How to Balance American Sports Teams While Studying Abroad
Written by Drew November 2, 2015
If you’re a sports junkie like me, you know how much you love your American sports. So while you’re abroad, how are you going to feed your addiction?
I’ll get more into that later, but first, I’ll commence the weekly update on my life.
I spent this weekend in the beautiful string of Italian villages called Cinque Terre. I spent the weekend hiking the various trials of the villages and snapping various majestic photos. The sites were absolutely gorgeous. If you are interested in seeing the views, check out the attached pictures.
Swinging back into subject of this post, my first thought as it pertains to American sports and being abroad is you shouldn’t attempt to balance the two aspects. However, I would be a hypocrite if I were to say that.
So let me go ahead and explain my situation.
Throughout my study abroad experience, I have been attempting to balance following my Chicago Cubs’ playoff run and exploring Europe at the same time. Yes, I’ve had late nights. Yes, I haven’t slept for some. Yes, it’s been extremely difficult.
But you know what? It’s been so worth it … at least for me.
As a Cubs fan, I haven’t seen my team get this far in the playoffs since 2003. If you were to complete some simple math, that’s 12 years. Oh yeah, and have I mentioned the Chicago Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908?
Therefore, I decided it was worth it to balance following this team while abroad. Now, is it worth it to follow your American sports teams while abroad? It’s something you have to decide for yourself.
Look at it this way: As a student abroad, you are living an experience of a lifetime. Should you truly care about an American sports team while you are experiencing new aspects, meeting new and incredible people, exploring a foreign country, and having the time of your life?
To me, it’s not worth it. Unless, of course, it’s the Chicago Cubs attempting to win their first World Series in 107 years.
So my message for those sports junkies going abroad is to enjoy your time at your study abroad destination and forget about your favorite American sports teams … just for now. They’ll be there when you return to the United States.
Blogger: Drew, The University of Iowa
