Studying abroad is easily the most exciting, scary, thrilling, and beautiful rollercoaster of emotions that collegiettes love to talk, dream, and Instagram about. Each day is an adventure while trying to navigate a new city and culture in hopes of transforming from a tourist to a local overnight. As strange street names and hidden restaurants soon turn into your go-to lunch spots, keep these 3 things in mind to really embrace, enjoy and fall in love with your study abroad experience.
Your comfort zone is much larger than you think
While abroad, it is guaranteed that there will be moments that will challenge you to step outside the bubble of your hometown, college, state and country. No matter what the scenario may be, this experience opens your eyes to the world and makes you question your surroundings and preconceived perceptions. At least try speaking the language when approaching a local, taste a new food first before crossing it off your list, and accept the different ways that the foreigners you encounter live. With time, handling these situations will become easier and you will gain greater confidence in yourself and your values as you realize the barriers of your comfort zone can no longer hold you back.
Be present and be spontaneous
Everyone talks about enjoying their study abroad experience being filled with inspiring sights, beautiful shops, and unforgettable food and people. Yet, it often takes traveling to the next city, going out to the next restaurant on the list, or being back home, that collegiettes can look back on the entire experience with such awe. Instead of waiting for the experience to be over to appreciate it, really try to be in each and every moment. Make it a goal that, while searching for the next coffee shop you want to go in, the next city you want to explore, and the picture you can’t wait to post, to stop and take a step back. Otherwise, by spending so much time planning, you may miss the opportunity to be spontaneous.
You are solely responsible for what you make of your time abroad
One person’s ideal study abroad experience does not have to be your experience for it to mean that you enjoyed your time. Regardless of what other people do, you will realize how limited your time is and how important it is to stay true to you and your own travel aspirations. More importantly, when boarding your flight home, it’s not going to matter what other people did or the pictures they posted- what is going to really matter is how you look back on your time in the city you have come to call home and the memories that you now have to cherish for a lifetime.