Overcoming study abroad FOMO

While most University of Michigan students spent the final days of August preparing for Welcome Week and the beginning of fall semester, I spent my time preparing to live in Germany for the coming year. Studying abroad has been a goal of mine since applying to college, and junior year felt like the perfect time to experience another part of the world. But from the time I first set my plans in motion, persistent reminders of the things I’d miss out on have kept me somewhat apprehensive. In spending the academic year elsewhere, I’d have to give up a whole year of football games, parties, club meetings, outings in Ann Arbor and, most importantly, time with my friends.

“Study abroad FOMO,” a feeling emerging from an overlap of preemptive homesickness and the fear of missing out, is something most students will have to wrestle with when they consider studying abroad. Studying abroad is often an exciting prospect, promising new environments, experiences and relationships. But as exciting as study abroad can be, it can be daunting to consider what you’re leaving behind. Will there be an overload of academic stress when you get back? Are there leadership or job opportunities on campus that you can’t find in another country? Will you be able to stay in contact with your closest friends? 

These questions and the reasoning that accompanies them are well-intentioned, but aimless. As the traditional college experience is limited to just four years, no one can have it all. Choosing to tudy abroad for a semester, or even a year, will always involve trade-offs. Accepting this fact does not make this dilemma any easier, though.

FOMO often comes with an understandably negative connotation. It’s a nagging feeling that you’re out of the loop or not living your life to its fullest potential. At its worst, FOMO contributes to a feeling of being left out even when you have little control over your situation. However, at its best, FOMO can be the motivating factor that challenges you to take on exciting and new opportunities in spite of what you’re missing out on.

Here’s the thing: When it comes to studying abroad and FOMO, you’re most likely going to feel it no matter what you choose. If you leave campus and study elsewhere, you’re going to miss the things that make your home university special. If you don’t, you might spend that extra time at home dwelling on what you’re missing abroad.

Ultimately, Ann Arbor, which comprises the majority of your college career, will still be there when you return home — the possibility of studying abroad might not be. When you can and want to, opt for the unique opportunity of studying abroad over another year at your home institution.

Of course, it’s not like making the decision with intention causes study abroad FOMO to evaporate completely. While I was confident in my decision far in advance of leaving for Germany, I still found myself questioning my choice and getting lost in anticipatory homesickness. At a certain point, I realized this was anxiety getting in the way. The prospect of living in a foreign country, improving my language skills and meeting new people was exciting, of course, but it was also nerve wracking. Instead of looking forward to my approaching adventure, I would get to thinking about what I’d miss at home and why it maybe wouldn’t be so bad to stay in the United States.

I’ve since found that dealing with study abroad FOMO requires a balance of excitement and acceptance. For those considering a study abroad program or already preparing to travel, think about the things you’d get excited about at your destination. That might mean visiting art museums and nearby scenic areas, or maybe joining clubs and taking part in activities in your new temporary home. What’s more: Think of all the people you’ll meet who could become — in addition to your friends at home — part of your close circle.

At the same time, students expecting to go abroad can take measures to appreciate the things they’ll miss before they depart. Spend extra time with your friends and make plans for how you’ll stay in touch. Visit your favorite places. Get a bite at your favorite restaurant. It may not make leaving home as simple as you’d want it to be, but taking it all in can make farewells that much easier.

Those interested in studying abroad shouldn’t hesitate to, at the very least, look further into programs that strike their interest. The Center for Global and Intercultural Study and Global Michigan are just a couple options where interested U-M students can explore and find more information. Furthermore, those with a program already in their cards shouldn’t let inklings of study abroad FOMO discourage them.

With the University’s role status as a national leader in students studying abroad, you’re far from the only person leaving Ann Arbor for a semester or two. Take in what you’ll miss and look forward to the new things you’ll encounter — the football games and sticky frat floors will still be there when you get back to your home campus.

Audra Woehle is an Opinion Columnist currently studying abroad in Freiburg, Germany. Her column, “Audra Abroad,” runs bi-weekly on Thursdays. She can be reached at awoehle@umich.edu.

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