Living in a foreign country is a great experience, which I encourage everyone to do, but you have to learn as you go. No matter how many articles you read online or people you seek advice from, there are just some things you don't expect when you study abroad.
1. You'll be watching your back...always.
When you're living in a foreign country, especially alone, your senses are at an all time high. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can get tiring. You realize maybe you've watched one too many scary movies. At any given moment, you are completely aware of everything happening around you. Was that something moving in the bushes? Do I hear footsteps behind me? You try to nonchalantly look over your shoulder every 30 seconds just to be sure.
2. You might get weird looks for smiling at strangers in public.
In the United States, it's polite to smile at strangers when you pass them on the sidewalk, hold the elevator door, or awkwardly make eye contact on the bus. In a lot of countries, especially European countries, this isn't normal at all. People will look at you like you are crazy. Don't take it personally; they're just not used to it.
3. You'll forget what it's like to drive
It's really common to take public transportation, like the bus or metro, or to walk wherever you're going. This will seem tiresome at first when you have to plan for overcrowded metros in your morning schedule and carry your groceries to your apartment from the supermarket down the street. Eventually, it will become normal and you'll wonder if you're going to remember how to drive once you get back home. Which one is the brake again?
4. You won't use your phone as much as you think.
You will constantly be worried about international fees and looking for Wi-Fi. With this being said, you won't be using your phone as much as you think. Sure, when you go out for the day, you'll be snapping some pictures and saving them to post on Instagram or Snapchat later, but you won't be scrolling aimlessly on social media or texting people. You'll find that you're more focused on conversations and enjoying every moment of exploring a new country.
5. You have to get really good at keeping in touch
With time differences and busy schedules, you have to get really good at keeping in touch and remember that your friends won't forget about you. I promise, even if you only talk to your best friend once every week or two, she still loves you. This is where scheduled FaceTime dates with family and friends is useful.
6. You'll learn to make your money last
It's hard to plan just how much money you will need while abroad. No matter how good you are at budgeting or how much you saved for your trip, chances are there will be a point where you will be running a little low. That just might mean buying less gelato. It's heartbreaking, I know.
7. You'll become a light packer...kind of.
Whether it's packing to go abroad or packing for a short weekend traveling to nearby cities/countries, you'll learn how to pack light. Sort of. Yes, you can survive 3 days with just one pair of shoes and no, you don't need to bring 3 perfumes, 2 shampoos, and your whole makeup collection. Girls are naturally born to pack too much stuff but you will get better and it will be okay, I promise. You'll thank yourself when you're only carrying one bag on public transportation.
8. Your home will look a lot different from thousands of miles away.
While spending time in a new country surrounded by a different culture, you will start to see your home in a different way. You'll suddenly realize your dog waking you up with a wet kiss every morning wasn't so annoying and you'd actually do anything for some Chick-fil-A waffle fries. You just might start seeing things from a different point of view because things always seem different when you're on the outside looking in.
