One of my favorite adventures of my undergrad was studying abroad. It was something that I’d wanted to do since high school, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat. From selecting my host city to the final moments I spent walking around Florence, it stands as one of the most transformative periods I’ve ever had.
Speaking to other students who’d studied abroad, they did their best to offer insight into the pros and cons, sharing what they loved most about their study abroad experiences. CU Boulder’s Education Abroad filled in the logistical gaps, offering a range of programs and events that give students numerous opportunities to choose what method of study abroad is best for them.
Initially, I felt prepared. Well, as prepared as I could emotionally and logistically be for something I’d never done before, in a place whose language I’d never spoken before, with people I’d never met before. I’d heard ad nauseam how significant, life-changing, and eye-opening this was going to be for me. It’d gotten to the point where the phrase felt as though I was listening to a record on repeat.
After living in Italy for four months, I can say with certainty that studying abroad–truly–is one of the most insane events a student can undergo. Post-study abroad, here are some things I wish I’d known about before I left for Europe.
Social Media is Not the Full Picture
Seeing students posing in various cities around the world with the biggest smiles across their face may imply they’re having the best time ever, but that isn’t always the case. Studying abroad is so much fun, but life still happens even when you’re in another country. Flights get delayed, friends fight, and luggage is lost.
I’m not implying that every photo has a story behind it, but it can sometimes feel as though everyone is having the best time ever while you’re experiencing growing pains. I can’t put a number to how many people I talked to who went through something on a trip that looked perfect from the outside. Just know others’ lives are as real as yours, and occasionally a picturesque photo’s background is more complex than what you get to see.
Disposable Film Camera/ There’s Always Time For The Picture
On a weekend trip to Venice, my roommate and I stumbled across a camera store where we bought disposable film cameras. I wish I’d picked up a few more disposables during my time abroad because after developing the photos in the middle of the summer, this souvenir brought back so many memories. As someone who loves reminiscing on pictures, I’m happy that I always made the choice to stop and take a photo.
You May Need to Pack More Than You Think
Before I went abroad, I had this belief that I’d be shopping like never before. While I did pick up my fair share of magnets and little souvenirs from places I traveled to–which I absolutely recommend doing–outside of a few new shirts, I rarely bought new clothes.
While there were numerous shops around Florence, the only ones that I went into never really had what I was looking for. If I were going back, I’d bring more clothes that I was comfortable with or reminded me of home. While I already am an outfit repeater, my outfit rotation while abroad became even more limited.
Diligently Check Museum Hours, Fees, Etc.
An experience I wish I could forget was “free ticket day” at the Musée d’Orsay. Across Europe, many museums and attractions offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. To make a long story short, I thought I was going to be able to go to the Musée d’Orsay and had checked the website every day leading up to my trip to make sure I didn’t need anything. Turns out, a few days before I’d started checking they had sold out of tickets. In anticipation of the volume of people visiting, the museum opted to have free tickets for admission, not allowing people who show up the day of entry.
Going back and forth across the road to stare at the Seine and then back to the museum entry to try and figure out possible solutions with the workers outside, I found myself unable to visit the museum. While now I see this as an excuse to have to visit Paris again, at the time it was frustrating.
Sometimes weekend trips may be decided very shortly beforehand. Although it may be unpredictable where you’re traveling to next, I highly recommend researching places you want to visit prior to beginning study abroad.
Become Comfortable Traveling Light
For many students, traveling somewhere new every weekend is the norm. With many of the airline choices being low-cost airlines, everything costs extra; as a result, they try to limit how large bags can be with the intention of trying to force people to check their bags. Whether it be the short time frame or the price of checking luggage, many students opt to find a carry-on bag that they can fit everything in.
Over the course of being abroad, I found that I became more comfortable carrying less each week. My large Longchamp Le Pliage bag fit enough that it became my go-to. Not only did I have less to worry about, but it was manageable to carry my bag around for the few hours between checking out of a hotel early in the morning and getting on a flight later in the day.
Ditch Google Maps ASAP
One habit I wish I’d ditched sooner was relying on Google Maps. It’s challenging to navigate an unfamiliar college campus, let alone an entirely new country. Although various maps can be helpful to find your way around the city, finding stores or notable buildings that can serve as landmarks can help you to more quickly become familiar with your host city. This allows you to enjoy the sights of the city and feel more like a local, rather than staring at your phone.
Everything is Going to Unfold How It’s Supposed To. Enjoy The Experience.
There’s so much advice available online that could help you plan the minute your study abroad experience. While I hope some of mine may prove helpful, your experience is what you make it. Everyone hopes to get something different out of studying abroad, and the nice thing is, no matter what you do, you’re going to experience a transformation unlike anything you’ve felt before.