My thoughts on Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is required for many different majors at my school, especially fashion. However, I am no longer in a program that requires studying abroad. Nevertheless, I had every intention of going to Florence, Italy in the fall of 2018. I was so excited to be in Europe with all of my friends for four months. But as time went on, I realized that studying abroad really didn't work with my schedule. If I studied abroad, i would probably have to graduate a semester late. This is because one of the classes that I am required to take for my major is only offered in the fall. So instead of taking it fall of 2018, I would be taking it fall of 2019, my senior year. Taking that class so late would then make me have to take another class, also only offered in the fall, in the fall of 2020. I have a plan for myself and graduating late is not in that. Of course I am a little disappointed that I won't be taking weekend trips to Spain and Greece with my friends, but I have to be practical. Not studying abroad will also help me save money. Instead of using my money for food and other things, I can save it and use it for other goals that I want to accomplish while still in college. I also realized that I am not quite ready to be in another country, on another continent for four months. I am not ready to miss a thanksgiving. I don't think that I'm ready to travel outside of the United States without my family. With all of that being said, I believe I need to be mentally ready to go abroad alone. I want to live out my college career in the fullest. I want to be able to travel with no responsibilities haunting me along the way. I really don't want to be in Greece worrying about what communications homework I have due that Monday morning. I know a lot of people say they regret not studying abroad in college. But as a person who has been abroad before, I don't see this as a missed opportunity. I just see it as an opportunity that I'm not ready for. And I know that it isn't for me. Trust me, I have big plans whenever I get to Europe. I'm eager to plan and travel the world!