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5 Tips For Spring Break Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that everyone should take advantage of if they can. There are a few things you should know before you go.

Magen Castronova

Feb 01, 2019

West Chester University

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I love to be prepared for new experiences, whether it be the first day of class, or world travel. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you trek the globe with your fellow classmates on study abroad.

1. Not everyone is your new bff, and that's okay.

Not every classmate traveling with you is going to be your new best friend, but you are all in it together, so be nice. You may find that someone rubs you the wrong way, but it's important to remember that they have their own stuff going on. Maybe they are traveling abroad while important things are happening at home, or they're terrified of being out of the country and trying to challenge themselves. What will be will be, but please give everyone you meet the benefit of the doubt. While you're abroad, they are your family. And, it's only a week. You can make it.

2. Use your spending money for experiences, not stuff.

You do not need designer Italian jeans. You just don't. However, that money could buy you a cab ride, a meal, and a ticket to the top of some high place with a beautiful view. Think about spending your money in a way that enriches your trip, instead of making your suitcase too heavy to run in the airport when your flight home is thiiis close to leaving without you. If you can buy it at home on Amazon, don't buy it abroad. You're not there to shop.

3. Eat whenever you can, sleep when you're dead.

Eat at all opportunities, and sleep when you get home. You have one week to get the absolute most out of your time abroad. It goes by way too quickly, and if you choose to nap instead of adventure, you will miss it. For this reason, I suggest you eat at all available opportunities. "Busy" doesn't even begin to cover the Spring Break study abroad experience. So trust me, you don't want to be hangry for any of it.

4. Go for the morning run.

If your group offers a morning run before breakfast, get your butt up and go with them. Even if you're not a runner. Even if you're barely a walker (before coffee.) GO. The sights I saw before 7 a.m. rival everything else I saw during the daylight hours abroad. The best reason to get up early and go with the group is that you'll get to see the streets of your city without the crowds. The second best reason is that you will be more alert for the rest of your day. If you need another reason, think of the friends you could make!

5. Pack light while you're out and about.

You really don't need to carry a backpack with a full-size hairbrush, Nikon, and sketchbook in it. Your cell camera is good enough. A short comb in your wallet is good enough. Honestly, skip the sketchbook all together. You probably won't be in any one place long enough to get that far. A weather-appropriate jacket, good shoes, and a cross body bag will be more than enough to get you through the day. Remember that everything you carry is going to feel like a huge burden by the end of a 5-hour walking tour. All those items are also potential losses should you be a victim of pick-pocketing or forgetfulness. Pack light day in and out and you'll thank yourself for it.

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to get to know yourself and how you operate outside the confines of your daily life. Don't be afraid to try new things and break out of your shell. Follow these five tips, and have a great time! Bon Voyage!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Tips For Spring Break Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that everyone should take advantage of if they can. There are a few things you should know before you go.

1. Not everyone is your new bff, and that's okay.

2. Use your spending money for experiences, not stuff.

3. Eat whenever you can, sleep when you're dead.

4. Go for the morning run.

5. Pack light while you're out and about.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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