Yes / No / Maybe / I don't KNOW!

[arwen_lune]

Okay, I am royally late with considering my study abroad options, but not too late yet. I can still go. I don't *have* to - there's an alternative program in my own school.

One of those difficult decisions...

Pro:
- I could go to Spain, and improve my spanish
- I'm doing an international study, being abroad is part of that.
- I could of think I *have* to... don't know why.
- It would be an adventure

Con:
- I don't really want to go away from Rowan for that long
- I worry about being on my own in a strange country where I don't speak (much of) the language
- Studying at home costs me enough energy as it is, I'm not sure about adding a whole new situation to it with little backup
- I worry about being lonely - I don't make friends easily. Or, at all.

Any input? I'm getting nervous about it, I only have a few days to decide...

Comments

[celandineb.livejournal.com]

I did study abroad, a year-long program, and got sufficiently homesick that I left about 2/3 of the way through. Luckily I was able to salvage some academic credit, and with a couple of summer courses, was still able to graduate on time. I was only 20 years old, then - now I have more emotional resources and it wouldn't be a problem in the same way, but it surely was then. On the other hand, looking back now I'm not sorry I did it, because I learned some things about myself.

All you can do is weigh the options and the way you feel about them, both good and bad, and then make the decision that feels most comfortable - though don't be afraid to challenge yourself.

(Not terribly helpful, I'm sure! Sorry!)

[green-knight.livejournal.com]

Only go if you really really want to go. Is there a country you have always wanted to see? Somewhere you feel drawn to, rather than 'should practice'?

When I was at Uni, I wasn't confident enough to go anywhere I didn't speak the language; but oodles of students do it each year, and they get looked after well by the respective universities. There tend to be strong communities of people in the same boat, and introductory courses; and *everybody* will want to set you up with other foreigners, which can be a bit of a hassle.

As for the little backup - there's bound to be afpers anywhere. Ask before you go - who's there, will they take you under their wings, and I'm certain they will.

I can't help with Rowan; I should _hate_ to be away from Crumbs for a year, but is there a situation where you trust that he will be looked after? Last but not least, with cheap flights, going home several times during that year will be possible.

And go somewhere on the coast. Barcelona, for instance, has a very large maritime museum and probably contains tall ships enthusiasts. So, I believe, has Lisbon. <dangles carrot>