What no one tells you about studying abroad

Ever since I started my college career at Arizona State University in the fall of 2013, I knew I wanted to study abroad. After taking the maximum course load for my first two years, meticulous planning, working two jobs to save up and what seemed like a never-ending stream of forms and applications, I was accepted into an exchange program at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England for the academic year.

Before I knew it, I was abroad. However, no amount of pre-departure meetings nor countless e-mails to my ever-so-tolerant advisor could have prepared me for the realities of studying abroad. Here are some of the things I’ve learned — life in another country isn’t as glamorous as you’ve been told.

You don’t get as much attention for being a foreigner as you’d think

When I first came abroad, every time I checked out at the grocery store, asked a classmate a question or spoke for any other reason, I was holding my breath, waiting for someone to make a comment about my accent. I was told that would be a good way to interest people and make friends. My accent was commented on exactly once in my first term abroad, and I’m pretty sure the person who mentioned it was drunk.

You quickly realize your host country is over-romanticized

When I tell people I’m studying in England, they probably think of the hustle and bustle of London, handsome British people with accents to die for, and drinking tea. Okay, maybe the tea part is totally true, but England isn’t just London. In fact, London is crowded, overwhelming and expensive, and I try to avoid it at all costs. While a lot of British people are easy on the eyes, the novelty of their accents wears off and it becomes something you’re used to. Plus, nobody cares about the royal family and it rains. A lot.

A typical day in Great Britain

Staying in touch with people back home is hard

When I came abroad, I was determined to see my friends often. With the seven-hour time difference and all of us having our own lives, however, it’s hard to set aside time to catch up. But it’s comforting to know they’re still with me in spirit, and you make plenty of other friends to share your experiences with.

Not every single day is filled with a life-altering experience

You’re not always on the go, setting out on adventures, meeting new people or having some meaningful cultural experience. The vast majority of studying abroad is just living… but in a different country. Which is great, don’t get me wrong, but it may not be as glamorous as other people think.

Even on a not-so-exciting day, at least I have my beautiful campus

You will set your expectations too high

While it’s strongly encouraged to see as much as you can during your time abroad, traveling can suck sometimes. I’ve been fined, lost items, slept in airports, missed trains, had a friend get seriously ill and much more. No amount of research and planning can prepare you for these kinds of curveballs, but you quickly learn to roll with the punches (trust me, if I can, so can you).

But all of these things are okay, because it makes me feel like I’m living this experience rather than just on vacation. Let’s be real, though: the miserable England weather ruins any chance of a ‘vacation’ vibe anyway.