Why I Chose to Study Abroad in My Fourth Year
The Fear of Missing Out
When we think about studying abroad, many students imagine planning it during their second or third year of college. By our fourth year, most feel like the opportunity has passed.
There’s a common fear that going abroad during your final year means that you’re missing out on the final moments of your college experience. Things like seniors' events and time with friends, or even more career-related opportunities, such as internships and networking opportunities. Sometimes, it’s the fear of missing out on the comfort of the routine we’ve become so accustomed to in the past three years of university.
As a fourth-year student choosing to study abroad, I repeatedly was told by friends that they could never leave their last year and didn’t want to miss out on senior year. FOMO is already a major topic concern among college students, whether it be hanging out with friends, taking a day trip, or simply following familiar routines such as getting a coffee from your favorite shop. Bringing that into a much larger picture, the fear of missing out becomes even more heightened. It can feel as though you’re missing out on experiencing the traditional final year.
And I understood that fear completely. However, despite this so-called fear, studying abroad during my last year became one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve ever made.
Exploring one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, Park Güell
A Delayed Opportunity
Studying abroad has been a dream of mine since middle school. Learning that I could go abroad for months during my college years mesmerized me as I grew up. Especially as I knew I wanted to go into the fields of political science and international studies in my future, I envisioned myself learning outside the traditional classroom. However, timing and uncertainty made it difficult for me to make this dream happen earlier in college. By the time the clock struck and my fourth year was looming in the corner, I was wondering if I had missed my one chance.
I stressed about leaving my friends during our final year together and worried about putting myself behind professionally. Though I knew that I would regret not taking the opportunity to study in Barcelona, Spain, when I still could.
Some of my favorite days were spent wandering around Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
The Study and Internship Program
One of the biggest reasons why I didn’t let fear stop me was because of the CEA CAPA study and intern program that resonated with both my personal interests and professional goals. It offered more than just cultural immersion, travelling, and taking classes in another country. The program combined academics with real-world experience that felt more purposeful to my goals.
The internship component stood out to me as a fourth-year student who is extremely passionate about my future career. Being able to study abroad and intern at the same time helped me grow while also challenging me. Studying abroad supported my future goals as it emphasized skills that have become increasingly important in today’s global society, where cultural competency and adaptability are highly sought after. It gave me confidence that I was investing in personal development and my future career.
Growth Outside of Comfort Zone
It isn’t surprising to hear that studying abroad pushes students outside of their comfort zones. Many know that they’ll be forced to become more independent and adaptable when living in a completely different environment. Even everyday situations, such as navigating transportation and communicating between different languages, become elements for growth. I knew that I would be challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone when studying abroad.
What I did not realize was how the internship aspect of my study abroad program would affect me. Interning 20 hours per week tremendously improved my ability to manage my time more efficiently. Balancing academics, the internship, daily life, and travel on some weekends required more organization and discipline than I could have imagined. While it felt overwhelming at times, I knew I could always rein in any anxiety or stress by realizing how much fun my experiences would be. It made me more confident in my ability to handle unfamiliar situations, a skill I have brought back with me to my hometown and will continue to use in my future career as I pursue my master’s degree.
My internship significantly improved my writing and analytical skills as well due to the structure of my role. As a Geopolitical Research Intern, I was examining, evaluating, and translating policy documents for the Barcelona Metropolitan Strategic Plan.
Studying abroad during my fourth year prepared me for life after college more than staying at home would have.
One of my biggest fears was leaving my friends at home, though I was so lucky to create new connections with some of the people I met while abroad.
Gaining Something Different
Before leaving, I heavily focused on what I might be missing back home, so much so that I oftentimes overlooked all the chances of gaining something completely different abroad. While abroad, I was creating memories unlike any other. I was navigating new cities, meeting new people, and gaining a broader perspective of not just the world but myself as well.
I learned that I will always miss out on something no matter what decision I make. I chose to study abroad because I needed the growth I would face in the challenges that would approach me.
Visiting Montserrat on a day trip gave me some of the most beautiful views in Spain.
It’s Never Too Late
There is no perfect time to go abroad. Most of the students around me were third-year students, but the funny thing is that while I was a fourth-year student, my roommate was only a second-year student. I realized that growth does not require a strict schedule. In my case, as a senior, the opportunity did not expire simply because it was my last year. Many students think that they have to choose between enjoying their final year and studying abroad, but I chose both. My last year was meaningful and memorable both abroad and at home.
Studying abroad gave me the chance to travel independently, such as during this trip to Seville, showing me just how capable I can be.
For students who are hesitant to study abroad because of the fear of missing out, my advice is that it’s never too late to study and intern abroad. Don’t let FOMO stop you from experiencing something that can change your perspective, grow your resilience, and prepare you for your career. Instead, senior year might be the perfect time to study abroad.
This post was written by Dalya Dogru, an Alumni Ambassador from the University of California-Irvine who studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain.
