The Study Abroad Nightmare

When some people think of the word "nightmare", they think about a bad dream- I know I do. Usually, when I think about the word "nightmare", I imagine a recurring dream that I’ve had where I’m running away from something or someone in a dark alley and I’m moving in slow motion.

Prague, photo: CzechTourism

Today, when I think of the word "nightmare" it’s synonymous with going back to America In less than 10 days, my study abroad experience will end and I’m not looking forward to it. I’ll be going home to the busy streets of New York and a few weeks after, I’ll be drowning in the rigorous demands of my third year of university in Pennsylvania. It’s funny because until this week, I thought I was ready to go home. I remember about a month ago I couldn’t stop telling people how excited and ready I was to be back with my friends and family, but when I really sit down and think about it, I’m not. Some people in my study abroad program have had countdowns since October, countdowns that tell them to the minute of when their feet will touch American soil. I, on the other hand, have tried to take as much advantage of my time here as I could.

Some days felt harder than others when it came to immersing myself in my “new” Prague life, but I did it. I was able to create a new life for myself and since then, I’ve gained my perfect, everyday routine in Prague. The most basic form of my schedule consists of me taking the tram, taking the metro, going to class, going to my internship, and going home-- then I’m able to add in other activities. I have time in my day to go read in new coffee shops, get lunch in various places with friends, and explore places around Prague. An added bonus is that I always have enough time to go home and nap if I want to.

In Prague, I don't feel as overwhelmed as I do in America. I’m able to relax and although I get stressed about some things, my stress level is never as high as it is back home. When I think about going back to university in January, my mind forms the image of a large, dark, storm cloud coming over me. Don’t get me wrong, I love being at school and I’m excited to see my friends, but I’m worried about readjusting to the fast paced life that I left behind in May since I’ve adjusted to my relaxed life here.

I still can’t believe that my journey of 4 months in Prague has come to an end. Although I’m not sure if it’s been the best time of my life, I know it’s been freeing and it was needed. It sounds cliche, but I’ve learned a lot about myself in these past few months and I’ve changed for the better because of the experiences I’ve had in this city. Prague, I’m not saying goodbye to you because that would mean I’m never coming back, but instead I’m saying see you later.