Studying abroad in Peru was the best experience of my life so far, and I encourage everyone who can do it to do it. The memories you make while studying abroad will not compare to anything you’ve ever done. It will be a unique experience when you will learn so much about yourself and come back with a new understanding of the world around you. I felt pretty prepared when I arrived, but there were some things that surprised me as I ventured through my new home for four months.

1. Don’t overpack clothes.

I wore an outfit very similar to this one 90% of the days I was studying abroad.

You’ll need much fewer clothes when you’re studying abroad than what you’re used to. At first, it will seem like your outfit choices are far too few, but after a couple of days of jam-packed adventuring and being exhausted from your new life, you’ll be glad to have very limited clothes options. When you’re trying to plan your day or trip in a foreign country, the last thing you want to have to stress about is what to wear. Plus, you’ll figure out fun, new ways to mix and match the clothes you bring. I recommend bringing two pairs of athletic shorts, three t-shirts, one pair of jeans, one pair of other pants, four to six casual shirts, one or two nicer shirts, a swim suit, a skirt, a dress, and a few jackets, coats, or whatever other types of outerwear the country’s weather you’re going to may require.

2. Do overpack socks and underwear.

You will not believe how difficult it is to find decent underwear for reasonable prices in a foreign country. When I was abroad, I searched store after store to find underwear that was comfortable, well-made, and not outrageously priced. Pack at least three weeks’ worth of underwear and socks. Socks always seem to go missing. Underwear is essential. The less you have to do laundry, the more time you’ll have to explore your new home!

3. You will feel incredibly alone at times.

Studying abroad was, overall, the most amazing experience of my life, and I would do anything to be able to do it again. That doesn’t mean there weren’t times of struggle. The first morning I woke up in Peru, I completely freaked out. I texted my mom, my boyfriend, my best friend, and anyone who could offer some peace. It finally started to sink in that I was “stuck” there, I was on my own, and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. There were times I would walk around my new campus and not see a single familiar face. I would walk to school by myself, go to stores by myself, do a lot by myself, and figure out how to say what I wanted to say without knowing exactly how to say it. I had to sit in classes, not knowing anyone else, and work up the nerve to try and make new friends in a foreign language. I walked into stores or restaurants and had all eyes on me because I was the only foreigner in the community I lived in. My friends back in the States were having great times and continuing their lives without me, while I sat in my room in Peru hoping I would be able to make even one friend (which I did, thank goodness!). Making friends in a foreign country is difficult, but it will happen. Times like these will inevitably happen to anyone who studies abroad, but the exciting moments will far outshine the hard times.

4. Buy a pair of those classic hiking pants.

My boyfriend and I, rocking our new amazing hiking pants

When you’re hiking or even just traveling around a foreign country, you need to wear long pants most of the time, but you also need to stay cool in hot weather. These pants were a lifesaver for me! The first time I went to Machu Picchu, it was incredibly hot outside, so I wore cropped leggings. Huge mistake. My legs got horribly bitten by the worst mosquito-like bugs I have ever encountered. The next time I went, I wore a pair of the hiking pants, and I stayed cool while also staying bug free. They’re also really comfortable, easy to clean, extremely easy to pack, and you’ll look like you know what you’re doing while going on adventures (even if you really don’t).

5. Be prepared to spend a lot of money, but also do research on the cheapest options possible.

The “cheap weekend trips” I went on in Peru turned out to be pretty expensive in the long run. Food, taxis, plane tickets, train tickets, hotels, and everything else added up quickly. It really helps to research all the options available. Try to find the ways that locals travel for cheap and join them. Eat at places that aren’t super “touristy." Don’t let taxi drivers trick you into paying too much just because you’re a foreigner. Cheap hotels can either be a horrible experience or a great bargain, so be sure to read what other guests have to say about them! Booking.com and Hostelworld.com are two great places to look when booking hotels. Things may get expensive over time, but just remember that usually, the experience you’ll have is worth all the money you’ll spend.

6. The language barrier will stress you out at some point.

When going to a foreign country, you’re bound to encounter at least a few bumps in the road when trying to speak with locals. Even if you are already fluent in the language that is spoken, different regions often have different meanings for certain words and phrases than what you’re used to. Or, if you’re still learning the language like I was, there will be times that you will have no idea how to say what you want to say, so you’ll have to get creative with hand gestures and descriptive words. Most people will be understanding and help you out, but some people will have no patience. Don’t let that get to you! Try your best, and even if you mess up a few (hundred) times, try not to stress about it. Over time, you’ll be amazed by your progress!

7. You will never be in your comfort zone the entire time you are abroad, and that is exactly what you need!

Experiencing a new culture in the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest with the Yahua tribe.

You’ll be eating strange foods, meeting new people, speaking a foreign language, and will be away from everything and everyone that is familiar to you. How could anyone expect you to feel comfortable? You’ll be surprised by how very quickly you’ll get used to the fact that everything you’re doing is uncomfortable to you to some extent, but you will fall in love with that feeling. Every day will be an exciting, exhausting adventure. The exotic trips, new experiences, new friends, and every other memory will make you fall in love with your new home while abroad.