Dear friend who is studying abroad,
There is something so special about leaving the country totally on your own. Is it scary? Yes. But is it worth it? Double yes. Things are going to happen while you are abroad that will change your life. Some days will be amazing, and other days will be hard. There will be nights you can't remember, and there will be days you will never forget. While I am sad that you are leaving, I am so excited for you to begin your journey and see the world. Before you go, here is a list of 10 things I wish I knew before studying abroad.
When you first arrive, you will be welcomed by a group of strangers who, months later, you will call your best friends.
When you first arrive, everyone will be in the same situation as you. You will be tired after your long flight, but you will be very excited. The people that you meet upon arrival will be feeling very similar to you. Find the people that make you laugh and love adventure, and hang on to them. These people will understand you, and they will love you. Stay true to yourself and be open to new relationships.
Say YES to everything.
The first time you are out of your comfort zone, I encourage you to stay there. I encourage you to say YES to the things you never thought you would say yes to. I encourage you to let your guard down, set your fears aside, and try as many new things as possible.
Share your story with fellow travelers, and ask them theirs.
This is huge. There will be people staying in hotels with you that are from an entirely different walk of life. If you never say hi and introduce yourself, you may be missing out on someone amazing. Tell people your story, and ask them about theirs. People who are traveling are similar to you – you can always find something to bond over.
Always choose going out over sleeping.
You've heard it once, and you'll hear it again. No one ever looks back on the nights they stayed in. You can sleep later; or better yet, you can sleep when you get back to America. But while you are abroad, take every moment for what it is worth. You never know who you might meet.
Take a journal with you, and write in it!
First off, writing is good for the soul. Not only will you be able to record your true thoughts and feelings, but you will have something to look back on for keepsake. There will be days you meet people and do things outside of your comfort zone. Write these things down, and describe your feelings in great detail.
Wake up at 5 am to watch the sunrise.
There will be days that you set your alarm and decide to sleep through it, but the mornings you wake up in the dark and watch the sun rise over the horizon will be worth it. Take it in, and watch the sunrise and sunset as many times as you can. Watching the sunrise is worth missing sleep for.
Run through the train station or airport if you have to.
In your case, run to the cruise ship if you have to. Whatever you do, do not miss the boat! The first time you are in a train station, you will think the people running look crazy. By the end of your travels, you will have done the infamous "backpack run" at least five times. No shame in running to make it to the next country on time.
Immerse yourself in the culture.
Once you understand and appreciate other people's cultural backgrounds, you can connect with them more. You will learn to be patient, because not everything in the world is the same as America. Appreciate it, and respect the things that are different than what you are used to.
Be you.
You are an amazing individual with so much strength and compassion. The people that you meet throughout your journey will remember you, and you will have the chance to touch many lives. Be yourself, and never stop smiling.
When you return home, things will go back to normal.
When it's time to return back to the United States, you may feel afraid that things will be different. I can assure you, a true friendship is not dependent on closeness. You going abroad is incredible, and all of your friends will still be here, waiting to hear all of your stories and see how much you have grown on your journey abroad.
With all my love,
Your Friend Who Wishes She Could Fit in Your Suitcase
