If you are anything like me, travel is something that excites you. That pit-in-your-stomach kind of excitement from traveling is a mix of happiness, fear and worry. The feeling builds more and more as you get closer to the day that you depart for a life-changing experience. The nerves and jitters become hard to cope with and can soon become all-consuming! It can be difficult to find your Zen before leaving to study abroad, but I have some tips to keep you calm, cool and collected
   1. Plan. The best advice I can give you is to plan out all of the logistics in advance, especially if you’re going out of the country by yourself. Figure out where you’re going to go when you get there and who your main contact person is.
   2. Journal. The cliché thing to do, especially when studying abroad, is journaling. However, I am a huge advocate for journaling. Start journaling before your trip, as it will help you process all of your thoughts and concerns about traveling. Then, after your trip, you can look back and see how you have grown and reflect on what you learned. Some good topics to write about before traveling: your expectations for the experience, places you want to go, and your fears or excitements.
   3. Pack a calmer kit for the plane. If flying is not your favorite thing, pack things that will keep you calm. Pack an iPod full of all your favorite songs, a good book, snacks (fruit snacks are my go-to), a deck of cards, or a coloring book with crayons, markers, or colored pencils. The best thing to do is to distract yourself.
   4. Breathe. You have the amazing opportunity to study abroad. Do you remember the reason that you wanted to go abroad in the first place? You do it for the experience and the way being out of your comfort zone makes you feel. Travel can change your life, challenge you and allow you to explore a new, beautiful location. Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be okay.
Just remember that you have an amazing opportunity to push yourself and experience something you have never experienced before. You are fully capable. Believe in yourself!