You've done it! You've made the decision to go abroad. As your departure date starts to get closer and closer you get more and more excited, and more and more nervous. Your mind is running a mile a minute and it's hard to think of anything but your upcoming semester. So here are the 10 thoughts you have when you decide to go abroad.
1. I am so excited!
You're about to spend a semester, alone, in your dream destination. How could you not be excited!? Just thinking of all the people you'll meet, the sights you'll see and the experiences you'll have. Its enough to have you smiling like a five-year-old on Christmas morning.
2. What did I do to myself?
You're about to spend a semester, alone, in a strange new place. You are miles and miles away from your parents, your friends, your university and all forms of comfort you've ever known. Really, why did you think this was a good idea?
3. I'm broke.
Before you're even there, you've already spent a large sum of money on your plane ticket and your tuition (which may not even include a meal plan). No matter how much money you've saved up, it doesn't seem like it will be enough to see everything you want to and travel everywhere your heart desires. You tell yourself you'll save money by eating crackers for every meal.
4. I'm going to come back so cultured.
Maybe you'll come back speaking a new language, or learn how to salsa like Snoopy. You will have tried new foods, listened to new music, and experienced a completely new lifestyle. Your friends and family back home won't even know who you are anymore when you show up back home wearing a beret and ordering "chips" instead of fries.
5. How am I going to fit my entire life into one suitcase?
You thought packing for your dorm was bad.. that was nothing compared to this. How many pairs of shoes will I need? How many pairs of shoes can I fit in my luggage? What happens when the it gets warmer and I've left all my shorts at home? I don't wear this shirt that often.. but what if one day I do want to wear it? A semesters worth of clothing in 1-2 luggages...you're kidding me right?
6. I hope someone comes to visit me.
Hmmm, maybe I can convince my roommate to come visit me over their spring break. My parents will definitely visit me... I hope. Face time can only do so much. 5 months is a long time to go without a hug from your closest friends/your parents. Plus, your parents will probably treat you to some good restaurants while they're there.
7. Maybe I'll meet an Italian superstar and he'll ask me to masquerade as his duet partner.
Seems a little far fetched doesn't it? Well, if it could happen to Lizzie, then it could happen to me.
8. I'll be legal.
Need I say more?
(Just kidding mom and dad, I'll be a perfect little angel)
9. Remember, I actually have to do well in my classes.
The key world of study abroad is study. I'm lucky I have this opportunity and should even be looking forward to getting to experience class in a different cultural setting. Who am I kidding? If it wasn't mandatory, I wouldn't go.
10. I can do this.
Calm down. Take a deep breath. You are ready for this and you are prepared. You will do great in your classes, you will have amazing experiences and you will meet amazing people. You are going to have the time of your life. You got this.
Now, keep counting down the days until departure. It will be here before you know it!
