Scared about going abroad alone as a teenager

LegacyUser

I'm am going into 6th year and I have the opportunity to go to France for two weeks next week to learn French. I have been looking into this for a while as I want to get better at French (I need high points) but when it comes down to booking flights and as it comes closer I get scared. I have been to te Gaeltacht a few times before but each time has been a bit of a struggle. I get a bit anxious, I'm not the most confident and I find it hard to make friends when away. So while I want to go, I'm quite anxious. I know it would be good for me and I know I would probably have a good time as the girl and family seem nice and I really need to get better at French. Plus I've been talking about going for ages. My main worry is leaving my parents and getting on a plane on my own. I'm afraid I would be crying the whole way (may be likely as I always get like that). As well as that my granny has been sick and I'm afraid of something happening to her as I will be away again for a few weeks after that as well.
Does anyone have any suggestions? There is not pressure on me to go though I feel like there is. One part of me really wants to go but the other part doesn't. Plus I know it would do me good to go but I'm still apprehensive.
This may sound silly and thanks for reading as I really do not know what to do.
Thanks for any help.

woodchuck

I know it's really scary, but I think you should just do it

Is the scariest part being on your own? It sounds like you've a nice family you can stay with, so the only part you'll really be alone for is the plane ride The first day or two might be a bit tough when you're getting settled, but I'd say after that the two weeks will just fly by!

And I know this sounds completely cliche, but you're much more likely to regret the things you don't do than the things you do do.

Kimia

The fact that you're so scared and anxious is the very reason why you should push through and do it! Imagine how proud you will be of yourself if you take the plunge. Life is scary and this is only the first of many, many times you will find something that challenges you. The only thing you can do to regain control is to figure out how to deal with it and that means facing your fears and pushing through!!

It's very exciting really. You will most likely have a ball. Try your best to not let fear paralyze you and go for it. You will grow so much as a person and then the next time something scary comes up, you will know that you can handle it.

farmchoice

This kind of thing is hard, no matter how confident you friends seem they are all the same inside. I think you should go its one of those things you have to do in life and it will stand to you in the future.

The first time I went abroad on my own I was nineteen and had been in college living in a flat away from home for a year and I still found it daunting. But its character building and it will give you more confidence in the long run.

KamiKazeKitten

Go ahead and do it, you will be so proud of yourself. And pretty fluent too I'd imagine, which will come in handy!

I did six weeks in Germany once on an exchange, honestly I was nervous too but you make so many friends and it's worth it! It definitely stands to you, and besides you're away from your parents so the freedom was great. I even ended going back a few times too.

up for anything

It's only two weeks, OP. You'll be fine once you're on the plane and on your way. Excitement should take over with any luck and think of actually coming back with a bit of a real French accent instead of the mockery your French teacher is probably instilling in you. Also this time next year you will be heading off to college and the fact that you made it through these two weeks will stand to you in confidence and knowing you have the ability to manage those first strange few months away in college.

My daughter is probably the same age as you as she's heading into 6th year too in September. She's never really been away from home apart from a few days here and there with family and she's always been really homesick. She's leaving next week to spend the rest of the summer (5 weeks) with my cousin and her family in France. She's never met them and is really nervous but they are dying to welcome her. She's also worried because she will miss me so much but really it's time to cut the apron strings. Before either of you know it you will be 'on your own' in Dublin or some such place and having to live independently and not always running to home to solve problems that crop up. It's experiences like these that will help you when that time comes.

You'll have a great time if you let yourself.

Ellsbells

I don't think two weeks is long enough to make any real improvement in your French so if it's really stressing you this much, I would leave it

woodchuck

Ellsbells wrote: »

I don't think two weeks is long enough to make any real improvement in your French so if it's really stressing you this much, I would leave it

I would have thought the experience itself would be more beneficial than actually learning the language (it would still be good practice though)

Table Top Joe

Go!.....i was incredibly shy as a teenager,it wasnt until travelling from about 20 on that i came out of my shell and i put it down to forcing myself into these situations of meeting new people and going to new places,i eventually grew to love it,i got to the point where i used to plan nights out with people i hadnt met yet at a hostel i was staying in! (there would be a lot of new arrivals at the end of every week and id get talking to them and invite them out and have a great time with them.....whoever the hell they were!)

The point is theres really nothing to be nervous about,the family sound really nice(so they more than likely are!)


I could barely look people in the eye up till about 20/21,few years later and i travelled to Germany on my own to meet up with people i only knew online for a meet up(of a musicians forum),as cliched as it sounds if i can do it anyone can,this could be a great opportunity for you on so many levels



So please for the love of God go!

Ellsbells

woodchuck wrote: »

I would have thought the experience itself would be more beneficial than actually learning the language (it would still be good practice though)

Not if it's causing this level of stress

woodchuck

Ellsbells wrote: »

woodchuck wrote: »

I would have thought the experience itself would be more beneficial than actually learning the language (it would still be good practice though)

Not if it's causing this level of stress

It's just the thoughts of going that's a source of anxiety. OP you'll probably have a ball once you're over there If we didn't do things because of the perceived stress they cause us we'd all be living very dull lives (within reason, but I think the level of fear/worry you're experiencing is normal for what you're considering doing)

LegacyUser

Thanks for the replies everyone. I have decided to go although I am still nervous and anxious as it draws nearer. However I knew and know that it would be good for me. Even though it's a short time to learn French I know I will still benefit from it even though I won't be anywhere near fluent. I know I will have a good time so hopefully I won't be too upset going. Still nervous but it will hopefully help me both in confidence and my knowledge of te language. And sure everyone has to face things they are afraid of and I know I will regret it if I don't so I am just going to go and hope for the best.
Thanks everyone!