For some people, one of the requirements for graduating is studying abroad. My Peace and Global Studies major required that I study abroad and since one of my minors included French, I studied abroad in France this past January. College is a time for new experiences so even if it isn’t required, if you have the ability to travel, go on an adventure and see the world!
Studying abroad can arguably be one of the best expeditions of a person’s life, because not only do you get to discover the world, you also get to immerse yourself in other cultures, interact with amazing new people, learn a foreign language, eat exotic foods and, among other things, find a new home.
As an avid traveler I can tell you from experience that the world is just waiting for you to experience it. Besides discovering yourself, you’ll have many fun stories and great memories to share, as well as an endless amount of gorgeous pictures to Instagram for the rest of time. It may be daunting, but I promise it's totally worth it. Whether you study abroad for a month, the summer, a full semester, or even an entire year, if the opportunity presents itself, go!
While you’re abroad you will definitely make lifelong friends, maybe meet your future spouse, or just have a fun, brief romance with a hot foreigner. Maybe you’ll bump into a celebrity while exploring a new city or you’ll end up in a music video for an international pop star by accident. While abroad, yes, you have to take classes that count towards your major, but you can also take a fun random class as an elective and fall in love with something you might have only been slightly interested in before.
I’ve traveled abroad to Europe before, but studying abroad is a completely different experience. Personally, I’ve seen a lot of Paris from previous trips; however, I was really able to connect and discover even more of the city than ever before. Consequently, Paris will forever hold a special place in my heart.
In your downtime you can wander around all of the incredible museums and earn a greater appreciation for art. I pretty much lived in the Louvre for a little bit. Definitely try partying in discothèques or grab some drinks with friends in a local cafe or a fun bar. Check out the Ice Kube in Paris and try a Desperados. This is also a great excuse to go shopping, while abroad you can add a foreign twist and update your wardrobe with some fun, trendy pieces or by finding great deals on something vintage.
Maybe while you’ll running some errands you’ll even get confused for a native so you can now officially call yourself a Parisian instead of pretending. You can always be a tourist on the weekends and travel all over. Go to the south of France and make your own perfume in Grasse, travel to Italy and eat all of the carbs, or try skiing in the Swiss Alps.
If you study abroad in Europe you will never run out of things to do and see. After your extensive voyage you’ll be a master traveler and you will be able to handle any public transportation system like a boss.
While abroad, sure, you’ll miss your family, friends, and the food, but soon enough you’ll become obsessed with your new home. Also, your family can always come visit you if you didn’t go abroad with a friend. Also, before you know it, your trip will come to an end, and trust me, you are not going to want to leave, since being abroad you will have created a new home and you will have met so many new people you now consider family.
You may even look in the mirror and see a new person because you’ll be forever changed by your explorations. If you're anything like me you'll return from your travels ridiculously bougie, hella cultured, and more stylish than ever before. I studied abroad for a month and had a whirlwind adventure, so imagine what can happen to you if you study abroad for a full semester. Check out your study abroad office or head to AIFS.com. You can thank me later over coffee, or maybe I’ll meet up with you abroad. Happy travels!
