In this first article of the new year, I want to begin by giving an update about myself. Having endured a semester of vicious geese and conniving squirrels impeding my progress at every turn, I could no longer endure the pains of South Bend. Like a scorned prom date, I have left Notre Dame behind in favor of a semester in London, never to return (at least until the summer).

Will this mean that I will now become impeccably put together, eloquent of tongue, and insufferably pretentious? Yes, of course. Who could spend a semester abroad and not return with such an attitude? However, I thought that I should prepare you for this inevitable change that will take place within me, as it is a change that will no doubt affect your friends studying abroad as well.

The following is a list of suggestions on how to deal with a friend who is returning from a semester abroad:

  1. Understand that everything you do is by definition worse than whatever it is they did in Europe. Do not fight it. Accept it.
  1. The way you pronounce normal words like “croissant” is so hopelessly pedestrian in their eyes. It is Fy-nance, not Finance.
  1. Wool knit caps are appropriate in all weather conditions. 90 degrees and sunny? That is wool cap weather.
  1. They do not go to the café to get coffee. Going to the café is an experience, not a destination. Non-organic beans are not optional.
  1. They will have not one, not two, but three profile pictures next to a famous landmark. Like all three of them.
  1.  If they bought you a gift, be polite and accept it graciously, no matter what it is. Unless it is a snow globe. If it is a snow globe, you are allowed to re-gift it after three to six months.

As long as you approach your study abroad friends with an open mind (and an even more open ear), you should be fine.

Declan Feeley is a junior Finance and theology major currently studying abroad in London. Want advice or suggestions about studying abroad? Email him at dfeeley@nd.edu.