20 Things I Learned Studying Abroad That I Never Learned in School

Most study abroad students decide to leave home in the hopes of learning something new, making incredible memories, and having a life changing experience. However, upon returning home, it can seem impossible to articulate just how your experiences abroad impacted you. After lots of reflection, here are my top 20 things I learned during my study abroad experience.

 1. How to speak Italian

As much as my 2 years of Italian in school taught me, I learned so much more so much faster in Italy, where I was able to practice my skills every day with locals.

2. To put down my cell phone

When you head out with a group of Italians, you will probably notice that no one takes out their phone for the duration of the meal. In my experience, Europeans aren’t as addicted to their phones as many people from the United States are, which serves as a valuable reminder to live in the moment.

3. Navigating public transportation…in a foreign country

Nothing will make you feel more like a capable human being than successfully navigating the Metro in Paris or busses in Italy. It may take a few tries to get right, but you quickly become a pro.

4. The importance of flexibility

Things happen. People get pickpocketed, busses break down, trains are late, and reservations fall through. However, you quickly learn that all of the mishaps that happen when traveling eventually work out, and sometimes for the best.

5. The art of planning

Booking all of your trips, flights, trains, hotels, and planes teaches you the art of planning. I learned how to create itineraries for day trips, weekends, and weeks outside of Florence, and how to maximize my time abroad. For the first time in my life I felt truly adult…ish.

6. Not all toilets are created equal

In the United States, all toilets are pretty much the same. When traveling, you learn very quickly that sometimes (many times) you will go to use the toilet only to discover there is no toilet paper, no seat, a strange flushing mechanism, or sometimes even just a hole in the ground. It may be jarring at first, but you WILL get over it.

7. How other people view the United States

When I studied abroad, my Italian class was filled with students from all over Europe, and it was fascinating to compare their views on US culture, politics, and citizens with my own personal experiences. Nothing will give you so much perspective on your own country than a conversation with someone with a different viewpoint.

8. How to avoid being an “Obnoxious American”

You will see them. All the time. Travelers talking 5 times louder than everyone around them (sometimes guilty) while loudly yelling ‘Murica and complaining about everything from the lack of ice in Italy to how “Back in America…we do ______ better.” You will also learn how to avoid projecting this image.

9. How to stay out until 4 AM and still make your 9 AM class

In the United States, most bars close around 2 AM, and even parties wind down at around 2 or 3. In Europe, bars and clubs are still popping until 3, 4, sometimes even 5 AM. At first staying out this late seemed insane to me, but I actually got used to it, and still managed to make it to class on time.

10. Calories don’t count

You’ve probably heard the expression “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” This is SO INACCURATE. A huge part of studying abroad is sampling the local cuisine, and I’ve never met a pizza, panino, or gelato I could say no to. When in doubt, just eat it. You can always work out when you go home.

11. Independence

I thought that moving away from my home in Illinois to school in California would have taught me how to be independent, but I gained a whole new reliance upon myself during my time studying abroad in Italy.

12. Not to be a diva

Not everything in a foreign country is just like the United States. Sometimes you will find yourself in a bad hostel, exhausted from traveling, with no Wi-Fi, washing your hair in a sink, and wearing the same clothes you’ve had on for 3 days. Traveling is not always glamorous, but it makes you appreciate the little things in life, like a hot shower or a comfy bed.

13. How to look like a local

Just kidding. You actually learn that you will probably never truly blend in and that people will almost immediately be able to tell you are a foreigner. However, if you do get mistaken for a local, congratulations, and please teach me your ways.

14. Experiences are worth more than money

I’d rather spend my money traveling than investing in the latest designer purse or nicest iPhone. While it is nice to splurge on things, the memories you have of what you did while you study abroad will far outstrip in value anything material item you can possess.

15. You don’t need television

I’ll be completely honest, back home I used to love watching TV and movies. I mean who can resist a night in with Netflix? However, during your time abroad, you learn that being out in the world and experiencing things, be it live music in a piazza or people watching in a café is the best entertainment of all.

16. Chain restaurants and stores are the worst

In Europe, so many stores, restaurants, and markets are small businesses, owned and operated by locals. I love going to my favorite café or panini place to be personally greeted by the owner who, more often than not, greets me by name and knows my order. This experience makes every transaction I have feel more personal, in contrast with the thousands of short, businesslike transactions we have with strangers on a daily basis back home.

17. How big the United States is

I have traveled all around the United States, but it wasn’t until I was on the Chunnel heading from Paris to London that the sheer size of the US really hit home. I was speaking to a couple and mentioned that I lived “only an hour away” from Chicago, which they thought was actually a large distance. In Europe, one or two hours’ drive can put you in a different country, speaking a completely different language, and using another currency.

18. Stop and smell the roses

In the United States, the pace of life is incredibly fast. I am always rushing around, on the go, or headed somewhere quickly. During my time in Europe, I’ve learned to slow down. It took me a while to adjust to the way Italians linger at a café, or slowly sit and eat a multi course meal. Now that I am used to it, I love this slower-paced lifestyle, and the better conversation and interaction that comes with it.

19. To appreciate non American coffee

Don’t get me wrong, I love Starbucks as much as the next girl. However, in Europe, I try to avoid ordering stereotypical “American” coffee, and opt for more local options. Nothing beats an after dinner espresso with friends.

20. No matter what, home will always be home

I fell in love with Italy when I studied abroad, so much so that I decided to move back after college. However, I will always truly feel that the United States is my home, even though Italy will always hold a special place in my heart.

How has your time abroad impacted you?