Study abroad is shoved down our throats the second we shuffle on to Brown’s campus as freshmen. As one of the 15 Juniors left – nay, abandoned – on campus this Spring, it is my responsibility to spearhead the war on study abroad and advocate for an extra semester on Brown’s beautiful and verdant campus in the greatest city in America: Providence, Rhode Island. Without further ado, here are six reasons to say no to study abroad and stay put in Providence.
The Food:
Unbeknownst to most, Providence is the food capital of the world. Baja’s offers authentic Mexican dishes like wet chimichangas, whilst Italy is just a stone’s throw away (hello, Federal Hill!). Brown Dining is no exception; where else can one enjoy unfettered access to a bubbling pot of ‘cheese sauce’ from 11-7:30 everyday? I can glug soda to my heart’s content as soon as the Ratty doors open and I am a better person for it. Nowhere else are people permitted to make such woefully poor health choices than in the United States of America. #landofthefree
The Retail Opportunities:
Unfortunately, American fashion has yet to wash up on Europe’s briny shores. One brave soldier ‘studying’ in Italy tells me that there is no Urban Outfitters (Thayer Street’s bastion of sophistication and style) in Bologna. Please send her love, strength, and any hand-me-downs in this trying time. Help make her dreams come true this February.
The Sights:
Europe is overwhelming. There is too much to do and too much to see; one grows exhausted just thinking about it. Happily, here on College Hill, we only have one museum, two good restaurants, and a handful of green spaces that have generously been labeled parks.
The People:
Americans are the friendliest people on Earth. I’ve been told it’s all fake but I couldn’t care less. You love my accent and I tolerate yours. In Providence, I am Hermione Granger. In Europe, I am sunburnt, loud, and unwilling to learn or speak the local language.
The Culture:
As I write this from my cinder block dorm room with Red Bubble posters falling off the sweating walls, I am comforted by the screech of automobiles roaring down Thayer. Perhaps a passenger in one such automobile will shoot a projectile at me if I dare to step outside in the sub-zero temperatures we’ve grown used to. Providence keeps me firmly on my toes, and I love her for it.
And finally,
My Own Personal Reasons
“As an international student, I’m already studying abroad, so it just didn’t make sense for me. Plus, I love campus! We only have another year and a half here so why not cherish every minute!”
To all the freshmen and sophomores lured to Brown by the promise of a semester in Paris or Madrid, I urge you to say NO to study abroad. If someone offers you study abroad, look them in the eye, say “No thank you” and leave the space immediately.
And to all my friends studying abroad, miss you love you please come back soon xoxo