The months leading up to a study abroad are a mixture of excitement, fear, and nostalgia. You've finally made your way through the seemingly endless pile of paperwork and you've already gone over your travel plan with your parents at least 8 times. All that's left now? Sit back, buckle up, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Although we all experience life a little different, here are some crucial reminders to help you live it up to the fullest:
1. Don’t overpack.
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Although this seems pretty self-explanatory, it can be easy to get caught up in making sure you have everything you could possibly need while abroad. The truth is you’ll end up buying quite a lot and almost everything you need, you can find there too. Pack only what you KNOW you need, and don’t stress the small stuff.
2. Be picky about whose advice you choose to take.
Well meaning as it is, almost everyone has recommendations before you study abroad, and while it’s great to take feedback – know what you want from the trip and listen to your heart. It’s your trip, not theirs.
3. Do a little research before you go.
For some people, planning is the ultimate way to cut down on trip anxiety, and for others? It’s the cause. Whichever way makes you feel better, make sure to look up at least basic cultural customs before you go. You’ll find cool places, new restaurant and unforgettable sights everywhere you go – but you never want to be the person who tries to shake hands with someone who has no idea what you’re doing.
4. Homesickness is what you make of it.
Unless you legitimately hate everything about where you’re coming from, you’re bound to miss someone or something along the way. Don’t get down on yourself for homesickness, it’s natural and a valid feeling to have. The best way to cure it? Don’t ignore it. Call someone you love, tell someone a funny story from home, and then get out and keep on keepin’ on.
5. Don’t compare your trip to others.
It can be really easy to put pressure on yourself to have the picture-perfect study abroad you’ve seen all over social media. The worry that you won’t see the right things or enjoy the experience the “right way” can be devastating. As long as you’re having a good time, you’re learning, and you’re growing? I promise you’re not doing anything wrong. Remind yourself this is YOUR trip.
6. Scary doesn’t always mean bad.
Sometimes the thought of living in another city miles away from what you know can be intimidating. Practice listening to your gut and learning how to tell the difference between scared because it challenges you and scared because it’s a bad idea. Some of the greatest adventures are the ones that you never, ever saw coming.
7. Give yourself permission to have bad days.
It can seem really silly to be bummed or stressed when you’re living in an exciting new place. Remember that you’re still human and you’re still allowed to have days where you binge-watch Netflix and get grumpy. While everyone around you sees your trip as a string of parties and adventures, don’t let that make you feel pressured to be “on all the time”.
8. Always bring a jacket, water, and a little extra cash.
Although these are generally good life rules, they’re crucial when studying abroad. Nothing kills an adventure quite like being chilly, thirsty or seeing a really, really cute souvenir that you just know your best friend would love if you had the money with you.
9. Do journal.
Whether it’s a travel blog, a travel social media account or just a good old-fashioned pen and paper – find something to do at least once a day that lets you reflect, record, and rejoice in all of the amazing moments you’re having. Not only does it make you feel better in the moment, it’ll be an undeniably cool thing to show your kids when they’re teenagers and convinced you’ve always been really lame.
10. Soak in every single minute.
Studying abroad is an amazing experience, and not one that very many people get the chance to have - every moment from sightseeing to eating pizza with friends should be cherished. Enjoy it, be thankful for it, and take about a million and one photos to remember it when you’re old and grey.
Whether it's a few weeks, a few months or a whole year abroad, we all face the same struggles. We all get lost, try a new food we just aren't a fan of, and have the days where we are pretty sure everyone can tell we're bluffin' most of the time. But with these tips and tricks, we can all have the best study abroad experience possible.
