Study abroad: that very first big adventure that most 20-and 21-year-olds usually take at some point in their junior year of college. For me personally, this is my second time studying abroad (currently in Barcelona, freshman fall in Dublin), and I too was a lost, wide-eyed American, eager for adventure, and nervous for what was yet to come. Through my time both in Dublin and in Barcelona, there were some universal truths and tips that I feel are essential and important for the future traveler abroad-er.

1. At one point, you will inevitably get homesick.

It doesn't matter if you went to summer camp for 10 years, or boarding school where you were constantly away from your parents, or you are sick of your school or your hometown. At some point, you will miss it. Maybe it'll be the FOMO (fear of missing out) from watching all your friends' Snapchat stories, or when you're sick or hungover and you just want your mom to take care of you. Everyone gets just a little homesick, even just for a moment, and it's okay.

2. Learn how to say "Can I pet your dog?" in your host country's native language.

If you have a dog, you will absolutely miss your dog. If you don't have a dog, you will still miss someone's dog, so take all the love you can from a stranger's dog. For those of you going to a Spanish speaking country, it's "Puedo tocar tú perro? You're welcome.

3. The food is different, just try it.

When you don't know what something is, of course it is intimidating to eat, but just try it. What's the worst that could happen? If you don't like it, don't eat it again, but don't spend your whole time abroad searching for peanut butter or only eating Dominos.

4. Don't assume that everyone speaks English.

That was my mistake, so wherever it is that you end up going to, just learn the basics of their language (Hello, how are you, how do I get here, what is this, etc).

5. Get it together when it comes to planning trips.

Great, you're in Europe and you can just decide one day that you want to visit Prague. Just because you can plan that at the last minute, doesn't mean you should. Flights get more expensive, hotels and hostels book up, and it becomes stressful. Leave yourself time to plan something that can be amazing.

6. Branch Out

If you go by yourself or you go with 10 of your best friends, get out of your comfort zone and try and meet some new people. Of course, you can still be best friends with the people you came with, but there are people from all over the country coming to this experience with you. It would be a shame to miss out on a positive relationship because you don't want to get out of your bubble.

7. If someone is standing outside of a restaurant, hassling you to eat there, the food is probably actually pretty gross.

Just trust me on this one.

8. When it comes to drinking, there is a difference between "can" and "should."

You are legal, you're out on your own, you can buy all the liquor your heart desires and drink it all in one night. That doesn't mean that you should. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going out and partying, but don't let that let you forget to take care of yourself.

9. Dress Nicely

You are not on a college campus anymore, going out in sweatpants or your gym clothes isn't cute. Put maybe one extra second of effort into your morning routine to put on some real clothes. You're a grown up.

10. You're going to be fine.

Going abroad is amazing and exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Everything is new and unfamiliar and you don't know anyone and of course that can be intimidating, but everyone has an amazing time. If there is anything I can promise you about going abroad, it's that you are going to be okay, and you are going to love it.