A typical Instagram feed of a college student studying abroad likely includes the historic Colosseum in Italy, the Eiffel Tower in France and other iconic study abroad destinations. While study abroad has been one of the most highly rated collegiate experiences for decades, the digital age adds another layer to consider: the difference between an authentic, immersive experience and a performance for peers and followers.
Each year, UA Education Abroad sends approximately 1,700 students on study abroad programs. Roughly 290,000 U.S. students studied abroad during the 2023-24 academic year, and the number continues to increase each year.
Lani Jarrell, a junior majoring in operations management, has studied abroad twice with the University and recently completed “UA in Spain.” She said that with four hours of class each day on top of late-night activities, the experience was more exhausting than what social media typically portrays.
“Of course, not everything is glamorous, but I really haven’t had any bad experiences that have disappointed me or been different from what I had expected,” Jarrell said.
While several students agreed that the exciting aspects of study abroad are well portrayed, posting pictures with new friends may sometimes misrepresent the social scene.
Sofia Hernandez, a senior majoring in history, also recently studied abroad in Madrid. She said that posting when in groups is “like a form of social currency” and that making friends is a unique experience because participants have only known each other for a couple months.
“Some people think everyone is going to be best friends, and people don’t talk about the inevitable drama that goes on,” Hernandez said. “It’s nothing different than what is typical. It’s just not anything I’ve seen spoken about online.”
For social media users, it can be difficult to distinguish between a genuine appreciation for studying abroad with a curated aesthetic, since posting about travel can be used as a way to brag and showcase status. However, several students said that they did not feel pressure to have a perfect trip or create a perfect Instagram feed and instead use social media as a way to document their trip.
“Part of the joy of it is getting cute and taking pictures,” Hernandez said. “If someone takes it too seriously, then it might distract from the experience, but as long as it’s truly for yourself and your enjoyment, it adds a whole other dimension to the trip.”
Similarly, Ava Quilizapa, a senior majoring in communicative disorders, said that social media enhanced her experience studying abroad because she could conveniently share moments with her friends and family.
“It never distracted me from what was happening right in front of me,” Quilizapa said. “I think social media can create unrealistic expectations, but at the same time I know my experience is going to be different than the next person.”
Ultimately, viewers can decide whether to see social media as a “digital diary” or as a catalyst for social climbing and performing. In the case of study abroad, students said their positive experiences often far outweighed the aesthetics and superficial appearances.
“As long as you have realistic expectations, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be as fun as social media makes it seem,” Hernandez said.
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