Studying abroad introduces you first-hand to different cultures, languages, places, and people all over the world – who knows what you'll learn? It's bound to help significantly change your life, whether it's by coming to realizations about yourself, witnessing things that make you want to improve society, or even just aspiring to learn another language (and add that to your resume!).
When I explored Germany, The Netherlands, and England with my study abroad group, I came across a lot of little things that would have made a huge difference had I known them beforehand.
1. Bring a cross body bag.
I ran around Munich for four days looking for one and almost went crazy. They are absolutely vital. Phone, camera, bottled water (make sure it's big enough to fit one!), hair ties, bobby pins, boarding passes, smaller city transportation cards, hotel access keys, the list goes on! When you sit to eat in a restaurant, you can keep it on and simply pull it into your lap – that way there's no risk of forgetting it. Also, make sure it has a zipper and, if possible, that it's water proof. You will be glad you have it, I absolutely promise.
2. Acquire hard money upon entry into a foreign country.
Study abroad groups typically visit tourist attractions and such, and gift shops and surrounding food shops could very well (and often do) only accept cash. Further, if you plan on splitting the bill at a restaurant, you'll more often than not run into trouble. We got told in Amsterdam that if you do split the bill and/or want to use cards, tell the waitress BEFORE she begins taking your orders. You'll avoid the eye rolls and annoyed fake smiles altogether.
3. Love water.
Gotta stay hydrated, right? We walk a lot – A LOT – whenever we're out in Europe. It's the way to get around (with a bit of help from the metro!). You'll get tired and fatigued, and water can help that. Plus it prevents dehydration – always a plus!
4. Bring an array of clothes.
I was certain I'd be fine with maybe four nice shirts and 15 T-shirts for two weeks (I'm not counting bottoms here), but I certainly have some regrets. People wore their cute outfits everyday and I was slumming in my gym garb. It's not a good thing, either. Also, don't bring heels. I brought one pair as a "just in case" fancy shoe, and regretted it daily (especially since they're booties that just add unnecessary weight to my checked bag).
5. Power converter – YES.
My roommate is angelic for always letting me use her power outlet converter to charge my phone (shout out to Maddie!). It's a necessity. They have fancy ones (like hers) that have multiple different conversions. For example, the outlets in Germany and Amsterdam are different than they are in London, but her converter can do both! Yay technology!
6. Know what your plan is with your cell phone usage.
International plans can be bought for your trip's duration, but I'm a cheap-o. This is one thing I did do right: keep my phone on airplane mode and use WiFi exclusively. I didn't spend a cent over my usual usage, and any hotel you stay in will usually provide you with free WiFi since you are providing them business. Case closed.
7. Get Facebook Messenger App.
And accept your mom's friend request that has been collecting dust in your inbox for months or years. That's how I communicate with my homeland people. Messenger allows you to text and you can even call (I haven't tried calling, but I hear it's pretty easy!) your loved ones from afar. And tons of fun cat emojis make the free download a no-brainer for me.
8. Know the climate of the foreign countries you're visiting.
Thank goodness my classmate was nice enough to let me use her sunscreen in Amsterdam (shout out to Victoria!). If you prepare well, you'll know if you need an umbrella, a raincoat, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, or other items that are great to have but easy to leave behind.
9. Know basic words in the country's foreign language.
I knew no German words when we arrived in Munich, but my classmates did. Common courtesy words like "thank you" and "excuse me" and "yes" and "no" will get you far. Know the words that you use daily in your own language as a starting point.
Be prepared! I wasn't and I had some regrets...Good luck!
