Hi! My name is Faye Tyschper and I am a second-year International Affairs student studying in Santiago, Chile for the Fall 2024 semester! I am just about halfway through my program, and have started to reflect on all of the amazing experiences I have already had, while also thinking about my goals for the rest of the semester. At this milestone, I have found myself in the midst of a seemingly endless slew of queries: Am I taking advantage of every opportunity? Should I be exploring more? What do I still need to do?
However, perhaps the most persistent question of them all is: am I studying abroad “right”? I’ve realized that my biggest fear is sitting on the plane in December, on my way back home to Chicago, thinking that my study abroad experience isn’t all that it “should have” been.
In terms of whether I am studying abroad “right” or not, the answer is no. Why? Because such a way doesn’t exist.
It’s easy to see the highlight reels on social media and immediately start to compare your study abroad experience with others as they travel to nearby countries, visit museums, see historic monuments, try Michelin-star restaurants, and think that you’re doing something wrong. But, trust me, this is not the case! Here, I’ve listed some of the most helpful mindset shifts I’ve adopted to stop the cycle of “study abroad comparison,” and focus on shaping my experience to be most conducive to my own personal and educational growth:
1. Recognizing differing interests: not everyone is interested in the same things, and this will have a huge impact on how people choose to spend their time! For example, I am not a hiker by any means, so when I see other people hiking up the Patagonia mountains, I ask myself: would I actually even enjoy that? Although it may yield less of an adrenaline rush, I’d much rather check out local artisanal shops and try traditional cuisine. Take some time to reflect on what your true interests are, and what brings you the most fulfillment.
2. Remember the “highlight reel” effect: it’s said time and time again, but social media only shows the highlights! You never know what someone’s experience is truly like behind a screen. So, why compare your every moment to another person’s best? Find small moments in your day to appreciate; whether that’s your commute to class, going to a coffee shop, or spending time with new friends!
3. Embrace uniqueness: everyone’s experience abroad is bound to be different - so you might as well find the positives in it! If you have a friend that’s studying abroad in a different country, for example, try to view your different experiences as a way to learn from each other. What are some of the main cultural differences you notice? What are some funny stories you can tell as you’ve tried to adapt to a new culture?
4. Quality over quantity: rather than focusing on doing as MUCH as you possibly can, make a list of what experiences are going to be the most meaningful to you in terms of reaching your semester goals. Academic life and cultural exploration is a lot to juggle, so prioritizing the quality of your experiences rather than just doing things to say that you did them will be much more fulfilling and decrease your chances of burnout.
5. Revisit why YOU chose YOUR program!: you didn’t just pick this program at random! There’s a reason why you chose the program and place that you did… try to reconnect with those reasons. It can be easy to get lost in the novelty of a new place and to distance yourself from the motives you wanted to study abroad to begin with. Reconnecting with these may help you develop a better sense of what your goals are for the semester, and provide you with a better understanding of what you may want to prioritize to achieve them.
All that being said, it’s important to note that these mindset shifts won’t happen overnight. Give yourself grace and time to adjust to your new routine, responsibilities, and relationships. If you catch yourself falling into the cycle of “study abroad comparison,” don’t be hard on yourself! Comparison is a natural part of how we perceive our own situations and those of others, so the best thing to do is just to acknowledge that it happened, and do your best to focus on your own goals going forward.
Remember, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to go about your study abroad experience, so try not to put pressure on yourself! This experience is one that YOU get to decide! If you stay true to your values and priorities, that is ALWAYS going to be the best way to ensure the most fulfilling experience.
By following your own path, looking back on your semester on the plane in December, you won’t be thinking about all that you COULD have done. Rather, you’ll find comfort in knowing that you made this experience your own. You now have an experience that will stick with you for a lifetime.
Faye Tyschper
Fall 2024
GW Chile - Spanish Track (GW Study Program)
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major