How COVID-19 Ruined Study Abroad

For anyone who's ever studied a language, one of the most exciting moments is getting to actually go to the country where they speak that language. Naturally, a French learner goes to France or another French speaking country. That person becomes immersed in the culture and environment and not only returns home with a new perspective on life, but also raises their speaking level and comprehension.

...Well that's how it was supposed to go.

For anyone whose in University right now and planned on studying abroad, your plans were most likely cancelled. If you didn't cancel plans yourself then your program was most likely forced to shut down. I myself planned on going to Taiwan this Summer. Although I had been learning Chinese for a while I never had the chance to go to Asia. I thought this was my year and this was my Summer. It would be me, my friends, and a whole lot of bubble tea. Except now it's me, my laptop, and tiring online classes. (Well I had to do something with the extra time). Not that I despise taking Summer classes or anything but I much rather be in a different country making new friends and having new experiences. Nevertheless, I have my neat protective glasses and I am ready to take on what the online classes have to offer.

But then I panicked, because like any other anxious college student on a budget, I had my four years mapped out perfectly. I chose the only moment where it was possible for me to go without interfering with internships and required classes. So then, if I don't go now when would I? I suppose I could go during winter break but that would be incredibly short and will circumstances even be better by then.

I don't know.

At that point I was compromising and trying to shuffle and go around the problem. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think about the huge opportunity that I had no choice but to miss. Many of my friends both in the U.S. and in Taiwan tried to encourage me. It's times like now when I needed them the most and it really did help. So now I'm not as upset about it because life goes on and I can only go forward. Instead of thinking about how cool it would have been if I were in Taiwan right now, I'm trying to make the time I have here in the States just as amazing.

As they say, where one door closes another one opens.

Do people actually have that saying? I've only ever heard my mom say it. Well regardless of who said it, the statement still serves true. If you think there is no door for you at all then create one! YOU GOT THIS. Plans go wrong and we can point fingers all we want or we can be proactive and find something that we can benefit from. So to all the people who could have been ordering a baguette in France right now, or to people looking to study in an environment completely different from what they're used to, don't give up now. Chin up, okay?

Let's think of this as something postponed for now.

And in the meantime I hope you have a safe Summer and make the best of it! As you might already know, the programs you were in were cancelled for your safety, which is the most important thing. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to keep yourself safe. Please do not do anything that would jeopardize your safety or anyone else's, especially in these times.

Thank you.