Studying Abroad
 

Okay so as of today, I have officially decided to take a 5th year of college and study abroad a France before I got to medical school.

Here is my dilemma. Although I haven't decided whether or not I'll be going for a summer or an entire semester, I will still be gone at very least, a month. I REALLY want to take Franklin and Maggie with me, as it is likely that Andrew (my boyfriend) will be coming with me also. I'm pretty sure my mom wouldn't mind watching the kids (:p) while we're gone, but I'd absolutely love to take them with me. Everybody I've talked to says it's a bad idea because it'd just be more of a hassle, it's not worth it, it's only 6 months, blahblahblah etc. I got SO upset and thought "NOBODY UNDERSTANDS!" and then I realized........ my fellow Yorkie lovers understand!

So I need your advice. I haven't done ALL the research, mainly because I can't find it, but I don't think it will be that hard to take them. From what I understand, there is no period of quarantine or anything like that. It's just getting their health certificates, vaccinations, and pet passports. I mean I guess it is a hassle, but nothing impossible. I think the concern is traveling from country to country once I'm actually in Europe.

What do you guys think? I know it'd be a pain but I just don't think I can be without them for 6 whole months! My mom would take wonderful care of them but I would miss them so much. Do you think it'd be worth it to go through all that trouble? For those of you who have traveled internationally with your Yorkies, is it really incredibly complicated?

I know you guys understand how heart wrenching of a situation I am in. :(

I don't think they would be any more of a problem than traveling with babies, maybe less. I think you would know the answer to that question after all your research is finished. ;)

Where would you be staying? I don't think you'll find any unversity related housing that would allow you to have pets.

That being said...honestly you have an excellent babysitter situation here and tons of sight seeing opportunities available while in Europe which you may not be able to take advantage of if you had your pets with you.

I'm with you I would take then with me even for 6 weeks let alone six months! I hope it works out.

I think you might be jumping the gun, do all your research before you make up your mind, things might come up and change your decision, for example there is no quarantine going to france but what about coming back to the US, will you find housing, there are so many that can come up. You will just drive yourself nuts if you make a decision before you have all the facts.

That's why I posted this thread. ;)

France is a very dog friendly country---as is most of Europe----they let them sit at the tables IN resturants.

I'd take Milo for sure.

I lived and studied a Paris for a year and a half. I had a friend who brought her two cats with her. She had no problem having them with her but I believe she found her flat before she arrived. By the way, they love yorkies over there especially.

Do you think it'd be a huge hassle? Do you remember what all she had to do to? Also, how did she go about finding an apartment before she got there?

Thanks everyone for the replies! I won't be living in University housing, I'll have to find my own apartment.

There's no quarantine coming back to the States. You just need the same thing coming back in as you do flying out.

While I think they'll be fine & will love you just as much if you leave them, my vote is to go ahead and take them, providing they're accepted where you'll be staying.

We lived in Germany for 6 years and moved our Cat, Osiris, to and from Europe with us. Not a dog, but still an animal, nonetheless.

I don't quite remember all the steps she took. Whatever hassle it is, I think it is worth if you are going to be there that long. I believe she found the apartment via ads. You might want to try FUSAC. I don't know exactly where in France you will be studying but it is a great resource for those who want to live abroad in France. I found their website in English:

F U S A C

My friend with the cats got a beautiful two room (1 bedroom) flat in the 6th arrondissement/metro stop Pantheon, near schools. It is quite central part. I lived in the 4th/ Le Marais near l'hotel de ville. Let me kniow if you have any other questions.