Over the past month I had the chance to study abroad in Brussels, Belgium and travel to several other cities in Europe. The people and places have changed my life in ways that I never thought possible. Traveling gave me the opportunity to learn so much about myself. It also gave me a chance to soak in all the incredible cultures around me. Needless to say, I wouldn't trade my experiences abroad for anything.
This studying abroad I learned a few things along the way that might help you have an equally amazing experience. Here, a roundup of five things you should know to help you transition (and have fun) before you embark on your time abroad.
1. Your personal bubble is a lot bigger than you think.
Europeans don't tend to have much personal space. They have no problem sitting right next to you on an empty metro or standing way to close to you in a bar. In fact, many will find it rude that Americans take up so much room.
2. Drinking is a universal language and the Europeans are fluent in it.
People are always willing to go out and have a drink. In fact, it is not uncommon to see people walking around in the morning and drinking a glass of wine or beer. You are also hard pressed to find a bar empty on any day of the week.
3. Learning a few words in the local language will take you far.
Americans typically feel like people should cater to all of our needs and feed us with a silver spoon. This is especially the case while traveling. We always expect to be spoken to in English, even if that is not the language that is spoken in that country. By learning a few key terms the locals will be a lot nicer and more helpful.
4. Make sure you can count change.
It is not common for European restaurants to split the bill. This means a lot of math to do on your part. Make sure you always have small bills and coins on hand.
5. Taking risks is always worth it.
Taking the same route home is the safe way, but by taking a different way back you might find a hidden gem. It's important to push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you don't you'll probably always regret it and miss a lot of cool sights, too. Just be smart and listen to your gut if you think something seems off.
Have you studied abroad before? Share your experiences in the comments below!
