Reflection: 10 Things About Living Abroad

Is Thought Catalog the new Buzzfeed? I have seen many articles shared via Thought Catalog in the last few weeks, and this particular article has been popular among my study abroad friends: 10 Things About Living Abroad: No Turning Back

The title of the article says it all. Once I walked through security back in New Jersey, there really was no turning back. I held back tears as I repacked my bags, waved goodbye to my parents, and walked towards gate 92, into what would become one of the most memorable experiences of my life for many, many reasons.

1. Freedom
I had always claimed to be independent...but nothing says independence like throwing yourself into a foreign country. Different people, different customs, different language. Ready or not...you're going. And you have to run with it.

2. Watching your life at home pass by. 
It took me a while to realize I was living my same life, just in a different place. Studying abroad was a huge adjustment for me, and the first few weeks really blurred together. But once my friends began their semesters at home, it was easier to convince myself that this really wasn't all that different.

3. Math skills strengthen as you are always trying to convert your local currency to your home country.
I wouldn't say that my math skills have strengthened. I have, however, gotten very good at multiplying by two, in order to account for the extra money I will inevitably end up spending, or for the crappy exchange rate that just keeps rising.

4. Communication
It's a two way street, whether you like it or not. Throw multiple languages in there and it's a full-on traffic jam. Intercambios are challenging. Ordering out at restaurants is still a daunting task. But then there are times I can talk with a family at the park, help an elderly woman at the grocery store, and if I'm lucky, successfully complete one day without any Spanglish.

5. Stories
"You got locked in the bathroom? For two hours??" Enough said.

6. You realize little holidays and moments you didn't think mattered are the ones that make you the most homesick.
Birthdays. Thanksgiving. The first snow of the season. It really is the little things.

7. Growth
Mentally, emotionally, and physically. I've learned more by immersing myself in a new culture than I ever thought imaginable. I've made countless new friends and memories, sometimes while pushing myself to my absolute extremes. And then there's the Spanish eating schedule, exacerbated by living with a host family...

8. Adrenaline
How else was I expected to hit five cities in four days, sleeping only three nights? Everyone said the travel bug would get me (and then the legitimate travel bugs got me...that sure increased the adrenaline).

9. Patience
Relying on public transportation requires demands that you have patience. You can know every detail, but sometimes a wrench will still be thrown in your plans, and you have no choice but to go with the flow. With friends, with school, with travels. Patience truly is a virtue.

10. Having to say hello for the first time and having to say goodbye for the final time.
We'll just hold off on this one for a few more weeks....