Are Long-Distance Relationships Possible?

Are Long-Distance Relationships Possible?

When studying abroad, keeping contact with those you love at home can be difficult, especially if you are over 5 hours apart in time zones. What do you do? Is it even possible? It may be stressful at times, but rest assured that relationships are possible, and no, I am not just speaking about significant others. This also resonates with relationships with family and friends. People change, that is essentially inevitable, but working through that change and communicating can make all of the difference.

Family

Family is the easiest and most difficult relationship to navigate while abroad, but why? It is because while you may not lose family like you lose friends or significant others, distance can put a strain on any family. At its worst, distance can tear families apart, which is why it is so difficult. On the flip side, it is the easiest because your family will always be there for you and can be there to support you in times of need. You cannot suddenly become unrelated to family, genetics are a thing!

But the question remains; can a long distance familial relationship work? Absolutely! Remember, they will still love you and support you. BUT, the key to maintaining this relationship is through communication. Even a message here and there or a video call once a week (or even month!) can keep families from not drifting apart.
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Friends

Friends, the ones that are always there for you.. Are they there still? Or do you still want them there? While studying abroad or just coming back, friendship dynamics can change because you yourself have changed during that time. This is completely normal; people can grow apart. And yes, that means even kindergarten buddies can grow apart as they get older. Remember to be kind but be honest with them too. Friends can talk though tough situations and be able to find some common ground.

So my answer is mostly yes. It really depends on the friendship dynamic you have before you even leave. If it is a toxic friend, it may actually be better to part ways. If this is a friend you do not ever want to lose, communication is key. Be sure to talk to your friend, good times or bad. Even if you are struggling with the friendship, talk it out. They may have some insight into what is going on too. It may be easy to give up on all of your friends at home, but do not do that either. Call them, text them, send them goofy Snaps, whichever. Your best friend from elementary can still be your best friend for life. 😊
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Significant Others

Ah yes, significant others. Leaving them to study abroad can be a struggle, you do not ever want to leave their side. But remember, you wanted to study abroad, so do not let someone hold you back on your dreams and goals. If they love you truly, they should still support you through it all. They do not have to agree with what you do, but they should still support you. Being away from your significant other can be challenging while abroad, and you may feel lonely a lot. Plus, there is the chance you may find someone else abroad.

The question lingers, is it possible to maintain a romantic relationship while apart? Absolutely! The same factor is involved here: communication. You cannot keep a significant other if you never speak. Also, be honest and open with them. If you feel the relationship is taking a different turn than what you would like, be sure to speak up. Even a text once a day can make a difference. They are possible, but you will just have to work to keep the spark going. Love will always find a way!


Coming home- Friends from Abroad

What about coming home and missing all the friends you made abroad? This happens all of the time too, and it can be quite challenging to overcome. Even just seeing someone who looks like them can send you through a whirlwind of emotions. These relationships are just as important; keeping international friends opens your life to multiple perspectives.

So like the rest, these relationships are possible, but please please communicate with them! If you never talk, chances are these relationships will deteriorate the quickest out of all of the relationships listed. If you want to keep a friend from abroad, all you have to do is talk to them. Or even tag them in a post on social media, anything to keep correspondence.


Based on your personal experience, are these relationships strong? Can they work? Comment below with your thoughts! If you disagree, be sure to leave a comment too, but remember to please be respectful.

-Steph

Financial Woes

After Nate’s most recent and supremely fabulous blog post, I was sorely tempted to follow the same trend today and do a piece on the Eurovision song contest just for giggles. However, after much debate (cough, ten minutes, cough) I decided to take a more serious note and focus on something that concerns every student in regards to education abroad: cost.

We’ve all heard (and most likely used) the phrase, “I’m just a poor college student". Yes, that’s accurate, considering that most of us are striving to make ends meet between paying our tuition, utility bills, rent, monthly food bill and more. It doesn’t help that over the last 20 years the cost of tuition has been steadily on the rise across the nation and yet salaries are decreasing across the board. For more on that fun topic check out this video. But that doesn't mean you cannot afford to study abroad.

Generally, advising appointments in the education abroad office go something like this: student is excited and thrilled to learn about adviser’s experiences, becomes even more ecstatic when we have narrowed down their program opportunities to two-three options, and then his/her facial expression reverts into one of consternation/terror when we show them a cost comparison sheet. Well, it’s my job next to wipe that sorrowful look off their face by informing them about all the grants, programs and scholarship opportunities available to students intending to study abroad.

