This past weekend, I had to come back to reality after spending the most amazing month in France. I went with my school for our study abroad program, and it was absolutely a dream come true. I always dreamed of visiting France for as long as I can remember, and it without a doubt exceeded my expectations. Not only did I see the famous sights that France has to offer, but I met amazing people, learned so much, and saw castles that were fit for the finest of princesses. If you are thinking about studying abroad in the near future (which you absolutely should), this is my list of things that I learned based off of my own personal experiences.
Be prepared for the emotional roller coaster
A friend and I were talking about how we felt like we experienced every emotion humanly possible within the short month of our trip. Yes it was rough at times, but we made it through. Don't take it for granted. Life truly is beautiful.
You are a lot tougher than you think
After traveling the world on my own and living in a place where I had to communicate in a different language, I am now convinced that I can do just about anything that life throws my way.
Take everything a step at a time
Trying to over plan everything may result in disappointment. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with having things that you want to do, but try to go with the flow a little bit and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Immerse yourself in the culture as much as possible
Be adaptable, try new things, watch their movies, listen to their music, and if learning a language is your purpose for being there, try to speak it as much as possible.
Make friends with locals
This kind of goes off of the last one. They know all the cool places to go out and many of them are just as excited to learn about your culture as you are to learn about theirs. Plus now you'll have friends in many places.
Go out every once in awhile
Speaking of meeting locals, this is a great way to do so. If going out is not something that you are comfortable with, try going to a local bar or going out dancing with friends at least once. Stepping out of your comfort zone may seem intimidating, but these are the experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
You will learn just as much, if not more, outside of the classroom
In France, I was in class every day starting at 9:00 am, and on my longer days I didn’t get out until 5:00 pm. Although I learned a lot in class, I think that I learned more by trying to survive by communicating with my host family and locals on a day to day basis.
Don’t forget to bring the important stuff
Portable phone charger, a camera (if you’re in to photography. If not, your cell phone’s camera will work perfectly fine), important toiletries, a bath towel (don't assume that your host family will have one like I did), comfortable yet cute walking shoes, a gift for your host family, a way to communicate in case of an emergency, and local currency. You'll thank me later!
Be prepared to walk A LOT
I’m not gonna lie, us Americans are lazy! I mean, we drive EVERYWHERE. People are always wondering how Europeans stay so thin, and my theory is that it’s simply because they walk so much. Don't worry, this is something that you will grow accustomed to. Just make sure that you have comfortable shoes that you can walk all day in if you need to.
Do not over pack
Our program director advised me against this, but I didn’t listen. She said to pack your bag and only bring a third of what’s in there. She was so right. I ended up paying an extra $100 because I over packed, and I ended up wearing the same few things throughout the trip. Not only that, but it was a HUGE hassle to have to carry a heavy bag through the airport and train. Trust me on this, there are better things to spend $100 on than an overweight bag.
Do not do anything illegal/crazy
Come on people. Why do I even have to tell you this? Do not be that person who gets arrested while studying abroad. I’m sure your school will tell you plenty of horror stories about kids who have been in jail for years because they did something that they didn’t realize was illegal. Please don’t be dumb. Also, the legal drinking age in many other countries is 18 instead 21. Be smart, don't get too crazy and always go out with at least one person you know you can trust.
Do not live on your phone
So much of the world will pass you by if you aren’t paying attention to it. Get out of bed, get lost somewhere, and meet new people!
No one will judge you
Before my trip, I was afraid that I would be judged for being different. I soon realized that no matter what, people are just people. Everyone around the world has the same fears as you do.
Speak the language
Never ever go up to someone in a store or restaurant and just start speaking English. At least learn how to ask if they speak English in the native language of whatever country you are in. How would you feel you someone came up to you and started speaking in a language you didn't know? It's kind of rude, right? If you are in a country to learn the language, do not be afraid to speak it as much as possible. No one is going to judge you if you’re trying. If anything, they will appreciate your efforts and will be more willing to help you if you are struggling a bit.
Visit other countries
If you were to ask me if I had any regrets about my trip, it would definitely be that I did not explore any other countries while I was in Europe, especially since there are several countries that are not too far away from France. I guess this just gives me another reason to go back!
It will be hard to leave
The most difficult part of my trip was leaving. I already miss France SO much and I may or may not already be planning my next trip back.
Don’t take a moment for granted
Your trip will fly by faster than you could ever imagine. Try to soak everything in like a sponge. Take plenty of photos, eat plenty of food, buy cheap souvenirs and make plenty of friends. This is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Be prepared to never shut up about it
To my friends and family: I am so sorry. I know that all I have been doing is talking about my trip, but right now all I want to do is go back!
