The struggles of coming back to campus after being abroad
So wait, you’re telling me I actually have to do this whole ‘school’ thing?
You’ve just had the time of your life “galavanting through Europe” and “finding yourself” while “eating everything in sight” and “exploring all day everyday.” I’m pretty sure I’ve used those exact phrases to describe my study abroad experience. Although I was very ready and excited to run back to JMU with open arms, there were a lot of things I took for-granted while studying abroad and adjusting has been no easy task.
The drinking age
If you’re 21, congrats. If you’re not, like me, then it’s pretty weird going to the grocery store and looking at all the wine you now can’t buy. In London, it’s very socially acceptable to take a lunch break at the pub with a beer (or three). If I did that in between my classes, I’m pretty sure I would be removed from the classroom.
Hearing everyone talk about events that happened while you were gone
Of course there is some FOMO. Missing College Game Day, adventures with your friends, sylly week or just funny things your friends did while you were gone is tough. You are torn between wishing you had been there too and trying to fit in with your new adventurous or funny stories.
Meanwhile, in Prague…
Driving???
Why America hasn’t gotten the whole public transportation thing down a little bit better is beyond me. I got into my car for the first time in 3 months and just sat. I was so used to jumping on the Underground and swiping my oyster card everyday that driving seemed very foreign (no pun intended) and kind of challenging.
You travel to a frat basement on the weekend and not another country
“Where do you want to go this weekend?!” no longer is asking about a country. It’s asking about a party or a mixer or someone’s house. I’ll have to admit that answering “Hmm maybe Italy, Spain or Prague” is a little bit more exciting.
People ask you how it was and all you can say is “amazing!”
I feel redundant giving everyone a similar answer when they ask me about how my time abroad was. I’m not quite sure how to sum up the best experience of my life in a sentence or two. Each day was something new that really broadened my horizons (but if I actually answered the question like that, I’m pretty sure my friends would laugh).
You have to sit and listen to lectures instead of going on outings
Time moves a whole lot slower in a classroom. You get really used to outings (aka a glorified field trip) and I think that it’s the way learning should be done. You are able to get so much more out of things when they aren’t simply words on PowerPoint. In addition, as much as I love ECL and Carrier, sitting in Starbucks across from the British Museum to do work was a lot more fun.
People getting tired of hearing your stories
To all of my friends, I am so sorry if I repeat the same things over and over or if I simply just don’t ever shut up about my time abroad. Thank you for always trying to listen and be as excited as I am about my stories. I’m very #blessed to be back in the land of Dukes and Chick-fil-a. H-burg, I’ve missed you!