Writer Elizabeth Maxwell argues for a change in perspective on whether or not to study abroad.
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Writer Elizabeth Maxwell argues for a change in perspective on whether or not to study abroad.
It can be disheartening to watch friends and peers visit world famous landmarks while trudging through single-digit degrees to get to class.
Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center is one of the university’s most unique features, advertised to be just a bus ride from Vatican City. Each semester, around 230 students live and study nearly in sight of Rome’s historic center, according to the Loyola website.
It’s easy to become jealous of those studying abroad while living in Chicago for the spring semester. While we endure frigid temperatures and an absent sun, friends abroad fill social media with evidence of them sipping wine and admiring ancient architecture.
Though studying abroad can be a great experience, it isn’t a requirement of a rewarding college experience.
Instead, by staying in Chicago, students can form more concrete relationships with their peers, establish professional relationships for their future and get more accustomed to the city.
The wide-availability of study abroad programs has made the practice increasingly popular in recent decades. Over 300,000 Americans visit a foreign country through a school program every year, according to USA Study Abroad.
But even with a school program, not everyone has the ability to spend half a year across the world. They may not have the money for it, have work commitments they can’t leave behind or can’t fit it into their academic plan.
Attending class in another country, even at Loyola’s campus, can add on many extra expenses the student has to shoulder. The associated expectations of flying to neighboring cities, trying new restaurants and purchasing souvenirs can make it unfeasible — especially with the recent increase in tuition.
Even while attending college in the ‘90s, my parents weren’t able to find the time or budget to visit Europe until they were in their forties — something they said made them appreciate the sights even more.
Going abroad may also be irresponsible for some students with majors that require extreme dedication or obscure classes, making it hard to graduate on time.
For instance, nursing majors needing to complete clinicals often only have a small window they can break away from Chicago in.
Some people may also choose to not go abroad simply because they don’t want to be so far from home for such a long time.
The time difference alone can make the distance hard. It can strain relations with family and friends when one person’s day is already halfway over by the time the other wakes up.
With so many taking advantage of their chance to study abroad, it can feel like a mistake to stay in Chicago — but life shouldn’t be lived by giving into expectations you don’t want to follow, or comparing someone else’s experiences to your own.
Simply put, whatever your reason for not going abroad, there’s always time to explore the world.
Traveling to another country doesn’t need to be done while in school — in fact, it might even be more gratifying to go without the burden of classes.
While you’re suffering through sub-zero conditions, just remember your time to wander aimlessly across the world will come — if you want it to.
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