To Go or Not to Go? Study Abroad Advice

[Bibble]

Friends, Neffers, Countrymen,

As a sophomore in college, I applied to a study abroad program at my school this past November. This particular program is the most expensive and most competitive the school has to offer. Specifically, it is an opportunity to study International Relations and Economics in Geneva and to travel around Europe in the Spring semester of my Junior year. Both my friend and I applied, but he was selected as an alternate while I was admitted into the program. (By alternate I mean that if some of the 16 people the director chose it decide they don't want to go, my friend is on the list of roughly 16 people who take their place (The director said that the acceptance rate was a little under 50%).)

While I was initially elated to have been selected, my joy has been turned to sorrow since learning that my friend may not be able to join me. I did not see this coming - I figured that if I got in he would as well, since his GPA is higher, he is proficient in Italian (My skills in Spanish are limited at best), and he is an RA. Besides these differences, we are more or less the same applicant as we share two other extracurriculars, have similar academic interests, and are both friendly guys.

As of now, I am totally distraught. He told me long ago that if I did not get in he would not go. I do not know anyone else who applied to the program, let alone who was accepted. I have 12 days to decide whether or not I will go. I really want to, but I don't know how it will be with 15 total strangers who probably know or are friends with at least one other person in the group. Worst of all, if I back out my friend might be admitted, which would ruin the whole point of me not wanting to go.

So, ATOT, what would you do in my situation? Have any of you studied abroad with/without people you knew? If so, what was your experience like. Thanks in advance.

Cliffs:
1) I got into the study abroad program I applied to (International Relations and Economics in Geneva), but my friend did not.
2) My friend is on the waiting list, which means if someone backs out he has a chance of getting in.
3) I do not know anyone else who was accepted (Perhaps someone I know applied, but I am unaware of it. Also, said person definitely won't be a good friend of mine.)
4) I have till Jan. 24 to tell the program director whether or not I'm going.
5) Do I accept admittance and hope my friend gets in or decline?

 

[her209]

See Eurotrip.

 

[AnyMal]

Do you have to pay extra or is everything covered for you? If it's free, go, don't think twice. If he is a real friend, he'll understand and be happy for you. If he gets mad, no big loss. Remember, friends come and go, but the memories of that trip will stay with you forever. Good luck.

 

[Nitemare]

Screw your friend, this is Europe

 

[josh0099]

Go you will meet people just like when you went to college in the first place...If you do not go you will regret it for the rest of your life...

 

[Bibble]

Originally posted by: AnyMal
Do you have to pay extra or is everything covered for you? If it's free, go, don't think twice. If he is a real friend, he'll understand and be happy for you. If he gets mad, no big loss. Remember, friends come and go, but the memories of that trip will stay with you forever. Good luck.

It costs roughly 6k more than a semester at school (including airfare, Eurail pass, food, other expenses), however since I already get financial aid the school will add this sum to my tuition when calculating how much aid I will get next year. In other words, since a little less than half of my expenses are covered by financial aid now, I expect to pay about 3k extra that semester.

Also, he is a very good friend and I seriously doubt he'll be angry or upset if I choose to go. Thanks for the good advice.

 

[CoachB]

My daughter spent a year abroad in Argentina as part of her International Studies degree program. I think she would tell you it was the best, most enlightening experience of her life. I understand the friend issue but a genuine friend would want you to have this experience. She left her boyfriend behind and everything has worked out well.

Should you go and he not, you can make the best of it by communicating often, sending lots of pics, keeping a journal, and generally sharing as much as you can long distance. And who knows, he may yet get accepted.

DO NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!!!

 

[rezinn]

Don't be a chump. Just go.

 

[mooglemania85]

Do you plan on living with this guy for the rest of your life?

If he's as good a friend as you say, he should be happy for you. He applied for the program as well, so he knows what a great opportunity it is. Instead of kicking yourself over why you were selected rather than what you feel is your more qualified friend, grow a pair and accept the spot.

 

[pyonir]

I spent 5 weeks abroad in college and knew no one before i left. I travelled to England then Ireland alone and the first day we all met we got together and went out for a few pints. One of the guys i met on that trip is still one of my best friends. So, in short, you'll meet people and develop friendships. Don't worry about that part of things. Oh, and everyone else on the trip had a "friend" with them or multiple friends. I was really the only one that didn't know anyone else.

So....GO.

 

[George P Burdell]

I am one semester away from graduation and the single biggest regret I have is not taking a semester of study abroad. You'll make your best friendships and get a lifetime of priceless memories.

Once you graduate and start working/go to grad school, you will never get a whole semester just to explore a new country/continent.

 

[meltdown75]

my rule of thumb with regard to these situations is if you are young enough and not tied down, you MUST go. no one i know has ever regretted an opportunity such as this and more than a few were apprehensive about doing it. whatever you decide, best of luck.

 

[Farang]

I studied abroad and it was the best decision I've ever made it my life. I did it my junior year, and was a bit disappointed I hadn't done it sooner (it was cheaper for me to study abroad and I'm a poli sci major so I could've screwed around foreign countries for 3 years instead of 1). Your friend will understand or he is not your friend, there is no reason to resent someone making a good decision for themselves. You will make friends on the trip. If you don't go you will always regret it, so if you're anything like me the decision is already made and you're going to go.

 

[aphex]

absolutely, without a doubt, GO

i was fortunate enough to study abroad twice; Hogeschool van Utrecht in the Netherlands back in 2002, then Oxford in 2005.

Both were extremely rewarding experiences that I will never forget.

 

[Balt]

I spent a semester in London, and it was absolutely some of the best times I've ever had. I didn't know a single person going over, but it didn't stop me from having a great time because I met a lot of new people who became friends.

If you can afford to do it with the terrible exchange rates we have now, then do it.

 

[scott916]

GO. Your friend simply isn't a friend if he tells you not to because he didn't get accepted. When I graduated from high school, I spent two weeks in Europe, and they were by far the best two weeks in my life. This experience will change you for the better, and you will be telling your grandkids stories from this trip some day.

 

[Mo0o]

Everyone i know who has gone on a study abroad trip says its one of the best experiences of their lives.

it sucks your firend isn't there but it's a great opportunity to meet new friends.

 

[irishScott]

My sister went to Morocco last year, made friends with literally everyone (there were 16 people), none of whom she previously knew.

Do it.

 

[Corporate Thug]

go and meet new friends.

 

[Kaieye]

Go

 

[secretanchitman]

go. you wont have a chance to do this until WAY later after college.

you wont regret it. although i am very fortunate that my parents take me with them on their trips around the world, europe is so beautiful, pretty, and drastically different than the usa. you'll love it!

 

[ThePresence]

I studied abroad, but I went with people I knew, so my experience is probably not much help to you.

 

[jai6638]

I'd say that you should definately go.. Its a once in a life time experience and you'll have a blast. Your friend will understand..

For the people who have gone, how do you guys land up meeting people in new countries if going alone? How do you meet up with fellow study-abroad students from your college?
Also, what countries would you guys recommend for an engineering student?

Thanks

 

[JulesMaximus]

Awesome opportunity. :thumbsup: I would not hesitate for a moment. Go for it!!!