1. It takes time to get situated
Showing up in a new country is like freshman year all over again. It takes time to get adjusted to a new city, new people, and a new language. It’s great to have a fresh start, but it takes time. So be patient, and enjoy your new experience.
2. It’s important to create a Budget
Studying abroad means a new currency. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference in currency rates of your home country and your host country. When creating a budget, make it in your new currency rate, and this will make spending easier and you will stay within your own limits.
3. You will miss things about America
I’m sure you will love your host city and country, but there will be adjustments. There might be a different language, or even new cultural norms. This can lead to a little homesickness and missing simple items that your new country does not have. It’s ok to miss these things, but when you are packing for the trip try to include some items from home. For example, I brought some pictures from home and a few American snacks.
4. Traveling every weekend isn’t everything
It is great to explore new countries, but it’s also important to get to know your own country and your own city. This is a once in a lifetime experience so make sure you live it up the way you wanted to. My biggest suggestion is to spread your time into three parts.
Spend one third of your time in your own country, see new cities and understand your country’s culture. Spend your next third in your own city. This will help you understand the best places in your area and give you time to become a local. Lastly, spend a third of your time seeing other countries and learning the difference between them and your host country.
5. It isn’t always glamorous
Looking on social media it sometimes seems like everything about traveling is fun and easy. This is not the case. That’s not to say that it’s not fun to be in another country. It definitely is, but there are some downsides that you may be unaware of. Tiredness is a part of traveling, so you might not always have the energy to go to every big tourist spot and that’s ok.
Planning is a part of the process, so make sure you have an idea of what you want to see and do. Lastly, time is an important factor. If you are planning on taking weekend trips make sure to include travel time, because you can’t walk everywhere. Also make sure to understand how long it takes to get from place to place.
6. You will go out of your comfort zone
Newsflash: being in a new place can be uncomfortable, and studying abroad is no different. Be prepared to try new foods, explore new places, and meet people who share different options than your own. By going out of your comfort zone, you will learn and grow! Try to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
7. This is a once and a lifetime opportunity
Yes, you may be lucky enough to see more of the world later on in life, but you might not get the chance to live in that place for four or five months so enjoy this experience and don’t take it lightly. Take daily walks, buy souvenirs, or even start a collection of coasters or napkins from restaurants to remember your trip. This is a great opportunity have fun and step out of your comfort zone, it will be worth it!
