The leaves are changing colors and Starbucks just dropped its holiday menu, which means we are approaching final exams and are going to wrap up the fall semester here at Illinois State University. With that being said, an adventure awaits me… I am preparing to study abroad in France! After months of daydreaming and planning, it is all coming together. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study and live in the French Riviera during the spring semester of my sophomore year. However, getting ready to pack up my life and say goodbye to all the people I love is daunting. I am not fully sure how to prepare for an experience like this, but I am excited to share my perspective and some tips that have helped me so far!
Soaking up the moments
“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors.”
– Terry Pratchett
As college students, our lives move at lightning speed. It feels like once-in-a-lifetime moments happen every week! Between classes, extracurriculars, social events, and planning for the future, life can feel nonstop. Amidst the busyness, I have been making a conscious effort to truly savor every moment before I leave. From grabbing chai at Fusion Brew with my best friend and chatting with the baristas, to walking across the Quad after class and exchanging smiles with strangers, I have been trying to slow down and appreciate it all. I have attended every sorority event I could, joined group fitness classes at the recreation center, and continued developing professionally through a club called Women in Business. This semester, I made it my goal to say yes to new experiences and live fully in the moment. Since this summer, so much has changed, and I have built some of the most beautiful friendships. These are the memories I will carry with me when I am thousands of miles away.
Preparing for Life Abroad
There is a lot to consider when preparing to live in another country for four months. Lately, my days have been filled with forms, checklists and travel research. From learning basic French phrases to finalizing my visa and housing, I have realized that organization is everything. Researching cultural differences, daily life in my host city and even how to navigate public transportation has helped me feel more confident about what is ahead. Along with my own research, I have also found it incredibly helpful to lean on my study abroad advisor and connect with students who have gone abroad before me. Hearing their stories and advice has been grounding and inspiring. More than anything, I am preparing myself to stay open-minded and flexible because no matter how much I plan, I know there will be surprises and challenges along the way. It is comforting to think about the friends I will meet there and how we will navigate this adventure together.Â
Packing Light
Packing a suitcase to bring overseas is an adventure in itself! Trying to fit my life into one suitcase has made me realize how little I actually need. I am focusing on versatile clothing, travel essentials, and a few comfort items from home. A friend who studied abroad once told me, “Pack like you’re only going for two weeks… and expect to buy a lot of souvenirs!” I have kept that in mind and feel ready to immerse myself in everything new while bringing along small reminders of home. I’m hoping my suitcase will still meet the airline’s weight limit on the flight back!
Looking Ahead
As my departure date approaches, I am filled with a mix of nerves and excitement. My plane leaves on January 1st, and my 20th birthday is just a few days later, so I know the start of 2026 will be a whirlwind. Leaving behind the familiar for something completely new is intimidating, but it is also an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. I am endlessly grateful to my family and friends for being my support system. I truly could not do this without them. In just a few months, I will be walking the streets of a new city, learning new customs and meeting people from all over the world. For now, I am simply trying to be present by soaking up every Illinois sunset and every moment with my friends before this next chapter begins. Take this as your sign to do something outside of your comfort zone!