TL/DR –
The article discusses the humorous stereotypes of students returning after a study abroad experience in Europe, who exhibit behaviors like constant bragging about their experiences, posting constantly on social media, and expressing a disdain for their home lifestyle. The writer shares anecdotes about friends who have returned from studying abroad and provides different ways to playfully challenge their newly adopted attitudes and behaviors. The author encourages readers to “mess with” these returned students and reminds those who have studied abroad to practice self-awareness and restraint in flaunting their experiences.
Study Abroad Students: Real Experiences or Annoying Oversharing?
Each year, thousands of ASU students set off for a study abroad experience, with many heading to Europe. While some return with a refreshed outlook, others notoriously evolve into insufferable conversation-starters, with their sentences often beginning with, “back when I was in Europe…”.
These aspiring global citizens boast about their enriching experiences abroad, claiming academic challenges, fluency in the local language, and an appreciation for their host families’ simple lives. Their social media platforms often transform into a travelogue, filled with images of artisanal bread, charming bridges, and cobblestone streets.
These shared experiences often exceed their time in Europe, continuing to be a topic of discussion when they return to the States. Unsurprisingly, their stories of exploration and discoveries often irritate those who didn’t get the chance to study abroad.
Irresistible Opportunities for Light-Hearted Revenge
In response, it’s easy to have a bit of fun. Consider my friend Emma, who spent most of her study abroad time hopping around Europe clubbing, and very little time studying in Florence. When she went on her usual Europe-themed tirade, another friend and I concocted exaggerated stories about our semester at ASU, effectively silencing Emma’s Europe-related chatter.
Then there’s Joe, a history major who fancied himself as an intellectual after spending a semester in Spain. Filling his conversation with museum visits and spectacular artworks, he played into the stereotype of a sensitive thinker. However, a gentle correction about a famous painter’s era quickly brought him back down to earth.
The Euro-centered Lifestyle and Its Discontents
Some study abroad returnees find the European lifestyle so appealing that they express a desire never to return to the U.S. They romanticize the idea of becoming expatriates and often lament the shortcomings of American life. Take my friend, Harper, who is planning to move to Ireland after graduation. To keep her grounded, I often bring up U.S. politics and the importance of civic duty, effectively bursting her Euro-centric bubble.
A Lesson for Study Abroad Returnees
If you are dealing with a study abroad returnee, it helps to identify their archetype and prepare for their tales of overseas adventures. It’s equally important for study abroad students to remember that not everyone shares their fascination with their overseas experiences. So, a friendly piece of advice to them: please, keep it to yourself.
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