YOU. DON'T. HAVE. TO. TRAVEL. EVERY. WEEKEND

The weekends here in Barcelona have a rhythm: photos of friends in front of the Eiffel Tower ✨, snapshots of someone skiing in the Alps 🎿, captions from Amsterdam about how canals make everything prettier 🌷. 

And then there’s me: sitting at my desk, either studying, working, or finding solace in the café down the street ☕.

As an international and first-generation college student, I knew studying abroad would be a dream come true. But it’s also brought unexpected pressure—the kind you don’t see in the glossy travel brochures. Everyone seems to be jet-setting every weekend, ticking countries off their bucket lists like it’s a competition. Meanwhile, I feel the pull of responsibility.

It’s not that I don’t want to travel. I do! In fact, I have plans to visit my relatives and friends in other countries during spring break 🌍, and I’ve already mapped out a few nearby cities I hope to explore. But here’s the key: those plans come from my own desire, not because everyone else is doing it!

Let me say this loud and clear: you don’t have to travel every weekend to make the most of your study abroad experience.

The Pressure to Keep Up

I’ve had conversations with friends who feel the same. They see the weekend trips and spontaneous adventures on social media and feel like they’re missing out. The truth is, the pressure to constantly be on the go is exhausting. Traveling every weekend means constantly packing 🧳, navigating unfamiliar places, and playing catch-up on assignments during the week. That’s not sustainable for everyone, and that’s okay.

For students like me—balancing academics, part-time work, and the financial constraints of being a first-gen student—the idea of jet-setting nonstop can feel unrealistic. And yet, the pressure still lingers. It’s a strange guilt, like you’re squandering your time abroad if you’re not collecting passport stamps. 

But here’s the thing: studying abroad is about so much more than how many countries you visit.

Finding Value in Staying Put

Barcelona, for instance, is a treasure chest of art, history, and experiences 🎨. You don’t need to hop on a plane to find beauty and adventure. Every corner of this city has something to offer. On weekends when I’m not traveling, I find joy in exploring new neighborhoods, like El Born with its artsy vibe, or strolling through the endless stalls at Mercat de Sant Antoni.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about slowing down and taking in your host city. When I sit at Parc de la Ciutadella with a book 📖 or people-watch at a café over a cup of matcha latte, I feel just as connected to my experience abroad as I would if I were on a plane to another country.

And let’s not forget the friendships and connections you can build by staying local. It’s easier to nurture relationships when you’re not constantly in transit. Whether it’s bonding with newly made friends over dinner, joining a local language exchange 🗣️, or attending cultural events, staying put allows for deeper, more meaningful interactions.

Travel Smart, Not Fast

Of course, traveling while studying abroad is an incredible opportunity. But it’s important to make sure your travel plans align with your interests, energy, and budget—not the expectations of others. Instead of trying to cram in every major European city, consider shorter, more intentional trips.

For example, Spain alone is bursting with incredible destinations. You can take a weekend to explore the Moorish architecture of Granada, the beaches of Valencia 🏖️, or the Basque culture in San Sebastián. If you want to venture beyond Spain, nearby Portugal and Andorra are just a short journey away. A weekend in Porto or Lisbon offers rich cultural experiences without feeling rushed.

The key is to focus on quality over quantity. Pick places that excite you and give yourself the time to fully enjoy them. There’s no rule that says you have to do it all at once. Europe will still be here after your study abroad program ends, and future adventures will always be waiting.

A Study Abroad Experience That’s Yours

As a first-gen international student, I understand the importance of making the most of every opportunity. But it’s equally important to make those opportunities your own. No two study abroad journeys will look the same, and that’s what makes them special 💕.

If you’re feeling the weight of peer pressure, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to prioritize your studies, rest, or financial well-being. It’s okay to explore your host city and fall in love with the streets, sounds, and culture right where you are.

Traveling is just one part of the experience—not the whole. By detaching from the constant need to keep up with others, you allow yourself to find joy in the slower moments. You give yourself permission to create a study abroad story that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Your Host City Is Enough

Barcelona, or whichever city you’re in, is enough 🌟. There’s beauty in slowing down and appreciating what’s right in front of you. And when you do travel, let it come from a place of curiosity and excitement, not comparison.

So here’s my challenge to you (and myself): let’s reclaim our study abroad experience. Travel when it excites us. Stay put when it grounds us. Seek meaning, not miles.

Because when we detach from the noise of “everyone else,” we give ourselves space to create something even more extraordinary: a study abroad journey that’s authentically ours. 🌍

Your friend,

Chi