Dear Friend,
We all have that friend who can’t stop bringing up their study abroad experience in every conversation (“When I studied abroad…”). Well, today, I might be that friend! During my sophomore spring semester of college, I studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to see new places, try new food, and immerse myself in a different culture. But while it was amazing, I faced the challenge of maintaining my faith in this entirely new environment. So, some of the best tips I have gathered, blending my experience with advice from friends, on staying connected to your Catholic faith while studying abroad.
Adjust Your Expectations
First things first: adjust your expectations! Your faith abroad might not look the same as it does at home, and that’s okay. I had this vision of joining a young adult Catholic group immediately and feeling instantly at home, but I quickly realized that things were different. The language barrier and unfamiliar environment made the student Mass I found feel intimidating and overwhelming. One of my close friends, Mary, who studied abroad in Aix a year after me, shared this advice:
“Even if you think finding a young adult group is the ‘holier’ thing to do if walking 20 minutes to the church with only elderly French people for daily Mass twice a week makes you feel closer to God? Do that! Don’t hold yourself to invisible standards based on what you’re used to… you are somewhere entirely different, which warrants an entirely different routine!”
Finding a cozy little Catholic church across from my apartment was different from what I had in mind, but letting go of the pressure to recreate what I had back at Belmont allowed me to find true peace in a setting that was beautiful in its own unique way.
Staying Connected to the Sacraments
The sacraments are a grounding part of our lives as Catholics. But finding Mass or confession abroad sometimes requires a little creativity and flexibility.
Mass abroad may feel a bit different, especially with a language barrier. I found it helpful to learn afew basic prayers in French and download English readings beforehand. And if you’re traveling over weekends, look up local churches in advance. And don’t be afraid to invite friends to join you, even if they aren’t catholic. You might be surprised by their response, and if they’re interested—it can become a great way to share your faith with others!
Confession was a challenge as well. If you’re nervous about the language barrier, don’t hesitate to ask the priest if he speaks English. You may not be able to go as frequently as you do at home, but that’s okay. Living in a smaller town, I struggled with this myself and felt intimidated trying to communicate with the priests. Eventually, I overcame my fear, though I found that none of the priests I approached in Aix spoke enough English for confession. However, many priests are willing to help if they can. Going to confession was much easier when I visited Rome, especially in larger cities where English-speaking priests are more common. Remember, even if confession is challenging abroad, God knows your heart and desire to seek His mercy.
Stay Rooted in Community
A faith-based community can be a huge help in maintaining a strong faith while abroad. Whether it’s joining a local Catholic group, forming a bible study with students you meet, or keeping in touch with friends from home, staying connected with others who share your beliefs can bring comfort and encouragement. Though I wasn’t very active in the local community, especially with constant weekend travel, I kept in touch with my Catholic friends back home. It was beautiful to maintain those relationships despite the large time differences, and I found so much support despite the distance.
Embrace Your Location
One of the most exciting parts of studying abroad is being close to sacred sites and historical 
churches! If you can, make time to visit pilgrimage sites, Marian apparition sites, or any of the ancient cathedrals and basilicas nearby. Europe especially has very Catholic roots, and the churches are often hundreds of years or led and way more ornate than anything we might see in the U.S. I had the chance to go to Rome for Easter and experience the Easter vigil celebrated by Pope Francis, which was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Another of my friends 
studied in Spain and took the time to walk a part of the Camino de Santiago. If you’re studying in Europe, many of these destinations are just a quick train ride away. These visits go beyond just sightseeing—they’re a chance to connect with the rich heritage of our faith in a tangible way. So, please make the most of it and soak up the beauty, history, and spiritual inspiration surrounding you!
Homesickness and Culture Shock
Studying abroad is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I can’t recommend it enough, but it doesn’t come without its tough moments. Homesickness and culture shock are real, and there were times I felt isolated and missed home more than I expected. The excitement of a new culture is incredible, but there may be days when you miss the familiar comforts of home—your family, favorite foods, or even the ease of speaking your language. I remember going to the grocery store one day and crying and feeling overwhelmed because everything was different. In those moments, I found it was crucial to lean into my faith and depend on God, reminding myself that it’s okay to feel this way. God wants to meet you right where you are, especially when you feel far from everything familiar.
Studying abroad is an exciting chapter, full of unforgettable moments, growth, and probably a few challenges. Staying rooted in your faith—even in little ways—can keep you grounded through all the highs and lows. So embrace every beautiful adventure, knowing that God is right by your side, cheering you on every step of the way.
With love and prayers,
A Travel-Loving Catholic Girl
Aka Jillian
