To My Friend Studying Abroad,

Let me start by saying how incredibly proud I am of you. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is going to be an experience you can talk (and brag) about for many, many years. Even though I'm totally jealous, I couldn't be happier for you. Being so far from home can be super scary, so I thought I'd help you out by giving you some reminders while you were thousands of miles away from home.

Post as many pictures as you can.

Again, I'm still going to get jealous when you upload pictures of the amazing country you get to explore while I'm stuck in my boring hometown. But I love getting to see the beautiful areas you're exploring over there. If I can't see them in real life, then I'm glad I have you as my own photographer. You look like you're having an amazing time and I miss your smiling face!

Take advantage of every cultural opportunity.

You know if I was there, I'd be begging to try the McDonald's menu. But please, try every food you can. Be willing to try everything you can, even if you can't pronounce it. And visit as many historical landmarks as you can. You're only there for a limited time, and we both know you'll regret missing a tour of something just because you wanted to sleep in a little longer. Embrace every little bit of culture you can -- especially if you're over there for a national holiday, do not take that for granted.

Treat it like a vacation, but remember you still have classes.

I know it's going to be easy to get carried away, especially since the drinking age is lower, but remember that it's only worth it if you actually pass the classes you're paying for. However, when you get some free time, I hope you explore the country as much as you can. Relax and take it all in. You're overseas and you should be able to do what you want to do and see what you want to see. Get all your schoolwork done, then go sightseeing (and probably bar hopping).

Stay safe above all.

We've seen "Taken" together, so don't be dumb over there! Stay safe and make sure you come home to tell me all of the amazing stories you have. Make friends, but don't do anything I wouldn't do! I want you to experience every opportunity possible there, but I also want to be sure you'll actually come back to me. I'm a teenage girl, so I don't think I'll be as intimidating as Liam Neeson. Your safety is the most important thing to me while you're over there alone.

I love you to pieces and wish I was there to experience this unbelievable opportunity with you. I'm so happy for you and I'm so excited for the day you return home to the U.S.! Missing you every day!