Just like the image above states, traveling is good for the soul. You get to explore a new culture, participate in new activities, gain new experiences, and meet new people. Traveling can be really amazing especially when you are studying abroad. I have the opportunity to study abroad in Milan for my spring semester of 2020. There I will be participating in classes such as Fashion Design, Brand Identity, Trends and Forecasting, and Fashion Styling. All of this sounds pretty amazing, right? Well, it wasn’t easy getting this far. I had to meet with a bunch of different professors, and advisers, I had to make a million calls back and forth to my study abroad program, I had to write multiple essays on why I want to study abroad, and have my financial records altogether, to assure I can actually afford to go. Yes it is a long journey, and I believe it is all worth it in the end. I’m here to give you 5 reasons why you should study abroad.
- Experiencing New Activities
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There is more to the world than your inner circle and surroundings. When traveling you get to experience an entirely new culture. You can have an opportunity that no one else could. You could attend fashion week in Italy! Or walk on the wall of Sforza Castle. Have a mindset that your opportunity for fun is limitless.
- Learning a New Skill
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When studying abroad it is recommended to save your money for traveling, necessities etc. So I recommend learning to cook your country’s cuisines. Shopping for groceries is much cheaper than constantly eating out. Make it a fun activity. Attend a cooking class, shop for groceries, and get your cook on! Try learning your country’s language. Gaining a new language skill can help ease the fear of making new friends.
- Lifetime Friends
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They say the people you meet overseas will be with you for the rest of your life, a forever friend. It is always good to make international friends, this is a way for you to share your culture with one another, plan trips to visit each other. Having a friend abroad just makes it easier for your trip to feel like home.
- Build Your Future
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Although studying abroad is about traveling, meeting new people, and enjoying your time in your country, it is also about the classes you will take. Again I have the opportunity to work with educators who already stepped foot in the fashion world. This can help build your future by giving you more opportunities for whatever career you plan to have. Make connections, this is your time to shine, you never know, you may end up with an amazing career overseas.
- Life Experience
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Remember this is your experience, you make it the way you want to. This will be an experience that you will never forget. The friends, food, journeys, education, and connection you have will always be with you. Take plenty of pictures of these memories, journal about the time spent. This is a life experience that will be with you forever. Make the most of it.
You are starting a chapter in your life by studying abroad. From the moment you walk inside the airplane, to the moment you land in your country, it will be an amazing journey filled with experiences for you to try. Make friends who will turn into your family. I’m excited about my upcoming trip and I can’t wait to share it with you guys when I get back!