If you’re a sophomore or maybe even a freshman, you might be wondering if and where you should study abroad in the upcoming semesters. As a junior that just came back from a semester in Copenhagen, I would definitely recommend a study abroad experience. But, Copenhagen is not the place for everyone. With this being said, you might be nervous that you won’t be able to decide where to study abroad . How can you possibly know where you want to live and study for four months? I know that this question certainly ran through my head last year as a sophomore.
Choosing the location where you want to live and study for a semester can seem daunting. There are a few important things to keep in mind when making this important decision. First, it is essential to remember that every city is unique and no one city is “better” than the next. You may hear different rumors from your friends. For example, someone might say that Prague was their favorite place in the world or that Barcelona is only fun for those who like a big party scene. But, believe it or not, one opinion isn’t the end all be all. Each city has its own, unique culture, history and tourist attractions that are totally different from the next. If you’re really unsure about where to study, make sure to not only talk to people who studied in and visited that location, but also to read about the city online or in travel books. The more educated you are on a location, the easier it may be to make a decision.
Secondly, it’s important to understand what you want to get out of your study abroad experience. Some questions to ask yourself include: are you looking to fully immerse yourself in a culture and language? Do you feel most comfortable in a big city or maybe a smaller city that you can easily navigate? Are weather or daylight hours important factors to you? While doing your research will help you understand the qualities of each city, it is most important to understand your own desires and where you will feel most comfortable.
Another essential tip is to make your own decision. Although it seems impossible at times, try not to be influenced by your friends when choosing the location for your abroad experience. When I was choosing to study abroad a bunch of my friends were all looking to study in the same location. While I loved my group of friends, I had never thought about studying in the location that many of them were considering.
Initially, I was scared to choose a location where I’d be on my own, but ultimately could not be more thankful that I did. Studying abroad without my close friends helped me become more indepedent and encouraged me to branch out. While I was in a different location than most of my close friends, many of us studied in Europe so I was able to meet up with them on weekends to travel together. Ultimately, this decision gave me the best of both worlds.
It is important to note that this does not mean you shouldn’t choose to study with your close friends. You and your best friend may be looking for the exact same experience, which of course would be great, too. Just be sure to make your own decision and do your own personal research when deciding where to study.
Lastly, remember that your study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You need to make sure you can get the most out of it, so you don’t look back and regret anything.