| I think I am the best equipped to answer your question, having nearly completed a year abroad with my girlfriend in France.
You will notice the following if she comes with you:
1. You won't want to make as many friends.
2. You won't make as much progress with language unless you have a very motivated girlfriend. My girlfriend was not motivated, and generally just got upset when I wanted to speak only French.
3. You two will grow closer, but whenever you are in your apartment it will feel like you are back in America. The "study abroad" experience just won't be there.
4. You won't feel comfortable leaving each other alone to go out except for tasks like grocery store shopping or running to the post office.
5. It will be very expensive. One of you should go now for a semester and then the other should go for a semester after taking one semester break in between.
If possible, do a summer program together for 6-8 weeks. That would be fulfilling and not feel like a large waste of time.
Having your girlfriend makes it easier, but that isn't the point. |