While studying abroad can induce many fears, the payoff will be worth it. Graphic by Anna Gritzenbach.
SAMUEL DEMIS | STAFF REPORTER | sademis@butler.edu
Study abroad programs are an excellent opportunity for Butler students to expand their education while immersing themselves in another culture. Learning new languages, customs and cultures can work wonders to improve confidence and expand one’s worldview.
However, the prospect of living in an unfamiliar place for a semester can seem daunting; moving from Indiana to Spain or Japan is a big step up from life in the Butler bubble. Regardless, if students can weather the initial storm of unfamiliarity, the reward will be great.
Fear: Homesickness
Fact: Homesickness while travelling is natural, but ultimately not too different from travelling for college. It may seem daunting at first, but the best way to get past those feelings is to meet new people and experience new places. Having friends to share the journey with makes everything easier.
Butler’s study abroad advisor, Bond St. John, explained how students typically cope with initial homesickness.
“Leaving your hometown to go anywhere is a big step in maturity,” St. John said. “I think the longer [that] students are [abroad], the more they get ingrained in their local area. They’ll meet people who are also studying abroad, so they’ll be surrounded not only by Americans but [also by] international students.”
The best way to beat homesickness is to find community. Something as simple as living in the same space can be a surefire way to do so.
Junior criminology-psychology major Savannah Sacino also spoke about how she adjusted to living abroad.
“I was worried I would not find any friends [in] the program, but I shared a small apartment with a group of girls and [we] got close really quickly,” Sacino said. “We had all the same classes, and we had to figure everything out culturally together, which really made the connection grow.”
Fear: Awkward living situations
Fact: There are numerous opportunities for housing abroad. St. John spoke about several different housing options, highlighting a wide variety of situations depending on the program.
“Some programs have residence halls not too different from Butler’s dorms,” St. John said. “In some you’ll stay in an apartment or flat in the city, and in some you’ll stay with a local family. If you’re going abroad with a friend, in almost every program I can think of, you’ll be able to request to live with them.”
Senior classics major Abby Ruble discussed her specific living arrangement.
“I lived in a place called Newark Hall in Nottingham,” Ruble said. “They had all sorts of options for meal plans and even room sizes. I went with one of the cheaper options, but I had my own bathroom, which was nice.”
Fear: Language barriers
Fact: It would be a smart decision to research and practice the local language before leaving for a semester abroad, perhaps by taking an entry-level class. While it can be scary to practice in the field, most foreigners would be happy to assist those who make an honest effort to communicate.
“It’s a bit difficult to be fully immersed in another culture when your brain is thinking in English and trying to translate on the fly,” Ruble said. “I visited Germany, and a waiter was talking to me really fast. I took German in high school, but I was just sitting there confused. All I had to say was ‘I’m sorry, could you repeat yourself?’ and he clarified.”
Butler offers several programs designed specifically for students who do not speak another language.
“We have programs built for Americans that don’t speak [a second language], or ones that at least have people who are able to speak English,” St. John said. “You’ll meet plenty of students abroad struggling through the same thing. We have resources to help prepare you before you travel.”
Fear: Tourist stereotypes
Fact: The “Rude American” stereotype is quite easy to overcome — do not be rude. By taking time to listen and be kind, others will get the impression of genuine curiosity about their culture, not of someone too prideful in American values to learn anything new.
“If you go to Germany, only speak English and refuse to try any German food, you are not getting anything out of the experience,” Ruble said. “You have to put in effort to immerse yourself and get involved in the community.”
It may feel silly to stumble through an unfamiliar language, but as long as it’s done earnestly, locals will be sympathetic.
“I quickly realized that most people in big cities like Rome know English,” Sacino said. “Everybody in the area was very accommodating to us. As long as we started by trying to speak Italian, they would answer our questions in English.”
Studying abroad can be a difficult experience. It will push people beyond anything familiar and challenge worldviews. Ultimately, the skills gained and the memories made are worth any initial discomfort; with a little bit of effort, anyone can overcome fear and make the most out of international travel.
