How To… Feel Sound Studying Abroad
By: Declyn Keiser
Last semester, I was lucky enough to study abroad in Florence, Italy, with my best friends and travel all around Europe. It was the most incredible experience of my life, being able to see these new places I could have only dreamed of visiting before. There was so much freedom, only having classes four days a week and traveling wherever I wanted every weekend. Amidst all of the free will was also a lot of heartache; missing my family, my boyfriend, and home. Studying abroad was an out-of-this-world opportunity, but it was also the most challenging semester of my college career.
I came to Marist knowing I wanted to study abroad in Florence ever since I heard about the Marist Italy semester abroad program. It sounded like a no-brainer, living in Italy, touring all of Europe, and still taking classes that counted towards my Fashion Merchandising major. All I heard during my freshman and sophomore years was how amazing Florence is, with the vibrant nightlife and how easy the travel is. Everyone I knew seemed to have the time of their lives, saying they wish they could go back or that they’ll visit me the second I get there. Since I only heard good things, I never really considered how difficult it would be to live in a different country and to learn a different language.
Studying abroad, in all honesty, is not meant for everyone. There is immense pressure to go and see the world because you’re only this young once, but the truth is, 16 weeks is a long time to be away from the people and lifestyle you know. It is hard to say goodbye to the people you love, to jump on a plane for 10 hours, and to end up in a place where the only people you know are your closest college friends and people you’ve seen in your classes. The time difference of six hours (from Poughkeepsie) also makes it tough to contact your friends back at school. It feels lonely, having such limited time to talk to your friends and family while traveling from country to country. There’s also a strong sense of guilt, seeing such beautiful sights that most people go their whole lives without being able to see.
The most important thing you can do is to prioritize your well-being. Make time for yourself and schedule time to talk with your loved ones back home. This is especially useful if you're in a long-distance relationship. It’s also really helpful to have time just to sit and chill with your friends amidst all the clubbing and going out. Sometimes it feels like there is so much to do and see, it’s nice to sit and appreciate being there together. It’s also perfectly fine to skip out on a night out and not give in to the pressure of constant partying. Florence can get overwhelming, but if you're there with people you care about and who genuinely support you, it can be the best semester of your college experience
Overall, I had the most fun and lively semester in Florence, and I learned so much about how to manage my time, balance work with friends, and put myself first in times where it was necessary. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m grateful that I pushed myself to do it. If you’re considering going abroad, I highly recommend it, but as cliche as it sounds, you should make a Pro/Con chart that’s unique to you before you decide. Studying abroad is such an incredible experience where you can learn so much about yourself and other cultures, but it should not cost you your mental health and wellness.
