At the first study abroad fair I attended, I exclusively looked at the places which seemed so far out of reach that I could only ever dream of visiting them, and even then only much later in life. I picked up information packets about going to Sweden, Germany, and Austria, but none of these would end up being the destination for me. My friend and I came across the smallest table at the whole event which was being run by an enthusiastic woman who had clearly put a lot of effort into how she presented herself and this trip.
This woman, a professor, had been doing this faculty-led study abroad to London, England during the summer and winter semester breaks for years. Clearly, she was well versed in what sold the trip to the students. When I was told that there were still a few spots left for the winter break (this first meeting took place in September), I immediately called home to get approval and submitted my application. This is the single most important decision that I’ve made for myself during my short life.
I have always been the type of person who completes tasks only half way through. Sometimes I completely lose motivation for moving towards a goal. That was not the case here. After a little convincing, my parents were also supportive of this adventure; particularly because I’d never left the country prior to this. I tried to stay level headed with this - tried not to let it hit me that this was reality. There were so many things that could go wrong, yet I kept up with it. In the end, it was easier than I would have imagined. The professor created a Facebook group which laid everything out for us and answered any questions that we might’ve had. This also gave the students — who’d soon be living with each other — the opportunity to become friends before meeting each other and choosing roommates.
In the space leading up to the departure flight there are a lot of nerves, as there are so many things to forget while packing and transporting luggage. Even if it’s your first time through customs, the professor ensures that you’re prepared in every way and for everything that you might face.
While there is a tremendous feeling of being overwhelmed when it comes to committing to a study abroad, it’s an amazing and life changing experience. Seeing the world outside of the United States is an eye-opening experience, as there really is so much more out there than we experience within its borders. The United States is a fledgling country compared to many of the rest of the world’s countries, and there’s so much history to be learned at every destination. Personally, I spent most of my time touring monuments and sitting in museums, but there’s so much available for anything that peaks a person’s interest.
Wherever you may be considering going, or are currently preparing to go, I promise that you won’t return as the same person who left. You’ll have a greater sense of what’s out in the world and will have created so many memories which seemed only possible in dreams. College is the easiest time in your life to travel. It’s a time in your life during which you’re not chained down to a single location if you choose not to be. Taking advantage of that is exceedingly important, so make it count.
