Two 20-year-old college students dream of studying abroad. They plan and they plan, until they find out they’re unexpectedly expecting a child. But rather than scrapping their plans, ignoring that dream, they eventually decide to study abroad anyway. With their toddler.
That’s exactly what Darlene of Tales of a Young Mamma and her now-husband decided to do, spending 7 months in Stockholm, Sweden — as a family.
People told them they were selfish. Irresponsible. Irrational. Studying abroad with a toddler? That’s madness!
Yet they had the 7 best months of their lives — proving that nothing is impossible. It might take more determination and creativity, but having a child doesn’t have to stall your dreams. Your child doesn’t want to confine your life; he wants to experience the adventure right along with you. And if you listen to the doubters, believe the restrictions, then you just might miss out on the most incredible experiences of your life.
See more of Darlene’s study-abroad story at Tales of a Young Momma.
So incredibly inspirational!
This is awesome! Ben and I were planning a study abroad trip to Italy when I found out I was pregnant. Can’t believe I never thought about still going–just think of all the pasta I could have gotten away with!
That’s great! I have hopes to do the same thing when my little man is a toddler.
I don’t think it sounds selfish at all! Just think of the enrichment for a child to live in another culture. It can be a family adventure!
That’s great! I’d love to know more details on how they planned around this. My husband and I are both near in the end of you school and dreamed of the same thing, but every time we ask the person in charge of all the abroad programs they make it sound impossible.
What a wonderful life experience! That little boy is so very fortunate! Hopefully he will remember his time there and cherish it forever. Kids should be an enrichment in our lives and enhance every moment. They should in no way be a damper on things!
So inspirational is right!
This is AWESOME! I’m a teen mom, now 21, and whenever people ask me what I want to do with my life they seemed shocked when I tell them I want to:
A) graduate college
And B) take my daughter around the world with me and work.
The fact that they did it is such an encouragement!
Great post.