Study abroad cancelled - what to do next?

I was going to study abroad in Boston this semester, but my visa didn't come in time. In fact, my visa still hasn't arrived over 3 months later. It's an unfortunate situation as I've been working towards this for the past year. My university won't let me do the study abroad placement at a later date, so I have lost my chance to experience living and studying in a different country. I chose to do my degree at the university because of the study abroad opportunities, and I'm struggling to feel motivated now that the dream is gone.

I see other people on their semester abroad, and it rubs salt in the wound further as I feel so jealous. This is likely compounded by caring responsibilities and health issues that I've had to deal with over the past year. It feels like I'm not having the uni experience everyone talks about. I'm involved in societies and active on campus, but I still feel crushed by this set-back.

I know it's a first world problem and, ultimately, it only matters that I get a degree. Has anyone else had their study abroad placement cancelled? How do you move on and stay motivated?

Reply 1

McGinger

Do you knowd for certain that its cancelled?
What have your Uni offered you instead?

Reply 2

mcmm1

Original post by McGinger

Do you knowd for certain that its cancelled?
What have your Uni offered you instead?

Definitely cancelled. The host university understandably weren't willing to wait past the deadline of the 27th of January, but they offered a place for me next year. My home university have said no to 3rd year offer because this would be my final year. They've also said there's nothing they can do as this is an exceptional circumstance, and that there's no other option for me to take.

Honestly, this entire situation has soured my view of my university as they forgot to register me on backup home courses as they stated they would in my study abroad agreement. This caused tons of issues and delayed my start to the semester by 4 weeks, so I'm playing catch-up at the minute but luckily my lecturers are being understanding.

Reply 3

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by mcmm1

I was going to study abroad in Boston this semester, but my visa didn't come in time. In fact, my visa still hasn't arrived over 3 months later. It's an unfortunate situation as I've been working towards this for the past year. My university won't let me do the study abroad placement at a later date, so I have lost my chance to experience living and studying in a different country. I chose to do my degree at the university because of the study abroad opportunities, and I'm struggling to feel motivated now that the dream is gone.
I see other people on their semester abroad, and it rubs salt in the wound further as I feel so jealous. This is likely compounded by caring responsibilities and health issues that I've had to deal with over the past year. It feels like I'm not having the uni experience everyone talks about. I'm involved in societies and active on campus, but I still feel crushed by this set-back.
I know it's a first world problem and, ultimately, it only matters that I get a degree. Has anyone else had their study abroad placement cancelled? How do you move on and stay motivated?

Hi there,

Its a real shame to hear this has happened and I'm sorry you've had to go through this.

If it helps, I had a couple of friends at uni who had the exact same experience and described very similar feelings to you, and so whilst this is really unfortunate, you're not alone.

What I would suggest for you to stay motivated would be to think back a year or two and look at how far you've come from sixth form. Even if you don't get to do your year abroad, you've still achieved so much and from the sounds of it on track to do really well at uni in spite of multiple setbacks.

I'd also recommend trying not to compare yourself to others. Doing a year abroad is not a deal-breaker for employment and everyone has a different and unique experience at uni which will lead them down a certain path that in the end they will come out pleased with. Even if this was not what you initially wanted to happen, you will find that unexpected doors will open up to you.

Also, just bear in mind that you obviously can still go abroad after you graduate if you were keen on travelling. How about taking a few months off after your graduation to travel? If you wanted to earn some money, would you be interested in Camp America or PGL or Siblu in France?

I am confident that this experience will make you stronger as a person - this does not need to define your uni experience. Just keep strong, carry on making the absolute most out of your uni experience like you have been doing and look ahead rather than back 🙂

I hope some of this helped and made sense - wishing you the best 🙂

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 4

Chester Student

Official Rep

Original post by mcmm1

I was going to study abroad in Boston this semester, but my visa didn't come in time. In fact, my visa still hasn't arrived over 3 months later. It's an unfortunate situation as I've been working towards this for the past year. My university won't let me do the study abroad placement at a later date, so I have lost my chance to experience living and studying in a different country. I chose to do my degree at the university because of the study abroad opportunities, and I'm struggling to feel motivated now that the dream is gone.
I see other people on their semester abroad, and it rubs salt in the wound further as I feel so jealous. This is likely compounded by caring responsibilities and health issues that I've had to deal with over the past year. It feels like I'm not having the uni experience everyone talks about. I'm involved in societies and active on campus, but I still feel crushed by this set-back.
I know it's a first world problem and, ultimately, it only matters that I get a degree. Has anyone else had their study abroad placement cancelled? How do you move on and stay motivated?

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you, it is such an unfortunate and frustrating situation. I know a few people who unfortunately couldn't go through with their plans, and it can be so disheartening.

I think it is important to remember just how hard you have worked to get where you are now. Even if you don't get to study abroad as part of this degree, you have consistently put the hard work in and got this far! You are so capable of completing your degree to a high standard, despite what has happened.

It's also okay to allow yourself to feel jealous, frustrated, and crushed, as you had high hopes and were strongly motivated towards making it happen. Disappointments can have huge impacts on our mental well-being! Taking time to think about what it could have been is normal, but make sure it doesn't impact your studies and other aspects of your life too much. If you feel it would help to talk, please do reach out to staff at your university or a professional.

It may help to keep your spirits high and motivate you to think about the future. As the Bath Rep mentioned, what kinds of opportunities are available for you after university? There is so much out there for you, so keep that in mind, and remember how far you have come! 🙂

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)