<p>Hi everyone, I'm new here. This post has probably been posted before, but I kind of want an opinion based on my personal experiences. I apologize for the post being so long! I guess I have a lot on my mind about this :)</p>
<p>I have mixed feelings about studying abroad. I went to a community college for two years on the west coast, and just transferred to university on the east coast. I would be studying abroad next fall, during my senior year. I am a premedical student, so I would be going to a premed program, the one I like is in my home country of Sweden. I haven't lived there since I was little so I think it would be interesting to study there.</p>
<p>However, there are a few issues I have with studying abroad:
1. I only have two years at my university, so spending a semester abroad would take away time from being here.
2. The prices.. $400 just to apply to the program seems insane.
3. I love the apartment I live in, but I would have to give up my apartment when I moved (no subletting allowed), and would have to deal with keeping my stuff somewhere while away, and then finding a new place when I return (would only need a five month lease, since I'll be moving back to the west coast upon graduation)
4. I would lose my job. I am a nanny, and if I were to study abroad they would have to find a new one, and I love my job and don't want to deal with finding a new one.
5. My boyfriend of almost five years might move out here next fall, if he is able to transfer to my university. Obviously, I would feel a little guilty leaving for Europe as he is moving here to be with me. However, at least I'd have somewhere to live when I got back!
6. Living with eight other students (if given housing) and sharing a kitchen doesn't sound like something for me. If I don't get housing, I have to deal with finding it on my own, and Sweden is expensive.
7. I have a very set schedule for my courses, I have each semester perfectly planned out (for premed req's, my major, and my minor), and am worried I'd be set back by studying abroad.</p>
<p>But it does seem like a great experience - good for medical school to say that I have done a premed program, and it would be fun to experience college in Europe.</p>
<p>If I don't do study abroad, I am going to attempt to do something over summer, like just travel to Sweden or do some kind of healthcare internship (very few summer study abroad options at my university). Any opinions?</p>