I spent the first semester of my senior year studying in Spain and it was a life-changing experience. Although I researched a ton before going, I still ended up inevitably learning a lot. To save you guys the stress of learning this while overseas, here are a few things I wish I’d known before studying abroad:
1. The Place Where You Sleep Can Make or Break Your Experience.
I used to think that it didn’t matter where I rested my head for the night, as long as it was dry and safe (I mean you’re in Europe, you’re not going to spend all day at the hostel). But after staying in one too many hostels, I’ve realized that where you stay can make or break your experience. If you stay in a sketchy hostel, you might not be comfortable, which could ruin your entire trip. You might be worried about someone stealing your stuff the entire time you’re out, trying to enjoy the city you’re in. You might not be able to sleep because your roommates are too loud, or because the street in front of your hostel is under construction. Maybe there’s a weird smell that makes you loath having to go back to sleep. You don’t want that. Put in the extra effort (and maybe cash) to find a nicer place to spend the night.
2. You Might Have Built Up an Idea of What You Want a Place to Be.
My whole life, I’ve dreamed of visiting Italy. When I bought my ticket to Rome I couldn’t have been more excited. Before visiting La Citta Eterna, I daydreamed of what I thought a day would be like in the same place where Lizzie McGuire met Paolo, and lived an adventure. I had a fairytale concept of what I thought Rome would be like—of what I wanted Rome to be like—but when I got there, it wasn’t everything I built it up to be. When you think about it, that’s not fair to the city.
Before traveling somewhere, just realize you aren’t in a dream world and everything is not going to be perfect. You will probably be stressed because traveling on a budget is stressful, things might/probably will go wrong, you might have a meltdown, you might cry (maybe) and everything won’t be fine and dandy. But in the end, you will learn life lessons, you will see pieces of history that some have only ever dreamt of seeing, and you will experience so many new things that will make all the headaches, mishaps, and meltdowns worth it.
3. You Went To a Certain Country for a Reason, Explore that Country.
I studied abroad in Spain, and although I got to visit six different cities, I wish I had visited more. I chose to study abroad in Spain because I wanted to learn the culture, meet the people and acquire a new perspective. But while I was there I feel like I might have wished away my time to other countries, which makes sense because it’s Europe! But I wish I had appreciated my time in Spain more. I wish I could have had the chance to visit Valencia. Instead of spending five days in Rome, I wish I could have spent some of it in Madrid.
Sure it’s fun to visit another country, even just for a day, because then you can tally up all the countries you’ve been to. Or you could just really explore the country you chose to study in, and understand it more thoroughly. Like I heard someone once say, "It's better to only visit 15 countries, but to fully explore them, than to visit 30 countries and only spend a day in each of them."
4. Decide You Don’t Care What People Think of You.
As a tourist, you will embarrass yourself—it’s inevitable—don’t worry about it. You’re hard enough on yourself about being a tourist; don’t worry about how other people are feeling (you’ll probably remember your embarrassing moments way longer than they will). Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you’re never going to see these people again. Don’t worry about looking like a tourist—you are one—accept it. Worrying about what people think of you will get you nowhere; it will not solve problems; it will do nothing—so stop caring. Of course this doesn’t mean you can purposely be rude and obnoxious—that’s annoying—but if you mess up, just shake it off like a champ.
5. Don’t Use Your Card.
In America, we’re used to swiping our credit/debit card for anything and everything we buy. But this is not the case in many other countries. While in Europe, I noticed that most stores have a minimum amount (usually €5) you must spend if you want to buy something. But some places might not take card at all. Before you travel abroad, include international fees in your budget. If you use your card abroad (in any store), your bank will charge you—and those fees add up. Also, ATM fees are more expensive in Europe than in America.
6. Airbnb’s Are So Much Better than Hostels—trust me.
Sleeping in your own room without a bunch of random strangers is so much better than having unknown roommates. Airbnb is an app you can get on your phone where you can basically rent a couch, room, or house from a local. It’s incredibly safe and reliable, and way better than staying in a hostel. Plus sometimes it’s the same price, or cheaper than a hostel!
7. Don’t Fly Into Places at Night.
Sometimes, when you’re after the cheap flights, you’ll book anything to save you an extra $20. But arriving in a new city at night is not recommended. It’s so much harder to figure places out at night. Buses might be closed down, you might not be able to find a taxi, there are less people around, information centers are closed, and it’s so much sketchier. If you’re planning on flying into a city you’ve never been to, I recommend you do it during the day.
8. The Metro is The Best Way to Get Around.
The metro is easy, it’s cheap, and it’s fast. Taxis are way too expensive, and figuring out the bus is not worth the hassle. The country you’re in might not yet have Uber, and walking is too much. If you’re on a budget, just take the metro.
9. Get Google Maps.
Apple users, I hear you, you already have Apple Maps. But Apple Maps does not have the public transportation option. The public transportation option is a lifesaver. It helps you navigate the metro, the trains, the buses, and anything else you need to navigate to get to your destination. Even if your phone doesn’t have wifi, take a screenshot of which metro stops to go on. In this situation, Google Maps is so much better than Apple Maps—sorry not sorry.
When I went abroad, I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. But lucky for you, I got to go through all this hassle so you wouldn’t have to! Hopefully, these tips will help you get through your experience with a little less stress than I did.
