Studying abroad taught me a lot of things not just about the world but about myself as well. It opened my eyes and changed my perspective of the world. It was a new chapter of my life that began by pulling back the curtain and studying cultures head on. I will forever cherish the memories made and the lessons learned.

1. Everyone smiles in the same language :)

No matter where you go if you smile at someone they (usually) smile back. A smile is universal. It means the same thing everywhere! Feeling a little culture shock? Look around at the smiles because that is something you can always understand without knowing another language.

2. Try a food you've never tried before, it may surprise you!

Europe is full of amazing chefs and delicious dishes that you could miss out on if you limit yourself to the familiar foods from your home country. "If it looks different it's probably scrumpdillyumpcious" - my mother

3. Be Spontaneous. Carpe Diem!

Seize the day! If there's a cheap ticket to somewhere, GO! If there's a bullfight just down the block, GO! If there's a parade, GO! If there's a peaceful protest, GO! If there's a Flamenco show? Go check it out! Get out of your comfort zone while also being safe. Being spontaneous opens doors to experiences that you would never normally be exposed to! Be a "yes man" like Jim Carrey.

4. Immerse yourself into the language and the culture.

Don't be afraid to try to speak the local language. The locals (usually) appreciate when you try to speak their native tongue and are genuinely interested in learning about their culture. Everyone loves to teach others about their culture and history—so be open and respectful! Nothing is more fun than connecting with your waiter when you both laugh while you try to pronounce something on the menu.

5. Don't be afraid to branch out and make new friends.

Every activity seems to be more enjoyable with more people. Make friends with your neighbors. Go to a language exchange at a bar/restaurant. Take a soccer ball to a park and play with the people there. Stay in a hostel and hang out with the guests. This is the time it's okay to talk to strangers. Get out of your comfort zone and make some friends. Traveling, eating, and well basically any activity is more fun (and more comfortable) with friends. It also makes it easier to learn about their language and the culture. (Not going to lie: tinder/bumble = great way to meet people and get a local's opinion on what to do, where to go, what to see, what to eat)

6. Slooooow your roll.

Meaning: walk slower and stop to enjoy street shows. Browse through the street vendors. Take a minute to absorb your surroundings: the sights, the smells, the colors, the sounds, the people, the art, the buildings, everything! Some of my favorite memories are watching street performers in plazas.

Pickpocketing is huge in Europe. Beware of large crowds. When watching street shows, make sure you hold onto your purse and your pockets. Public transportation and waiting in lines also makes you a great victim. Be aware when walking through the cities of who's near you. Don't walk alone, EVER. Watch your drinks and get them yourself. Since this is a time of terror attacks, just be aware of any place that could be a target. Like airports, large crowds, protests and riots. Be aware but don't be afraid. Don't let fear dictate your experience abroad.

8. Tapas

In Spain, Tapas are the American equivalent to appetizers but much smaller. Usually involves a meat, cheese and/or vegetable on a slice of bread. The Tapas are perfectly paired with a nice wine of your choice. Tapas are eaten with friends and family after work. It's a social meal to talk about your day and catch up with each other. Delicious and relatively cheap. Try one, Just kidding try all of them like I did :D !

9. Wine is cheaper than bottled water

Blessing and a curse. A bottle of wine is about 4 euros. If you order water in Spain, they will bring you a bottle. For every bottle you drink, it is probably almost 2 euros. So two small bottles of water = an entire bottle of wine. I wouldn't risk drinking the tap water because you never know what could be in it! The wine may be cheap but it is absolutely delicious. (Make sure to invest in big water bottles so you don't get dehydrated)

10. Dinner is different

Dinner isn't served until after 10 p.m. in Spain. This was the biggest shock to me because I love eating and it took me a while to adjust to eating so late. " To Go" and splitting a check isn't a thing anywhere. Dinner is eaten slowly over the course of almost three hours and you have to ask for your check, they never bring it to you. It is a meal that is supposed to be fully enjoyed along with the time spent in good company. The portions in Spain are also much smaller (compared to Americans).

11. "Going out" happens very late in the night

In Spain, if you go to a bar/club before midnight you'll be the only one there. Even at 1 in the morning, the party isn't popping yet. Around 2:30-3:00 a.m. is when the party gets started and everyone starts piling in the clubs. Girls dress differently in Spain, so be careful what you wear out ladies (don't show some skin). When my friends and I went out for the first night we were, of course, the first ones there because we didn't know and the club didn't get busy until about 3 a.m. then everyone was dancing and partying until 7 am. It is impossible to keep up with this lifestyle so don't try just enjoy it as much as you can! The Spanish can dance and they sure can drink! So put on your dancing shoes. Definitely dance with a local!

