1.) Yes You Can.
One of my biggest fears while making the decision to go to a school half way across the world was that I couldn’t possibly do it. The excuses were endless; I can’t even cook Ramen Noodles correctly, how can I ever be expected to study abroad? My first piece of advice is that if I can do it, you can do it. Stop telling yourself that you’re not old enough, not independent enough, or not ready enough, because I promise that you are more than capable. If repeating “I think I can, I think I can”, over and over again like The Little Engine That Could is what it takes for you believe in your own abilities, then by all means do so. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, which in the case of tequila might not be such a bad thing.

2.) Plan Ahead.
I know that money plays a huge factor in a student’s ability to study abroad, which is why it is imperative that you plan ahead. There are so many wonderful scholarships, and ways to save, that you might miss out on if you decide to join late in the game. Not to mention how comforting it will be to have everything set up ahead of time. So instead of submitting your application on the very last day of the already extended deadline (guilty), pick where you want to go early and do some research on the place that just might become your temporary home.

 3.) Embrace Change. It’s human nature to fear the unknown, and studying abroad will force you to face that fear head on. Each morning, you will wake up not knowing what lies ahead, unable to control where the day takes you. You will constantly see things that will challenge your beliefs, and push you to form your own opinions. You will learn about matters previously unknown to you, some even pertaining to your own country, and experience moments that will give you a new perspective on life and the way you’re living it. Studying abroad will change who you are, what you believe in, and your view of the world. 

4.) Pack Half the Clothes, and Take Double the Photographs. To me, packing was the most stressful part. Trying to shove my entire closet into a suitcase bigger than my Labrador Retriever, and still having trouble fitting it all, should have been my first clue that I had over packed. I’m here to silence that voice in the back of your head, convincing you that you need five sweaters even though the forecast shows 90 degrees without a cloud in the sky for the duration of your trip. Pack only what you need, and avoid the stress of worrying about an overweight baggage fee at the airport. Also, make sure to pack a smaller weekend bag, because there is nothing worse than lugging an oversized suitcase on and off of a train that you’re probably already running to catch.   

5.) You Will Miss It. The minute you board the plane back home, to the moment you touch down on familiar soil, you will miss the life-changing event that just took place. You will miss it first thing when you wake up, and right before you fall asleep. Your ears will long for the lullaby of the metro at night, and your taste buds will ache for your favorite foods. You will instantly miss the rush of adventure, and the feeling of living in a foreign land. You will immediately plan reunions with your new friends, and you will soon come to realize that answering the question “How was your trip?” is as close to impossible as forgetting the time you watched the moon shine over the Mediterranean Sea.  Studying abroad will truly better you as an individual, and leave you grateful for having had the opportunity to see just a glimpse of this big beautiful world that we’re so lucky to call home.