"Not all those who wander are lost." — J.R.R. Tolkien
Once you've been bitten by the travel bug, there's no way back. Whether it's for two weeks or a whole semester, studying abroad is definitely an adventure everyone should experience at least once throughout their college career. Within your journey of traveling around the world, you discover many aspects not only about life, but traits or facts about yourself you never realized before. Here are the 10 things I learned while abroad:
10. Not a picky eater after all!
Who knew that I could survive without Chartwells or home cooked meals? While abroad, you're exposed to cultures completely different than what you're used to, so along with this new culture, comes foods you've never tried before! So, it's time to let go of the picky-eater habits and try everything that's offered to you! After all, you're only abroad once, so take what's given to you and enjoy! You never know, food completely foreign to your taste buds could be some of the best food you've ever eaten!
9. Balancing money
"Ballin on a budget" becomes a whole new meaning while you're abroad in another country. You have easy access to your bank account while your home in the states, but it's all fun and games until you run down to your very last set of Euro or pounds. While abroad, you figure out how to balance your money and create a budget for yourself in order to make each and every amount of money last.
8. Making new friends
Living in another country could definitely be scary, especially if you're making the trip without knowing anyone. But that leaves the opportunity to put yourself out there and meet new people! You'll be pleasantly surprised how quick you make friends. But just in case you are a little nervous, go into the trip with the mindset that everyone is in the same boat as you are, be yourself, and have patience that everything will work out.
7. Keep in Contact with Loved Ones
While abroad, all of your friends and family back home are desperately waiting for your return. But in the meantime, keep them posted with tons of pictures from your trip! Even though it's not the same as being there in person, your loved ones will feel like they're there with you. Try your best to call, text, or FaceTime, because even if you don't get homesick, your loved ones definitely miss you. And if you want to get real old-school, send a postcard from the place you're studying!
6. Take pictures!
Right now you are living in another country, but the day will come when your trip is over and you want something to look back at and reflect on all of your adventures. Even though pictures don't do the sites justice, take them anyway because you want to remember this experience as much as possible.
5. Learn the language
So you were probably so excited to travel abroad, that you completely forgot to learn the language of the people of where you were studying. Well, there's no time like the present. Download the app, Duolingo, and I promise it will save you from looking like an idiot to the locals. Actually...you will probably still look lost and they already can tell you're American, but learn the language enough so you know how to say "bathroom", "hello", "goodbye" and "food".
4. Don't Overpack
Traveling abroad, you're very limited on the amount of suitcases you can bring, so don't overpack. Remember, you also need space for all of the souvenirs and other clothes you will most likely buy throughout your trip, so bring the essentials a few outfits that you can re-wear. Yes, you can be an outfit repeater, and no, you will not be criticized for it.
3. Study
I know being in a different country brings brand new places and all sorts of cool things, but you have to remember why you're there in the first place and it's to study abroad. Just go to class when you need to, do your homework, study, and you'll be fine. I know it's hard with beautiful sites and new adventures right outside your door, but get your work done so you don't need to stress about it later.
2. Do things outside your comfort zone.
This is your time to try something new and do things you never thought you would. Whether it's going on nature hikes, walking miles around the town, visiting each and every museum, no matter what it is, be adventurous and go out of your way to do new things every day. Don't just sit in your room when there's an adventure waiting for you.
1. Live in the moment
Living in the precious present, is something that I learned the most while abroad. Don't worry about yesterday or what's to come. Don't think about the people or hardships you left in the United States or what you need to do once you're home. Only think about your time abroad and the people you're spending your time with during this adventure. You only have this one experience at this exact moment, so make the most of it.