12. Go into Museums and Art Galleries

It may be not your thing to go into them because you find art/history boring, but I promise it is worth it. Go in and buy a ticket. Usually they give student discounts or even free entry. If you aren't into art or history really read the background stories, it brings it to life. Buy the headphones that narrate the whole experience. I promise you will appreciate that you went in and saw everything when you get older. Learning about history and art is important. Theodore Roosevelt would say,
"The more you know about the past, the better you are prepared for the future."

13. Getting lost is fun

My friend's phone and my own, only worked when we were connected to wifi and to make calls. Data is super expensive so we'd pre-screenshot maps before we went out. Most of the time we could never find where we were going and would end up finding something better. I found an amazing family-owned hole in the wall restaurant by getting lost and then they drew me a map telling me how to get home. It may feel scary but let go and let fate. I also got on the wrong train one day and although I was scared the train ride was the most beautiful landscape I had ever seen. Getting lost also forces you to talk to others in their native language, which creates a learning experience and helps you meet people! Not all those who wander are lost!

I never thought in a million years that I would fly across the world alone, from Florida to Spain. Once I got to Spain, I missed my connecting flight which happened to be the last one of the day. My phone didn't work so I went to a train station 30 minutes away by taking a public bus and then a taxi. I'm not sure how I "Spanglished" my way through that but I ended up buying a ticket that took me to Valencia. There I then walked the streets at midnight with my 50 pound suitcase until I found FSU's campus. I am still shocked that I accomplished all of that with what little Spanish I knew, my fear traveling alone and talking to strangers. But I overcame it all and it change me for the better!

15. What's A/C?

Don't expect to have air conditioning in your hotel and expect to pay extra $ for one if you really need it. Surprise, majority of the restaurants don't have a/c either. They are all mostly open air, so sit near a window if you don't want to sweat.

16. Wifi is bae, so ask for the password.

Don't be afraid to ask for the wifi password. I can't live without out so I always did. Saves you loads of money on data! Connect with your friends across the world for free. Some carriers have hotspots at popular attractions in different cities.

17. Airbnb saves lives

*This is not a promo* but shout out to Airbnb because thanks to them I have stayed in the most beautiful homes around the world and met the coolest hosts ever. Airbnb spoiled me with mansions that I rented with 8 of my closest friends. I have never felt cooler. They also give you prime locations for cheaper prices than hotels.

The Dean of my Study Abroad program, Ignacio Messana, shared some wisdom with all the students during Orientation. You will go through five stages when you study abroad. Stage 1 is Euphoria. Totally excited, happy and optimistic at first. Then Stage 2 hits, Frustration. You're completely frustrated with everything being different, struggling to communicate and jet lag is crushing your soul. Then Stage 3 smacks you in the face, Home Sickness. You're sad because you miss your family, your home, your friends and Chick-fil-A. It literally makes you sick. Finally, Stage 4 comes around. The Acceptance stage, you relax and settle into your new environment. The fourth stage hopefully comes sooner than later because it is so wonderful to be able to calm down and enjoy yourself. Stage 5 I don't think Ignacio mentioned but it is totally a stage. Stage 5 is culture shock when you go home! Leaving where you study abroad is heart breaking. When you get home you miss the culture, the food and people but you also appreciate your own more. Just hang in there through all the stages because it is worth it! You can do it! Puedes hacerlo! Tu peux le faire!

19. Euros are basically dollars

Yes, exchange your money but do your research first. DON'T EXCHANGE AT A HOTEL OR AIRPORT, they rip you off. I withdrew my money from a sister bank and it gave me Euros and the rate wasn't bad at all. What I mean is when you're staring at your menu don't try to figure out with the dollar equivalent is because it is very close.

Definitely take a lot of pictures but don't forget to soak up your surroundings. The best way to enjoy a moment is to actually be in it. Plus, no photo can capture an experience or the exact way you saw a place. Live in the moment and get some snapshots.

21. Public Transportation isn't scary anyone can do it

22. Try the Mystery Meat (Döner Kebab)23. Wear running shoes wherever you go

24. If there was a grocery store there, I couldn't find a single one. They are mostly central markets.

25. Go to all things free: fairs, festivals, parades.

26. Get souvenirs from everywhere you go.

27. Budget your weekend trips.

28. It is appropriate to drink alcohol at any meal.

29. Don't let other people's actions ruin your time.

30. There is ALWAYS room for dessert.

31. Partying won't be the same after you go to Ibiza.

32. You can practically use the word Vále at any point of a conversation (In España).

33. Everyone knows I'm an American (is it the blonde hair, the fact that I say y'all or my high waisted shorts).

34. There is nothing you can't put Nutella on.

35. THANK YOUR PARENTS BECAUSE YOU ARE SO LUCKY!

That isn't even half of what I learned while studying abroad but there is my grain of salt! There is nothing like studying abroad and I am forever grateful to my parents for providing me with such an amazing opportunity to experience studying abroad. Thank you Valencia, Spain for the many memories, lessons, people and experiences that I will never forget!

Vále! Vámonos! Ver el mundo!
(Ok let's go see the world)—I think!