Studying abroad is such a unique experience that unless you have done it before, you have no idea what to expect. Everything is different: you make new friends, wander around tiny villages, and eat food that you didn’t even know existed. It’s crazy but amazing! If you’re studying overseas this summer, try to follow these five rules in order to have the best summer abroad you can possibly have.
Be Outgoing
As a complete introvert, this was a tough one for me… But the difference between making friends abroad and making friends at home is that when you’re overseas, everyone is on the same playing field. They are all just as excited and nervous as you, and chances are they don’t know many (if any) people on the trip. I can’t tell you how many friendships I formed that started with a simple, “Hello.” You never know, you could meet some of your best friends…
Be Open-Minded
Wherever you go this summer, chances are there will be things to do that are completely out of your comfort zone, but you have to remember to just go with the flow. Whether it’s a food you think is strange, or whether it’s an activity that scares you, do it anyway. You want to come back from your trip with amazing stories of things you did, rather than an explanation of why you decided to stay in your comfort zone for an entire semester.
Explore
On the days where you don’t have any classes, wander around the town you’re living in for the summer. Chances are you’ll find a local coffee shop or pub that you can call your own by the end of the trip. Try to truly get to know the town you’re in instead of jumping from place to place. Talk with the locals, walk around by yourself or with a friend. Don’t pull out a map and try to find your way around, just see where the streets take you. If you get lost, ask a local. You won’t realize the true beauty of your host-town until you put down the map, stop focusing on getting from Point A to Point B, and wander around for a little bit.
Be A Local, Not A Tourist
Now, I’m not saying you should adopt an accent or start dressing the same as the local residents, but try acting as if the town you’re in is your home. Yes, the tourist-y things are fun to do: kissing the Blarney Stone, standing on top of the Eiffel Tower, taking pictures in front of Big Ben… Chances are you will do all of these, but don’t make them your entire trip. Try to find hole-in-the-wall restaurants, or find pubs with live music. You can even ask a local where their favorite place to go is, because, trust me, they will have some great recommendations. Once you leave, you will feel like you actually lived there for the summer, rather than merely visiting for a little while.
Focus on Memories, Not Things
Your suitcase will probably already be stuffed with your clothes for the summer and there will most-likely be no room for anything else. I know running into gift shops and buying anything with the country’s name on it will be the popular thing to do (trust me, I have hoodies, t-shirts, paperweights, bumper stickers… you name it), but you’ll realize that as soon as you get home, you’ll just want to show your friends and family pictures and explain all of the crazy times you had. Plus, you’ll have extra spending money for food or travel! Yes, having a couple trinkets from your trip is okay, but focus on taking pictures and writing down your favorite memories, because those are the things you’ll look back on with a smile.
Enjoy It
Above everything on this list, make sure to have fun! Study abroad is a unique opportunity for college students, so make sure to take advantage of it. There will be bad days and there will be good days, but just remember that no matter what, this trip is a blessing and the memories of these crazy times will stick with you for the rest of your life.
Thumbnail courtesy of Oskar Krawczyk on Unsplash