Living in Europe is *Just like* Emily in Paris, right?

Spoiler Alert!

It isn’t. But for you, just maybe it is…

Emily in ParisTM is one of the few guilty pleasures I allow myself these days.  The clothes!  The shoes!! The man drama!!!  Emily seemingly has it all, even perfect bangs…

But, the best part of indulging in the show is the chats I have with my friends about just how unrealistic it all is.  When does Emily go to the gynecologist, while not speaking French? How has she not ended up in the emergency room from wearing those ridiculous (albeit amazing) shoes? Wait, how is she allowed to work?  (Ahhhh, the ever-elusive work permit….le sigh).

There is no doubt that living in Europe is super glamorous, sometimes.  I am writing this post as I sit  in a small café with the most delicious almond tart while trolley cars rumble past.  I have heard no less than 15 languages spoken today, and enjoyed a lazy day fueled by many teeny coffees.  In many ways, my life is the epitome of my European fantasy…

Until it isn’t.  The truth is, as every foreigner living abroad will tell you, my life has moments of frustration, anger, and even loneliness. Most days I would be lost without my European ‘framily’ whose experiences mimic my own but are also distinctly theirs.  We rant, vent, sometimes we even cry. Often we find ourselves rolling with laughter, tears running down our cheeks at the ridiculous of it all.  Making your life in a different country is rarely easy, and along the way, I’ve learned most good things seldom are.  While we each have our moments, we also come together to celebrate our successes, no matter how big, or small. I know these men and women are looking out for me, rooting for me, and will be there every time. (Thanks guys!)

However, the difficulties really appear when you make your full-time existence in a new country.  Thus, for participants in EBA, like many other study-abroad programs, it is unlikely you will encounter these difficulties.  Most of the headaches are eliminated for you…

--Housing (close your eyes, imagine a ‘Hunger Games’ scenario, now add a foreign language).  But at EBA, we pick you up directly from the airport and deliver you to your apartment.  And that apartment is filled with many comforts of home, while still maintaining authenticity to the home country.

--Setting up utilities (imagine all those questions…)  DONE.  We even help you get a SIM card for your phone (more on this later).

--Visas & Other Documents (this area is truly my only source of stress in Europe).  NO NEED.  As the EBA program is within the permitted 90 day tourist allowance, you don’t need a visa, residency cards, etc.  (Note: there is a possibility Americans will need to enroll in the ETIAS program in the coming years or months, but don’t worry, we will advise you on this).

—Learning the city . Every new place requires adjustments, and moving abroad is a big one. However, it will be So.Much.Easier. when you are living with people who are having a shared experience with you. Need to go to the supermarket, bring your phone, set to Google Translate, and make it an afternoon adventure. Want to explore a local castle, Google Maps and make it a day trip (I promise this post is not sponsored by Google…although…).

—Making connections. This can be hard, it often is. But you will be living and working with people who are going through the same things as you, at the same time. You will be working with many people who have also experienced similar transitions, and you can lean in to your friends, family and the EBA team to help you out. But, a little secret, you are stronger than you think. Also, you’ll be having so much fun, you will likely not even have time to feel lonely.

While spending an extended time away from home isn’t all roses and unicorns, you will have a wonderful support group in your fellow participants and the EBA Team.  Most of the challenges will be removed for you, so you can arrive, learn, live, and experience another corner of the globe.  And there will be plenty of Emily in ParisTM pinch-me-is-this-real moments (and maybe a little relationship drama too).  We can’t wait to hear all about them…