Moving overseas: students share their concerns before leaving the U.S.
More stories from Lauren Pantleo
A street like this one in Monschau, Germany can really demonstrate just how different life can look when living overseas.
Many families, especially those in the military, move year to year; however the move is typically stateside. In fact, according to The Future Children.org, “[Only] 5 percent [of the active forces] were stationed overseas.”
As many people know, living overseas is completely different than living in the States. There is a language barrier, the culture is completely different, and the geography is different.
Because of this, many students moving overseas often have questions.
Freshman Noah Honeycutt, who is moving to Germany, asked, “What is it like, how is it different, what is there to do, etc?”
Freshman Mailea Huber, who is headed to Rome, asked, “Is the language easy to learn or no?”
While it’s not easy to answer these specific questions, some students can offer advice.
Junior Jacob Best suggested, “Go out onto the economy and get to know your surroundings.”
Junior Holland Spears, who has lived in Europe for over three years, recommended “texting or emailing friends once a week.” In addition, she says to “enjoy things like zip lines in parks that you won’t get here without waivers.”
Moving away from friends is always hard, but even more so when you are going overseas. This is mainly because of different time zones.
Freshmen Reese Linder said, “The thing I [will] miss most is undoubtedly the people that I’m close with here and having a lot of people around.”
Before you leave, just take the time to plan ahead.
As Best suggested, “Do research before hand and be open to new things. It will be hard at first, but as time goes on you will learn to enjoy it.”
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Lauren Pantleo is in 10th grade. Her staff position on Periscope is Perspective Writer. She does track and was a competitive swimmer. Lauren enjoys music...
Alexa Mengenhauser • Oct 26, 2015 at 11:07 am
This is very interesting because I moved within the states for the first time this year and it is already such a different experience so I can’t imagine moving to a place with an entire new culture and language. However, I agree with the comments saying that there will be similarities anywhere you go and It’s also fun to switch it up a bit and learn about a new culture and way of living. I think if you keep an open mind moving across the country can be a great experience and opportunity to meet a whole new group of people. I think the best thing you can do is really immerse yourself in the culture with activities and getting involved at your school to really see what its like. It also can’t hurt to do some research ahead of time.
Gabriela Menendez • Oct 23, 2015 at 5:52 pm
Leaving the United States is so unlike any other experience that one could have ever known before, it is all about jumping in. A new culture, a new language, a new currency, everything is different, yet still the same. You can always find similarities when you look, and soon enough this new place feels better than home. What a great Q and A column to get advice on what it’s like outside the bubble that is the United States.
Anna Biddle • Sep 17, 2015 at 8:23 am
So many of the kids at CHS have unanswered questions like this and are left anxious about their next station every year. I think it would be really cool if we could set up some kind of advice column or Q & A session with war college students who have worries about where they are going to move. This article was a good start but it’s just the jumping off point.
Michaela McQuaig • May 26, 2015 at 11:23 pm
This offers a great perspective. While some people are envious of their ability to travel and live over seas, I do see where it can be hard for students to leave their friends or a “normal” way of life here in the U.S. Traveling gives great world experience, but I’m not sure that I would be happy with it having to move and attend school there for a short period of time
Julia Pantleo • May 18, 2015 at 2:13 pm
The zip lining bit is so true! You can do so many little things overseas that you can’t to here.
Parker Kendall • Apr 9, 2015 at 4:12 pm
This is interesting. I’ve never lived overseas, but i’ve had many friends who moved to europe through the military and their experiences are similar (although i havent heard about the ziplines!) Moving to anyplace new is hard, but as long as you stay in touch with those you left and continue to meet new people it can be a great experience!
Meg McMurdy • Apr 8, 2015 at 2:30 pm
I am so jealous of people who have the opportunities to live over seas in their childhood! I wish I had that opportunity. I cannot wait to go to travel on my own in the future!
Connor • Apr 7, 2015 at 8:12 am
I agree, it is hard to move out of the country and all of your friends, especially if it’s your first time. However, it is a good experience to be able to live in another country and live in and take in the culture. Many people are also accepting of Americans that move to their country and try to help them transition.
anonymous • Apr 1, 2015 at 9:46 am
I agree!!!! My favorite part about being a military family is riding the zip lines of all the different countries I’ve been in!!!!!!