As the summer comes to an end, students are starting to leave for college adventures all over the world. Many, like myself, are going abroad. On August 28th, I leave my small town in Connecticut and head for the city of Florence, Italy for the next four months. There are many things I needed to complete prior to going abroad, and not everything was done by the school. Here is a list of things you need to do the summer before going abroad:
1. Apply for a visa.
And don't forget to pick up your passport when it's ready.
2. Open a credit card that waives foreign transactions fees.
Different credit cards offer different things: free hotel rooms, cash back, waived foreign transactions fees--and the last thing you want to be worrying abroad about is what kind of fees you'll be paying on top of the exchange rate.
3. Get currency.
When you arrive, you will need cash for many things--cab fares, souvenirs, etc.-- don't be left out in the cold trying to exchange it abroad. Many banks let you order euros (if that's what you need).
4. Buy round-trip plane tickets.
It's cheapest to buy flights a few months out, and many sites like StudentUniverse exist to give students the best rates.
5. Make copies of important information.
I have four copies of two pieces of paper, with my credit card info, medical card, visa, passport, and debit cards in case something happens and I no longer have the cards. The last thing you want is to be weekend traveling and have your bag stolen with no way to get home. I have a copy for my purse, my dorm room, my mom's house, and my dad's house. This way, my parents can help me if needed or a roommate who stayed behind.
6. Pack early! And light!
Unfortunately, you cannot bring your entire wardrobe abroad, unless you feel like paying hundreds of dollars in bag fees per trip. I am personally bringing two suitcase, one carry-on, and a medium-sized purse (my "personal item"). I went through my closest, decided what I do and do not wear, and narrowed the list from there. I know I only have 50 pounds and will be buying souvenirs, and therefore will pack 40 or fewer pounds in each bag.
7. Figure out your phone situation.
I use Sprint and it's pretty easy to go abroad--just call and tell them where you will be going. If your network doesn't easily go abroad, look into switching or getting a SIM card with an Italian number. It saves you time doing it in the States.
8. Get to know your roommates.
Unlike in your college, you won't have to bring anything to share for the dorm. In past years, we have to work out who is bringing a microwave, fridge, TV, decorations for the common room, pots and pans, and other household items. But it's still good to reach out and find out who your roommates will be, and perhaps follow them on social media. Plus, if you're not going abroad with a friend, these could be the first people you befriend.
9. Discuss dining options with your parents.
My abroad program does not include a dining hall, so I discussed with my parents how they will be helping me buy food instead.
10. Practice the language a bit.
I have Duolingo on my phone, which helps me to learn a bit of Italian before even getting there. I practice at least fifteen minutes a day, and also have a note on my phone of words and phrases I might need when in Italy.
11. Buy a charger converter.
You'll need to charge devices when abroad, so definitely invest in a good one.
12. Buy a portable phone charger.
You don't want to be at the Vatican with no way to take pictures because your phone died.
13. Invest in quality shoes.
This summer, I invested in a pair of Birkenstock sandals and new Nike sneakers before going abroad. Cobblestone streets will not be nice on your feet, and you won't want those flimsy Old Navy flip flops anymore, despite them being $2.00.
14. If family or friends want to visit, plan the trip.
My parents and aunt all want to come to Europe and meet up with me. Now, I have trips to Stockholm with my aunt, Ireland with my Dad, along with Germany with my mom, all planned out and I haven't even left America yet. But make sure that it's not before midterms, finals, or when a school trip is happening.
Have a good trip!
