Opinion | Warnings Aside, Adventures Abroad With a Boyfriend

I received multiple skeptical looks, countless questions, and continuous protests from my family and friends. I felt fully aware of their objection even though not everyone verbally expressed the disapproval evident on their faces. I had just revealed my unconventional plan to study abroad with my boyfriend of four years, Travis. Regardless of everyone’s concern, my decision ranks as the best decision I have made in my entire life.

I always wanted to study abroad for a whole semester. My sophomore year of college, I began preparing specifics for my voyage. The original thought to bring Travis to Germany with me materialized from a scheme to take a break from our otherwise long-distance relationship. After weeks of persuasion, Travis decided to commit to my unconventional exploit. My innocent, relationship-centered intention transformed into a life-changing adventure. I had no indication of how much Travis’s company would enhance my experience.

Regardless of Travis’s presence, I felt confident enough in my planning, navigating, and problem solving abilities to thrive in the study abroad situation. I’m independent, organized, confident, aware, and generally safe. In contrast, I also possess personality traits that would have hindered my independent travel experience. I prefer to stick to strict plans and am terrified of personal catastrophe. I know my paralyzing fears of rape, kidnapping and death would have kept me from experiencing night life, exploring less-desirable areas, and spontaneously deviating from my heavily-researched plans.

Travis and his outgoing, carefree personality forced me out of my comfort zone and provided a desperately needed sense of security. He would throw my meticulous plans to the wind when presented with a new, exciting opportunity. As a result, his spirit of adventure helped give me some of the best, most unique experiences of my whole stay in Europe. Having Travis there also meant that someone would always walk with me in the dark and make sure I returned to my hostel safely. His presence allowed me to feel confident and secure enough to participate in otherwise risky situations.

With Travis, I gazed at Rome’s lit up the Colosseum until 1 a.m. I hunted for famous graffiti in Berlin’s artistic Kreuzberg neighborhood. I went on pub crawls in every city and danced until sunrise at Europe’s largest club. I shared meals and stories with people from all over the world. I ignored the ominous “Death Ahead” signs as I scaled the Bavarian Alps in pursuit of the perfect view of Neuschwanstein Castle. I played ping pong in an abandoned building in Berlin. I drank beer, ate fresh fish, and danced at 5 a.m. in Hamburg’s famous Fischmarkt. I walked past prostitutes in the Reeperbahn and explored Amsterdam’s sprawling Red Light District. I ate new foods, drank delicious beer, made new friends in every city, and learned things no one could ever teach me.

No matter what fate throws our way, I will never regret studying abroad with my boyfriend. The unique experience helped us grow closer together both in Germany and back in America. Most importantly, we each grew and matured individually. I came back from my five months in Germany embracing the beauty of spontaneity and the allure of living a lively, full life. In return, I left my excessively rigid, rule-focused ways an ocean away.

I encourage anyone in a similar situation to carefully consider the option of studying abroad with a significant other. Personally, taking this make-it or break-it chance with my relationship paid off exponentially.