                                                                                            (I know, repeat usage, but it's so accurate!)

First off, check out the Financial Resources page on the UW-Platteville education abroad site.

On that page you will find a gateway to get to program specific scholarships such as these following items!

The first item you should look into on that page is actually at the very bottom: the UW-Platteville Study Abroad Grant. Only for UW-Platteville students, this grant awards $300 to short term study abroad students and between $725-$1800. Now, you’re probably wondering where the catch is? The catch is, there isn’t one. All you have to do for this grant is meet the criteria, fill out a piece of paper, and assist at a few education abroad events upon your return. Easiest money you’ll ever earn, considering all those events are just opportunities to share your study abroad stories with fellow students. For more information on that grant check out this link.

 

I’m sure that while you were on the Financial Resources page you probably decided to terrify yourself and clicked open the Cost Comparison sheet. Don’t panic. Yes, those numbers are accurate, but no that does not mean you’ll spend $4,000 out of pocket during your study abroad program. Notice first that I specified by saying “out of pocket” and secondly realize that in that comparison sheet it only lists the UW-Platteville $1800 grant and financial aid as deductions. There is no mention of all the other possible scholarship opportunities targeted towards or looking for education abroad students.

Firstly, there are scholarships out there specifically targeted towards education abroad participants. I am going to name a few you should check out ASAP, but feel free to explore the internet and find other opportunities since the actual list is much, much longer. 

1)      The Gilman: Have you received a Pell Grant for the next academic year, are a student looking to develop yourself and others, and want a little extra monetary help doing so? Apply for the Gilman. They give out approximately 2,300 scholarships of $4000 each year, so as long as you fill in all the information and follow the program, you will most likely receive their assistance. For more details, check out this link.

2)      If you’re intending to study abroad in a more unusual country outside the Europe/Australia mix, then you should definitely apply for a Boren Scholarship. They will award up to $20,000 to each student based on his or her criteria and needs. For more information on that opportunity go to here.

3)      There is a fabulous site called studyabroad.com that has a “short list” of education abroad focused scholarships that can be found here.

Secondly, all the scholarships you would generally apply for regardless of whether you’re studying abroad or not will generally be more willing to award you money once they realize you’re studying abroad. Since we are living in a global economy, most of the companies that fund those scholarships want students to get familiar with intercultural communication and global learning. How better to do that than to study abroad?            

1)      As usual, I first recommend going to PASS all you UW-Platteville students and filling out the scholarships on there like normal. If you haven’t got that scheme down, check out this helpful list from the Financial Aid office.

2)      Next, if you didn’t know yet, there are complete search engines online dedicated to helping you find all those unusual scholarships put on by companies around the US and internationally that you’ve never heard of such as this lovely website.

3)      Lastly, stop into the Financial Aid Office in Brigham Hall since they have all sorts of tips, tricks and advice regarding not only how to find the best scholarships, but also how to successfully write your scholarship essays in order to receive all the fabulous free support.

There is still one more highly successful way to accumulate more funds towards your study abroad program: your family and community. No, I am not advising you to run around your home town with a your study abroad flyer and a coin cup begging for money, but countless students have approached their hometown companies, churches and interest groups requesting support towards their study abroad. Usually, the students present about their program before the trip and inform the supporters how the experiences will help the student improve as an individual, and then when they return they do another presentation on the how it all went and what they learned. I know I was personally too nervous to request support from my community, but if you have a comfortable relationship and are willing to give a few presentations, then I’m sure you’ll get that extra backing.

P.S.- Generally part of the Gilman Scholarship is some sort of community awareness project. Hint hint, that community outreach for support would most likely qualify.

Applying for all these grants and scholarships may seem daunting, but they will greatly help relieve your stress when you’re abroad because you won’t have to concern yourself with where you next rent bill will come from. So stay committed, fill out all the paperwork, and be prepared to accept everyone’s support. You’ll be surprised by how many people believe in and want to support you. They see what a success you currently are and how much greater you can become through education abroad. So let them help you.

Lastly, I just need you to promise me one thing now that we’ve discussed financial concerns at length. Never forget that although money is a key factor in your life, it should never deter you from living.