From the second your passport arrives in the mail until you step off the plane when you return home, you will constantly be learning throughout your study abroad experience. Prepare yourself for the unexpected, but keep these things in mind during a time that will completely change your life.
1. Packing for four months is the second hardest thing in the world.
You can never pack too many pairs of socks, underwear, and leggings for four months in a foreign country. You’ll also need a lot of shirts. Those you’ve worn only once, you should pack just in case. Have one in six colors? Bring them all.
2. The first hardest thing is packing everything to go home when the four months is over.
Your suitcase will definitely be over the maximum weight, but it somehow will magically fit. A lot of shoving will take place during the packing process, but I have faith in you.
3. Seven hour plane rides and five hour layovers are never fun.
You will spend way too much money on airport food, probably buy an overpriced magazine to read, and your legs will be cramped for the next three days. However, it’s totally worth it.
4. There is nothing better than European street music.
Wherever you go when studying abroad, at some point, you will probably hear live music from outside of your window. At first you might find it annoying or repetitive (because many times they play the same three songs over and over again), but as soon as you return home, you will miss the sounds of the accordion compared to loud cars and sirens.
5. You will always look like an American.
No matter what you do, how you dress, or how you talk, people in a foreign country will always be able to identify you as an American. People who sell things on the streets are going to target you the most because they really know how to lure you in. Warning: nothing, and I really mean nothing, is ever free.
6. You will meet some of the most amazing people.
The people you meet along your study abroad journey will have an everlasting impact on your life. From new friends and professors to strangers who become friendly faces, you will be a part of a new family after your adventures are over.
P.S. Your professors will be some of the best people you will ever meet, so keep in touch with them always.
7. Four months is not a long time.
Before you leave, four months seems like a lifetime. However, once you are there, time flies. There is so much you will want to do, but you won’t be able to do it all. Next thing you know, you will be saying goodbye to a place that gave you some of the best memories of your life. Cherish every single moment.
8. Wine will never be better than in Italy, macaroons will never be better than in France, and pretzels will never be better than in Germany.
Going to Europe will change the way you look at all kinds of foods and drinks. It is a blessing and a curse. Eating spaghetti and meatballs at home will never quite be the same.
9. You will take pictures of everything.
And I mean everything. Drinks at the beach have never been so beautiful, Christmas lights have never been so magical, and you will have 75 pictures of the river down the street from your apartment.
10. The second you get home, you will want to go back.
Wherever you study abroad, it will forever and always be your second home. You will have a constant yearning to go back and visit the place that gave you the best memories of your life.
click here to get a little view into my study abroad experience.
