Hi Flowers,
I'm abroad too and know how you're feeling. We seem to think it's harder to explain to new acquintances that we don't drink and why and ..
I am trying to use this time away as a chance to practice and strengthen my sobriety before I see my old mates again, the ones I always went drinking with. I hope this can work for you too.
I agree with what many others have mentioned: Most people don't spend all their social events drinking. There's hiking, sightseeing, eating cake, doing sports, bowling (and any spanish games I don't know).. It's just that we alkies usually have surrounded ourselves with lovely people who we just go drinking with.
You won't regret quitting at 26, but you might regret not doing so.
all the best - vee