“4 signs you should NOT study abroad”
by Varsity Tutors via “USA Today College”
As you likely realize, studying abroad is a popular educational experience. Many colleges and universities offer an array of interesting overseas programs, and they encourage their students to take advantage at least once during the course of their academic careers.
Study abroad programs range in duration from several days to a year — or, in rare instances, longer. They take place in virtually every country and on every continent (including Antarctica!).
You may wonder if you should study abroad, but before you begin packing your bags, check for the following four signs that may indicate an overseas experience is not for you.
1. You easily become homesick
Certain individuals simply do not enjoy being far from home for long periods of time. It can be difficult to leave your family members, friends—and pets!—for months or weeks. Prolonged feelings of homesickness can cause anxiety and emotional distress, which can sometimes lead to physical illness. None of this is pleasant to experience, especially if you are living abroad. These negative feelings can often be overcome with stress management techniques like deep breathing. It is also likely that you will have an instructor or classmates present on your trip who can help you cope with these feelings. However, you may wish to rethink an overseas experience if you have had persistent trouble with homesickness in the past.
2. You dislike change and uncertainty
Studying abroad will force you out of your comfort zone. Your day-to-day experiences, no matter how well planned, will be at least somewhat unpredictable as you attempt to navigate life in a foreign country. While overseas, you will likely encounter customs, food and languages far different from those to which you are accustomed. A dislike of change and uncertainty can contribute to stress, just like homesickness. If you are easily upset by unpredictable and unfamiliar situations, studying abroad is perhaps not the best idea. . . . .
Student Ramblings 