have the opportunity to just put your life on pause and live in a foreign country? I recently spent a month studying in Cannes, France, and it was easily the best month of my life. However, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and study abroad is no exception. For many, returning to the United States is just as hard as adjusting to life in a foreign country. Here are 6 GIFs that describe the dreaded return from study abroad.
Stage 1: Adding Facebook friends
One of the hardest parts of leaving study abroad is having to say goodbye to all of the friends you made. In an attempt to soften the blow of saying goodbye, you add them all on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat and promise to stay in touch.
Stage 2: Denial
I am NOT getting on that plane. You may have found yourself repeating this line to yourself and those around you while trying to come up with a good enough reason to stay for another few weeks.
Stage 3: Tears
Sadly, despite your best efforts, you weren't able to convince your parents to let you stay and are forced to say goodbye to the people who have been by your side since day one. This is, of course, filled with lots of hugs and (if you're a girl) some tears.
Stage 4: Jet lag
All of your friends and family want to hang out with you and hear about your trip, but all you want to do is sleep.
Stage 5: Reverse culture shock/depression
Once the jet lag wears off, reality hits you. What do you mean the Mediterranean Sea isn't right across the street from me anymore? What am I supposed to do with my life?? You're now forced to spend your days thinking about your dreams instead of living them.
Stage 6: Talking non-stop about your travels
Your friends start rolling their eyes when you open your mouth because almost every story you tell starts with, "This one time when I was abroad..."
Study abroad is definitely a once in a lifetime experience, and despite the emotional roller coaster of returning to the United States, you wouldn't trade it for anything.
