After being back in the U.S.A. for a couple weeks now, I have done some major reflecting on all of my experiences abroad. I began writing this post before I even left Spain, and finally with some free time I was able to finish it. So my friends, here is just a glimpse into the many things I learned on my trip abroad.
1. Not every day is a stroll in the park. Study abroad, in all it's glorified glory, is fun. It's rewarding. But what you see is the surface level, the pictures of beautiful places and cool activities. Sorry to break it to you, but there are bad days as well. Of course, I went to Spain with the expectation of everything being perfect, as the only glimpse into study abroad I had before was the same as everyone else- pictures, amazing stories, etc. But a few weeks in, I found myself questioning everything--coming to Spain, leaving my home, traveling alone. The first time I cried at night in my room I was so thrown off guard. You're not supposed to be crying, right? You're in Spain, I told myself. I thought something was wrong with me. But after speaking with my friends in Spain, I realized that this feeling was more or less normal. It's normal to have emotional ups and downs, like anywhere else in the world. I feel like I was especially prone to it there due to constant traveling, lack of sleep, missing my family and friends, etc. This is one thing that I learned quickly, and really changed my view of the glorified study abroad experience. (Disclaimer: Just because you have downs, doesn't mean the other 95% of the experience isn't amazing!!)
With That Being Said,
2. You will get homesick. I told myself I wouldn't. Two months from home? That's nothing. I could do that. But in all reality I will admit to being homesick now and then, especially near the end of the trip. I missed my friends, my family, my boyfriend, my cat--it seemed like they were an entire world away. I give so much credit to people who study abroad for an entire semester or even an entire year. As strong as I thought I was, I did end up getting homesick in the two months I was gone.
3. Bad things will inevitably happen. Like getting squawked at by a possessed woman on the Paris metro (she may or may not have put a curse on us?), getting seasick in an ancient river with only a 45 year old male teacher with you, and accidentally ordering a "really fat person" instead of pork in a Spanish restaurant. These things happen, you know?
4. We take a lot of things for granted. Water, electricity, air conditioning, big houses, big cars, free wifi, comfortable beds, public restrooms, the list goes on.
5. Fashion is its own culture. And the Spanish are good at it. Spanish women, and even men, are some of the most well-dressed human beings I have ever laid eyes on--even at 11 A.M. on a Tuesday. They know how to dress. And note to self: It is NEVER acceptable to leave the house wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt in Spain. Just don't do it.
6. Americans are just as fat as they say we are. I saw virtually no obese people in Europe. I'm sure they exist, but they are a rare breed. Much different from a trip down to the local Wal-Mart here in good old 'Merica.
7. Traveling in Europe is much more advanced, and cheap, than here. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the majority of U.S. public transportation systems either don't exist or merely suck. We need to invest in high-speed trains and cheap flights. That is Europe in a nutshell.
8. There are some amazing people out there. We hear about all these terrible people in the media: terrorists, child rapists, and mass shooters. I'm here to tell you that they make up about 1% of the world's population. In many places, people are very friendly and willing to help. So don't let that 1% scare you from exploring.
9. Never say no to travel. Whether it's for a day, a weekend, a month, or five years--travel as much as you can. Never say no to an opportunity to travel. It is worth every second and every penny (or euro or pound or whatever form of currency best fits the situation).
10. I regret nothing. I would go back to Spain in a heartbeat. In fact, I know I'll be back. I've fallen in love with such a beautiful country, and there is so much more to be explored. Not only in Spain, but the rest of the world. At 20 years old, some may consider me well-traveled. But my friends, this is only just the beginning.
