"Study abroad!" ...they say.

During my college career, I had the privilege to study abroad on two separate occasions, in Ireland and Italy. I know what you’re probably thinking, “Wow, you must be so culturally competent, enlightened, and fluent in multiple languages.” While all of these things are true, that is not the purpose of this post. I am here to expose the reality of study abroad programs, something I wish I would’ve known myself.

I should preface this by saying that I am endlessly grateful for these experiences. I made several friendships that lasted all but two weeks after the trip ended, saw more cemeteries than I could’ve ever imagined (on both trips), and learned so much information that had absolutely nothing to do with the course I was enrolled in. Really, I am here to tell everyone that studying abroad through a school program is NOT what is it cracked up to be. The people need to know the truth!! Additionally, I hope this provides comfort for those of you who never had the chance to study abroad. I will note that had I known this information previously, it wouldn’t have changed my decision to go. I just think it’s funny and should be shared.

Let’s start with the people. Before both of my trips, I created these scenarios in my head where I would instantly become best friends with my classmates on the trip. These programs are usually compromised of various types of courses with students from surrounding schools. For some reason, it worked out that on both trips I had at least one friend that I was pretty close with. I actually remember being relatively bummed about this. I wanted to be on my own. You know? Just trying to find myself, man. I’m just sooooo cool and independent, bro. By the ends of my trips, I realized that I probably would’ve flown 7 hours back home by myself if I had not had a friend there. I was shocked and surprised to find out that people on study abroad trips are actually really lame! Who would’ve thought? I know this sounds like a very judgmental statement, but let me explain. I have a story that will validate this seemingly harsh statement.

Picture this: Rome, Italy. Wide-eyed and bushy tailed at breakfast, our professor announces that we have an opportunity to see Pope Francis. PAPA FRANCESCO!! I am not even Catholic but holy shit! (Pun intended.) My friend and I didn’t think twice about whether or not we would go. I remember thinking, “I will literally be set for life when I am asked to give a fun fact about myself from this day forward. “ Uhhhh, I’ve seen the Pope in Vatican City. Boom. Roasted. To my surprise, there were several people in my class that opted not to go. To even MORE of a surprise, there were a few scoffs when my professor announced the departure time for this excursion to see the Pope. Excuse me? You’re going to complain about waking up early to see the Pope? While you’re in Rome? Why are you here? What is your purpose? Are you better than the Pope? Unfortunately, there were several other occasions where my classmates would choose to “hang out” in our dingy little hotel rather than exploring the city. ** Sigh ** To each their own, I suppose. Catch me out at the Piazza’s having myself a damn good time!

Next, the coursework. I am going to use my Ireland trip for this one. I honestly don’t know why I haven’t talked about this more because it makes for a great story the more that I reflect on it. For some reason or another, my awesome professor in Ireland didn’t plan anything for us to do! Thanks, Robert! Rather than letting us hit the pubs during the day, he decided that it would be “a great opportunity” for the Occupational Therapy students to combine with the Agriculture class. Makes sense, right?! Totally relates! For the sake of my professor's job, I won’t disclose how much time we spent following the Agriculture class. You know, considering it had absolutely nothing to do with the actual class that I signed up for.

We visited many, many, farms, including a dairy farm. At one point, I was knee-high in a field, petting cows, and playing hop-scotch around giant piles of manure in my white Keds when I looked at my friend and asked, “What the fuck are we doing?” Oh, but it gets better. Or worse? After being in the field of cows, which I learned are called bovine, we went into a laboratory. I should’ve known that a laboratory and a dairy farm can’t be a good thing. Next thing I know, I am literally holding the uterus of a cow in my hand. Of course, I should mention that we were learning about artificial insemination in the dairy industry! This will be useful as an Occupational Therapist, I just KNOW it. Needless to say, I learned a lot on this trip that will benefit me as a future healthcare practitioner.

Lastly, I should mention the itinerary. Don’t get me wrong, I had minimal information about “what to see” in both of these places, but I will tell you that I would not have chosen to see 10+ cemeteries. Alas, that is just one of the downfalls about studying abroad through a program. You have limited say in what you do or where you go. When in Italy, I found myself sitting on some ancient ruins, just trying to stay awake after hours of walking around graves in the middle of winter. Don’t worry, I still made time for the important stuff, like the pubs! (Kidding, kidding...no I’m not.)

All of this is to say...study abroad programs are an experience of their own.