If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve likely seen the “glamorized” version of international education: weekend trips to the Swiss Alps, designer shopping sprees, and endless parties. But what is studying abroad really like when the cameras are off and you’re actually living the life of a student in a foreign country? As someone who spent a transformative spring semester in Rouen, France, I’ve learned that the reality is far more challenging—and ultimately more rewarding—than a 15-second clip can ever show.
Table of Contents
- TikTok vs. Reality: The Rouen Reality Check
- The “Boler in France” Experience: Academics in a Foreign Language
- The Emotional Journey: Loneliness, Language Barriers, and Homesickness
- Budget Travel & The Art of the “Personal Item”
- The Professional Edge: How Study Abroad Boosts Your Resume
- A Typical Day in Rouen, France
- Top 3 No-Nonsense Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
TikTok vs. Reality: The Rouen Reality Check
Before leaving for my “Boler in France” program at the Boler College of Business, my head was filled with the highlight reels I’d seen on TikTok. I expected a semester of buying new clothes in Paris and dining at five-star restaurants every night. In reality, the experience was far more grounded. Here’s a quick comparison of the social media myth versus the actual experience of living in Rouen, to understand what is studying abroad really like:
| Topic | The “TikTok Filter” | The Rouen Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Luxurious weekend getaways with matching luggage. | Budget travel with a single “personal item” backpack. |
| Dining | Aesthetic cafes and five-star meals every night. | Budget-conscious meals to save money for travel. |
| Academics | Non-existent; the “study” part is a formality. | Full-time student workload with 5 classes and projects. |
| Logistics | Effortless movement between European cities. | Crowded, delayed trains and heavy reliance on public transit. |
The “Boler in France” Experience: Academics in a Foreign Language
My decision to go to Rouen was practical: as a business major with a French minor, this specific program ensured my credits transferred perfectly to my US transcript. I chose it because I loved France and wanted to immerse myself in the language, but I quickly realized that the “glam” life I saw online didn’t account for the massive culture shock of living in a city where English isn’t the primary language. For those looking for more guidance on academic success during their transition, check out these 13 pieces of advice for college students to be successful.
Many people forget that you are still a full-time student. I was enrolled in five business electives, and the workload didn’t stop just because I was in Europe. Managing homework, projects, and tests while trying to plan a weekend trip to another country is a massive balancing act. Doing all of this in a country where you don’t speak the native language of your professors adds a layer of difficulty that social media often ignores.
The Emotional Journey: Loneliness, Language Barriers, and Homesickness
One of the most honest answers to the question of what is studying abroad really like involves the emotional toll of being away from everything you know. I moved to France without any of my close friends or family, and at first, the silence was deafening. My initial interactions with new people felt surface-level and “get-to-know-you” style, which left me feeling incredibly lonely. I found myself constantly wishing I had a familiar face to share these massive life moments with—someone who already knew my stories and my sense of humor.
This isolation was compounded by the language barrier. Living in a city where English wasn’t the main language made even simple tasks like grocery shopping or asking for directions feel like a hurdle. It’s exhausting to be “on” all the time, trying to translate your thoughts while also navigating a new culture. There were moments toward the end where the homesickness hit hard; you’ve been away for so long that you start to ache for your house, your pets, and the ease of your native tongue. If you’re considering other unique destinations, you might find the experience of studying abroad in the Philippines to be an interesting contrast to the European experience.
However, this discomfort is exactly what forced me to grow. Because I didn’t have my usual support system to lean on, I had to build a new one. By the end of the semester, the roommate I barely knew at the start became one of my best friends in the world. You have to be okay with being lonely and uncomfortable at first to find those lifelong, deep-rooted bonds that only form when you’re pushed to your limits together.
Budget Travel & The Art of the “Personal Item”
Online, you see people with matching luggage sets. In Rouen, I learned the art of the “personal item.” To save money for more trips, I didn’t buy nice clothes or eat fancy meals. I wore the same outfits over and over again because I was traveling on a budget. I learned that you don’t need half of what you think you need. Packing light isn’t just a tip; it’s a survival strategy for the budget traveler. For more practical tips on managing your gear, these 10 packing hacks from a world traveler are a lifesaver for anyone navigating budget airlines.
The Professional Edge: How Study Abroad Boosts Your Resume
Beyond personal growth, studying abroad at the Boler College of Business provided me with a “professional edge” that is hard to replicate in a domestic classroom. Employers today are looking for **adaptability, intercultural communication, and problem-solving skills**—all of which are forged in the fires of international living. Navigating a foreign educational system and working on group projects with students from different cultural backgrounds has given me a global perspective that I now proudly feature on my resume. It shows that I can handle being uncomfortable and still deliver results.
A Typical Day in Rouen, France
To give you a real sense of what is studying abroad really like, here is a snapshot of my typical Tuesday in Rouen:
- 8:00 AM: Wake up and navigate the crowded public transit to the Boler campus.
- 9:30 AM: Business elective class (entirely in French/English mix).
- 12:30 PM: A quick, budget-friendly lunch with my roommate—often discussing our next weekend trip.
- 2:00 PM: Library session to stay on top of my five classes.
- 5:00 PM: Grocery shopping in the city center (practicing my French with the locals).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at home and catching up with family via FaceTime (the cure for homesickness!).
Top 3 No-Nonsense Tips for Success
- Pack Light: You truly won’t wear half of what you bring. Living with less showed me what I actually value.
- Build a Routine Early: Don’t just wing it. A routine that balances school, travel, and “me time” prevents burnout and aimlessness.
- Prepare to be Uncomfortable: Growth happens in the moments where things go wrong. Expect challenges, and you’ll be better equipped to handle them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is studying abroad as expensive as it looks on TikTok?
No. By choosing budget travel, packing light, and skipping luxury meals, you can see the world without breaking the bank.
How do you handle the language barrier?
It’s a big adjustment, especially in cities like Rouen. However, being forced to use the language is the fastest way to learn and adapt.
What is the biggest challenge of studying abroad?
The initial loneliness of being away from your support system is the biggest hurdle. But this challenge is also the biggest opportunity for personal growth.
Do you actually have to study while abroad?
Yes! You are a full-time student. Balancing five classes with travel requires discipline and a solid routine.
Does studying abroad help your career?
Absolutely. It builds adaptability, intercultural communication, and a global perspective that employers highly value.
