Should You Stay In A Relationship When You Study Abroad?
Studying abroad is an incredibly exciting experience that few students ever forget. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, make new friends, learn a new language, and grow in ways that you never thought possible. But what happens to your long-term relationship when you’re miles away from your partner for months on end?
Is it possible to maintain a healthy, loving relationship when you’re in different countries? The reality is that many students face this challenge, and it’s not an easy one.
Long-distance relationships can be incredibly challenging, and they require a lot of effort, communication, trust, and respect in order to succeed. So before you decide to stay in your relationship while studying abroad, there are a few things that you should consider.
The Difficulty of Long-Distance Relationships
Let’s be honest – long-distance relationships are tough. When you’re in different time zones, you’re faced with the challenge of finding time to communicate with each other.
You’ll need to decide on a communication plan that works for both of you, whether that’s daily video calls or weekly emails. And even if you do manage to communicate regularly, it can be hard to feel connected when you’re not physically together.
The distance can also create strain in your relationship. You might feel lonely or isolated without your partner. You might start to feel jealous or insecure if you’re not sure what they’re doing or who they’re with. And if you’re in a different cultural environment, there might be cultural differences that you’re not used to dealing with.
Possibility of Maintaining the Relationship
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, it’s possible to maintain a healthy, loving relationship if you’re willing to put in the effort. It’s important to remember that every relationship is different, and what works for one couple might not work for another.
Factors That Can Contribute to the Success of a Long-Distance Relationship:
- Communication: It’s important to be open and honest with each other about your feelings, fears, and expectations. Regular communication can help you feel connected and help you work through any challenges that arise.
- Trust: Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and it’s even more important in a long-distance one. You need to be able to trust your partner to be faithful, to communicate honestly, and to be there for you when you need them.
- Respect: Respecting each other’s boundaries, values, and opinions is essential. You need to be able to respect each other’s independence and allow each other to grow and change, even if that means growing apart.
- Effort: Maintaining a long-distance relationship takes effort from both partners. You need to be willing to make time for each other, to listen to each other, and to be supportive of each other’s goals and dreams.
Can a Study Abroad Long-Distance Relationship Survive the Distance? The truth is, many study abroad long-distance relationships do survive the distance.
In fact, a 2015 survey of 1,127 study abroad alumni found that 18% of them had been in a long-distance relationship while studying abroad, and 72% of those relationships survived. So what makes a study abroad long-distance relationship successful?
Success Factors for a Study Abroad Long-Distance Relationship:
- Communication: As we’ve mentioned before, communication is key. You need to be willing to be open and honest with each other, and to make time for regular communication.
- Transparency: It’s important to be transparent about your feelings and your expectations. If something is bothering you, speak up! Don’t let things fester.
- Evolving Relationship: Your relationship might change while you’re studying abroad. You might grow apart, or you might grow closer. It’s important to be aware of these changes and to communicate about them.
Whether or not you decide to stay in your relationship while studying abroad is ultimately up to you. Just remember that maintaining a long-distance relationship takes effort, communication, trust, and respect. If you’re willing to put in the work, there’s no reason why your relationship can’t survive the distance.
How To Keep A Long Distance Relationship While Studying Abroad
Studying abroad can bring unparalleled experiences to an individual – exposure to different cultures, people, and experiences. However, with the excitement and benefits that come with studying abroad, there is also a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining a long-distance relationship with a significant other.
Despite the challenges, maintaining a healthy and strong relationship while studying abroad is very possible. Here are some practical tips on how to keep your long-distance relationship while studying abroad:
Importance of Honesty and Communication
- Communication and honesty are the backbone of any successful relationship, and that doesn’t change when studying abroad. Be open and honest about the challenges you both are facing and your expectations.
- Make sure to prioritize communication and have a set schedule for when to contact each other. Keep each other updated on your schedule and the things that you are doing.
- Voice your feelings and avoid burying issues, which could lead to bigger issues later.
Trust and Transparency
- Trust is critical in all relationships, but even more so in long-distance relationships. To maintain trust, be transparent with each other, and avoid hiding anything that could be hurtful, whether it’s a difficult conversation or not.
- Honesty builds trust, and trust builds confidence which is key to a long-lasting relationship.
Value of Visiting Each Other and Sharing Experiences
- It’s crucial to have time set aside to share experiences with one another. When planning your travel for the semester, consider setting aside some time to go and visit each other.
- Nothing beats the physical time spent together, and it shows your partner just how much you value and care for them. Share experiences via videos, pictures, and social media- it will make you feel like you are part of each other’s lives.
Balanced Approach to Staying in Touch
- Studying abroad requires some degree of balance between academic work, social involvement, and maintaining a long-distance relationship. It’s essential to have priorities that include leisure, hobbies, and spending time on your own or with others.
- But never forget that time with your partner is as essential as any other aspect of your life. Determine what works best for you, such as assigning specific times to chat or text, or maybe even a surprise video call.
Nurturing Patience and Caring in a Long-Distance Relationship
- Any successful long-distance relationship requires patience and care. Patience means having realistic expectations, allowing room for growth and development, acknowledging the efforts made and the obstacles faced.
- Maintain an open line of communication to maintain your relationship from both ends. Above all else, incorporate small gestures like sending your partner a care package, ordering food delivery for them, and writing letters to express your love and care.
FAQs
Managing a Long-Distance Relationship While Studying
Finding balance while studying abroad can be challenging, and even more so if you are also trying to maintain a long-distance relationship. One way to maintain balance is to build a schedule that includes time for academics, social interactions, and relationship maintenance.
Although it might not always be smooth, it’s essential to be adaptable as plans change.
Potential for Infidelity While Studying Abroad
There is always the temptation to cheat when studying abroad, especially in a new environment that you might never have visited before. But a long-distance relationship, despite having a higher risk of complications, can also grow stronger over time.
If temptations happen, it’s important to be honest with yourself and your partner, and always seek help if necessary. Therefore, it’s essential to establish clear boundaries with your partner to ensure that you are both on the same page.
Improving Intimacy in a Long-Distance Relationship
Building intimacy takes work, and it’s even more challenging when you’re in a long-distance relationship. Speak openly about your desires and expectations regarding your relationship.
Find creative ways to connect with one another, whether through video chat, conversation, or sharing ideas that interest you both – it’s important to take interests that involve both of you. The key is to stay open and maintain consistent communication, to build intimacy, and keep your relationship strong and healthy.
In conclusion, maintaining a long-distance relationship while studying abroad can be tough, but it’s definitely achievable. The most important factors in keeping your relationship healthy and strong are communication, trust, transparency, visitation, and incorporating small gestures of love and care.
Maintaining balance, adapting to a new environment, and being transparent with your partner are crucial to avoiding any temptations to cheat. With patience, understanding, and effort, a long-distance relationship has the potential to provide both of you with unique experiences and an opportunity to grow together.
