Why I Withdrew from Semester-Long Study Abroad

One of the hardest decisions I have made was when I withdrew from semester-long study abroad. Now, nearly nine years later, I still regret my decision, but even as a study abroad advisor I know that it was for the best. Read on for reflections on how a decision like this can have a lasting impact. | Study Abroad and Beyond This is hard to write, because my biggest regret in life was when I withdrew from study abroad.

(Actually, I have others, but this is definitely the biggest, especially given my current occupation!)

As with any student, my story of pursuing study abroad involved a long, sordid tale of ups and downs.

However, after interacting with students going through a similar experience, I’ve revisited the reasons why I ultimately did not study abroad for a semester.

Here is how I would have advised me lo these many years ago:

Why I Withdrew Reason 1: I needed to take 18 credits abroad

Becca, no. You won’t take 18 credits abroad.

You completed your course approval meeting and knew how my credits would transfer back to your home school, and after the enrollment period at the host university, you were only enrolled in 6 credits abroad (and you can still graduate on time once you are enrolled for enough credits to make you a full-time student).

This is not an absolute, non-negotiable outcome. You are going to enroll in more courses upon arrival. 6 credits isn’t full-time. And you’re an English major. That department collaborates with study abroad courses.

Why I Withdrew Reason 2: I was worried about how I would go for four months without an income source

Since this is an exchange and you are an in-state student, the number you are estimating is a little (lot) high. $20,000 for a semester is realistic for some destinations, but not yours. Let’s say $12,000 and call it even.

This is a concern for a lot of students, especially those with multiple part-time jobs. And didn’t you say you had a few, as well as a fairly healthy savings account? If you take the time you are abroad and focus on your education and experience, it will still be rewarding.

On another note, if you wanted to pursue a job while you are abroad, you can potentially do that with a different visa that you are eligible to apply to. So… Next question?

10 Ways to Save Money While Living Abroad

Why I Withdrew Reason 3: I was dating someone and knew the relationship was doomed, so I stayed (if this had been the only reason for withdrawal, I would have still gone)

Girl… I mean this in a supportive way… But maaaaaaaaaaybe you should think about your future… The one that isn’t with him. Carry on.

If it’s meant to be, it will be – and it will survive the time you are away. I know that four months seems like a long time, but it’s time for you to work on your future, to develop relationships with people from around the world, and truly experience independence.

Why I Withdrew Reason 4: I was worried about my housing and how hard it would be to find someone to take over my apartment (even though I was involved with international student support and knew one of the students I worked with would be willing to sublet my room…)

Students go through this all the time! You can certainly worry, but you haven’t even tried to get someone in your room and it’s November. Try a little harder. I mean this in the most supportive way.

Are you sure that there isn’t another reason for your withdrawal? Right now it sounds like you’re kind of reaching for excuses to not go… which is fine… but I want to help you!

Why I Withdrew Reason 5 – I had experienced a profound loss the April of my sophomore year (and I was going to study abroad the spring of my Junior year) and I had finally started having the post-traumatic stress around decision time.

This right here is reason enough to consider your study abroad for another time.

If you have experienced any trauma, anxiety, depression, or even eating disorders in the past, be sure to meet with your doctor, a counselor, an advisor, or someone to discuss a plan for when you are abroad. During study abroad programs, it is not uncommon for these latent emotions, actions, and reactions to resurface.

Have you spoken to the Counseling Center about this? No? Are you interested in making an appointment? No again? I would encourage you to take advantage of these services on-campus. They are here to help you, are familiar with your situation, and want nothing more than the best for you.

You need to take some time for you. And I understand wanting to be around to commemorate the first anniversary of that event.

Becca, I have to agree that you are probably not in the right mental state to go abroad. Plain and simple. (And the first few reasons are excuses, frankly.)

Related: The Funny Thing About Grief

…So I backed out.

In retrospect, I would have been okay abroad, but it was a much smarter, more cognizant option to withdraw.

I hope that students struggling with their decision to study abroad can think critically about their options and the impact of their withdrawal, but it is also important to consider all factors that might affect your experience abroad.

No matter what you choose, your study abroad advisor will support you and your decision.

Did you withdraw from studying abroad, or are you considering a withdrawal? Did you think about withdrawing and ended up on the program?