Study Abroad

College Running Other Divisions

7 years ago 03/15/2017 7:06pm EDT

Hi Everyone,

I am having a tough time deciding whether or not to study abroad in the fall of my Senior year. When I signed up for the program I believed that I needed to get away from my school and from running too, but when I talk about it with my coach I am reminded of how well my season *could* go. I just missed All America at D3's for xc this past fall and I know that if my training goes well over the summer I have a great shot at getting it. However my legs have a different idea in mind. I have been out three times for 3+ weeks in the past year and a half and because of various injuries and as a result I missed both my Sophomore year cross country season and this past indoor season of my Junior year.

The program seems great and London seems like it would be easy enough to train. I just can't seem to convince myself that it is the best route, even with all the injuries. Any insight or similar experiences would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

7 years ago 03/15/2017 7:31pm EDT

re: nexc18

Tough call. Will you be able to run after you graduate? Maybe. Run XC with your team? Probably not.

Will you be able to study abroad after you graduate? Hard to say. Unless your job transfers you somewhere, you may not have another chance for spending 3-4 months abroad anytime soon. Study abroad - in a good program - can be a really great experience.

7 years ago 03/27/2017 9:10pm EDT

re: nexc18

Not really sure why you're debating this. If you were really close to All-American in XC I say you give it another shot. You have your entire life to go to London for vacation, but you have limited opportunities to represent your school, and to All-American. For the rest of your life you can say that you were an All-American. AA or bust brother. Its your last rodeo on the grass.

7 years ago 03/27/2017 9:58pm EDT

re: AA or bust

Gosh that's tough... I went during track season and it was great, but to go during Cross, that's a real sacrifice. I had a really positive experience abroad, although I went to Spain. So there were other benefits like strengthening language skills and tortilla. Study abroad is definitely something you will remember forever. It's not just a vacation (or it shouldn't be). It's not about seeing cool places, but more about putting yourself in a new environment and culture. With 3 or 4 months you do have a chance to make pretty decent relationships with locals and other internationals, that's what I enjoyed the most.

If you do go, you should know your training might suffer a bit. You only have so many days and nights there. The days are a good time to do the touristy stuff and see cool places. As far as the nights, that's the easiest time to meet new friends and other young people. I ran, but I wasn't able to stay healthy and build a base like I had planned to do before getting over there. So decide what is more important to you and valuable long term.

7 years ago 03/27/2017 10:40pm EDT

re: nexc18

nexc18 wrote:
Hi Everyone,
I am having a tough time deciding whether or not to study abroad in the fall of my Senior year. When I signed up for the program I believed that I needed to get away from my school and from running too, but when I talk about it with my coach I am reminded of how well my season *could* go. I just missed All America at D3's for xc this past fall and I know that if my training goes well over the summer I have a great shot at getting it. However my legs have a different idea in mind. I have been out three times for 3+ weeks in the past year and a half and because of various injuries and as a result I missed both my Sophomore year cross country season and this past indoor season of my Junior year.
The program seems great and London seems like it would be easy enough to train. I just can't seem to convince myself that it is the best route, even with all the injuries. Any insight or similar experiences would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Go during track

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