Whether you are going abroad this fall or it is still an abstract idea. I can assure you, no matter how much research you do, you will never be ready. Haven't studied abroad myself, I know that might seem quite scary.
I had to privilege to go abroad the semester before I started college and hopefully will be going again in a year or so. Before I write about the amazing benefits of studying abroad and why I am so eager to repeat my experience, I wanted to share a little about where I went and how prepared I was. I studied abroad in Hangzhou, an one hour train ride from Shanghai. I spoke no Mandarin what so ever and knew absolutely no one. When packing I only packed sweaters and sweat shirts because I thought all I would do was study, but please don't do that! I did so much more than that, I can safely say it was the best semester of my life. So let me do a little breakdown of the endless benefits:
1. Food.
Since I did my study abroad in China, you must be thinking that I am completely insane. We've all heard stories about how people in Asia eat dogs, crickets, scorpions... I must admit that during the first month there I lost quite a bit of weight since chicken feet aren't exactly my favorite snack, but once I stopped being so judgmental, the numbers on the scale went up and I have no regrets. I ate everything and anything from fried scorpions (they taste like shrimp tempura) to dishes I could never pronounce. Some of my friends did get food poisoning when we ate street food, but I can assure you they are all alive and well. Plus, once you get used to eating the local food, your taste buds adapt and the Dan Dan Noodles at PF Changs are not nearly as good as the one's I ate in a dirty alley in Chengdu.
Hangzhou, China
2. Friends.
No matter where you go to study abroad, I can assure you you will make the best friends you've ever had. Just be as open as possible and talk to as many people as you can, after all, if they don't like you, you will probably never see them again. So who cares? Although I did go to Asia, most of the people I met were Europeans. They were my rock, the only ones who truly understood everything I went through because they were going through it too! We did absolutely everything together and now I can basically tour Europe without having to ever pay for a hotel!
Hangzhou, China
3. Parties.
Remember how I said I only packed sweat pants? Let's just say I had to go on quite a few shopping trips. Since most countries have a drinking age of 18 and lower. Getting some drinks at the bar on a Tuesday, while studying, was part of my routine. Going out is actually a thing in China and it is a whole new experience. People would dance on stages, poles, bar tables... It was a whole other level, way more fun than any frat party or Lucy's.
Hangzhou, China
4. Culture.
This is probably one of my favorite things about studying abroad. Learning about Asia, Europe or Africa from the books is nothing compared to learning about it on-site. Getting to actually visit The Great Wall is beyond breathtaking, specially when you do it while there is a festival at which Afrojack and Armin Van Buren are playing. But even the hidden temples and the more traditional neighborhoods are breathtaking. Oh, and don't even get me started on the mountain temples. Building those huge sanctuaries thousands of feet above the ground is just out of this world.
London, UK
5. Language.
This might not apply to everyone, if you are going to England, Australia or South Africa, you can stick to English. However, going to a place where you don't speak the language is a great opportunity. Not only will you learn it a hundred times faster than you would by taking a class, you will also learn slang and the context in which certain words are used. I have a friend who arrived in China without speaking a single word and two years later, he speaks like a local with no foreign accent!
Hangzhou, China
6. Traveling.
Traveling around Asia or Europe is a lot easier than traveling around the US. In Europe you can cross countries in a manner or hours and in Asia six hour train ride can be as low as $2! Never again will it be so easy to see different places and have so many people that are actually up for it!
London, UK
7. Studying.
Another thing that makes traveling easy is the fact that the classes you take abroad tend to be super flexible. Some professors may choose to give a class at a museum, your homework might be to go sight seeing... To be honest, there it is a lot easier to get good grades. Plus, most people studying abroad are extremely smart and have a passion for learning, so they will always be up to helping you study.
Chicago, USA
8. Growing.
Lastly, but most importantly is the personal growth that comes from it. My study abroad changed who I am in ways I can not explain. I learned to cherish friendship, to appreciate a good shower, to be more open to adventures. I overall became a better person from it. Which is why I encourage everyone to go. It is the best decision you will ever make, and if none of the above convinced you, I hope that the idea of growing and coming into your own is enough.
Shanghai,China
Photos by Ana Lua Gomes or Alex Boo.
