Studying abroad is perhaps one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences you could have in college. You have the chance to travel to multiple countries, gain a real independence and self-awareness and become a global citizen. Sure, the thought of picking up and moving to a different country for a few months can be a bit nerve-racking, but it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
That being said, there are a few words of advice I’d like to pass on to anyone studying abroad in the near future. Think of this as your unofficial guide for the semester.
1. Embrace the culture.
This is so important. By studying abroad, you have the opportunity to learn how other people live. Do your absolute best to respect and appreciate the customs of whatever country you’re in. If you can, participate in any celebrations, holidays or festivals. Try things you wouldn’t normally at home.
For instance, a friend and I went to afternoon tea in London. Although it is considered “posh” now, it has such a rich history in England. Finally, familiarize yourself with terms or learn a few key phrases of the language spoken in the country you’re visiting. It can be helpful to know that “lift” is the same as “elevator,” and “quid” is slang for “pound,” just like “buck” is for “dollar.” Not only can it be helpful to you, but it can also indicate to others that you really are trying to learn. A simple “Bonjour” or “grazie” can go a long way.
2. Try the local delicacies.
Eat everything and anything. Seriously. You probably won’t get the chance to eat an apple strudel pretzel or drink Almdudler soda once you’re back in the states (it’s also another great way to embrace the culture). Even if you’re not typically an adventurous person when it comes to food, just go for it!
You won’t know if you like it until you try it. My friend had ordered haggis while we were in Scotland, and she offered to let me try some. I must admit, I was hesitant at first, but I ended up really liking it and wished I had ordered it myself. While it can be fun to see what McDonalds tastes like in Europe, don’t let that be your go-to place to eat.
3. Take spontaneous trips.
I found that the trips I decided on last minute were the most fun. On a Tuesday night, my friend walked into my room and asked if I wanted to go to Salzburg with her that weekend. I called my mom to make sure it was alright, and it was. We bought our plane tickets, booked our hostel and decided on what we wanted to do.
It was the fastest planning I ever did, and it was also some of the most fun I had. Sometimes extensive planning can be draining and intimidating. Of course, it’s necessary to plan ahead to some extent, but don’t be afraid to say yes to a random trip that comes up at the eleventh hour.
4. Constantly explore new places.
As the semester rolls on, staying in bed and watching Netflix can be tempting. Traveling is fun, but it can be exhausting. However, do your best to do something every weekend. It seems like you have all the time in the world, but that’s not the case. You don’t want to be scrambling to fit a month’s worth of plans into a week. Unless you’re sick, I don’t recommend staying in.
It’s also important to explore the city you’re living in. In the middle of the semester, I noticed I had been neglecting London. I was so focused on planning trips to go to other countries that I wasn’t familiarizing myself with London as much as I should have. Furthermore, not everyone has the funds to fly to a different country every weekend; running around the city you call home is a great way to still travel but not spend nearly as much money.
5. Take pictures.
If you're the type of person who prefers to live in the moment, force yourself to take at least a few pictures. If you don’t, you’ll regret it later. On the other hand, if you’re the kind of person who loves taking pictures, try to cut back. You don’t want to be so immersed in your camera that you miss out on actually experiencing the moment. Also, don’t be afraid you’ll be seen as a “tourist.”
In a sorority and want to take a picture throwing what you know at a famous landmark? Do it. See a red telephone booth and want to take a picture coming out of it? Do it! Ultimately, it’s your trip, and you should do what you want in order to best remember it. Finally, on a somewhat related note, if you’re so inclined or up for the challenge, try to keep a daily journal. Having a firsthand account to refer to in a few years will be more helpful than you could ever imagine.
6. Always be prepared.
Spoiler alert: not everything is going to go smoothly or be perfect. Maybe you’ll be the only one in your travel group who has a seat on a completely different train car. Or maybe you almost miss your tour of the islands of Venice because the bus going into the city was late and you have to run full speed through narrow, crowded paths to make it on time.
In any case, it’s best to have control over what you can. Buy a portable charger so you won’t have to worry about your phone dying. Carry a map of the city in case your GPS isn’t working. Bring your selfie stick so you don’t have to waste time finding someone to take your picture. Perhaps most importantly, make multiple copies of your passport and visa. Keep one in your room (hidden in a secure place only you know) and one on your person at all times.
It not only helps you be able to identify yourself in an emergency situation, but you might be able to get into some museums or other attractions for free. My friends and I got into the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre for free since we were technically students studying in Europe. We saved a ton of money, and saving money in college is a beautiful thing.
7. Make memories that will last a lifetime
This part is pretty easy. I had so many stories to tell my family and friends when I got home — I didn’t know where to start. One of my most prominent memories is, funny enough, actually related to my studies. Even though I am not a theatre major, I had the opportunity to take classes at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and act on the stage. It was so unbelievable, something I will definitely never forget.
I also met one of my best friends while studying abroad. We have a unique bond that I don’t have with anyone else in the world. How special is that? There are so many memories I will cherish forever from my time studying abroad. Each and every experience you have while studying abroad will affect you in some way or another. They have truly shaped and transformed me into who I am today.
