So, why doesn't studying abroad get you an international life?

So, why doesn't studying abroad get you an international life and why didn't any tell you that? I studied abroad for the experience of seeing a different part of the world with the goal of one day living like a "real person" abroad. At 20, my definition of a "real person" was someone who had a job and had responsibility, which was not me when I was in France... 

Fanta Fanta, don't ya wanna?!

I know many people majored in international business, or something like that with no clear, in my opinion, path forward to a paycheck. I thought to myself, "I am studying something that will at least get me a job, PLUS I've had some international experience. Surely I can get a job abroad??" I walked away thinking I could totes work abroad someday...

What they should tell you is, "You should get these types of experiences and exposure because it will probably make you a more self aware person." They should coach you that it's unrealistic to think you're going to be living in whatever country you want to for 2 years and they'll pay for you to come home to see your family... Apparently someone finally did a study on the benefits of studying abroad and it does make you more likely to get hired, but I wanted it to make me more likely to live abroad. Whaaaa #firstworlproblems 

If you want to have an international life, there are a lot of sacrifices. I feel like that part is left out. If you are American, you either dedicate your life to the goal of getting a decent international job, or you become a professional bum living and working at hostels or some other very unstable &/or risky life choices. 

I struggled emotionally for a long time, and probably still do, because I wanted to be free-spirited enough to take a chance and spend some time living/working in hostels. Not only would it have been bad for my liver, I couldn't justify the gap in my resume. Now is the time to show growth, but later is the time when you have too many responsibilities to bum around... Waaaahhhh #firstworldproblems 

Swimming in a fountain totes sets you up for life.

Then there's the career path route, which I took. I've discovered that companies do not provide as many international opportunities nor do they offer the amazing expat benefits I've heard so much about. I get it, I've been to business school. It is/was a total waste of money. There are capable people in most countries in which your company does business... That does not help me get an international job! Waaaahhhh #firstworldproblems I haven't given up hope, but I'm not getting a lot of encouragement.

Even though I feel the proverbial "they" weren't straight with me about the goals and benefits of studying abroad, I know I would be a different person without that experience. I am more self aware because of my time there. I believe that I am more appreciative of the moments in my life. I am more accepting of people different than me, I think. For these reasons, I strongly believe everyone should take a trip abroad, and experience the opportunity for self discovery.

I am sure the impact is probably different when you are 20 and finishing adolescence than if you are out of college. However, no matter the age, I believe that seeing other cultures opens your mind to differences and experiences you may have, otherwise, overlooked. I actually agree with the sentiment of the afore mentioned article, even if there's some flaw in their approach ("studies also show that students who studied abroad earned 25 percent more than their peers who did not study abroad" I have a feeling there might be some other factors ignored here, like the fact that if you study abroad, you can usually afford to study abroad and therefore may have some other societal odds in your favor)

My experiences were super professional...

I've come to terms with the fact that I may never have that glamorous, international job, but studying abroad exposes the splendor and awe in everyday life. My life in Atlanta is its own blend of excitement & normalcy... and much like Travis' dream to be an astronaut, I don't plan to give up on my dream to live internationally. Instead, I will spend the time and effort to create my career constellation that hopefully includes a star living in another country.