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New Places, New Friends, New Cultures, Oh My! The Ins and Outs of Studying Abroad

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rovitoj Student Contributor, Sacred Heart University
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Taylor Elizabeth Lane Student Contributor, Sacred Heart University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Sacred Heart chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

If you’re thinking about Studying Abroad you definitely should look into it as soon as possible. The friends, memories, and experiences will stay with you forever and trust me the last thing you will do is regret it. Here are some of the places I studied abroad this past summer from June to August.

I studied and attended John Cabot University located in Rome, Italy.

Survival Tips While Studying Abroad:

  • Always carry a converter remember you need one every time you try to use your Americanized outlet plug.
     
  • Remember a big part of their culture is being topless at beaches and wearing very skimpy bathing suits for both men and women. (even man thongs! very scary site)
  • Be daring enough to try new things and experience the culture especially with food, drinks, and nightlife. You didn’t travel nine hours on a plane to be boring!
  • Some beaches like Croatia the sea is all rocks. Try and wear your flip flops until you reach the water I tried walking bare foot and it is very challenging and painful.
  • Always carry stomach relief medication a lot of the food is made differently from the states especially meat and dairy.
  • Make sure you bring your favorite cosmetics and feminine products because it is very hard to find certain products in a different country.
  • Never travel alone, always stay with friends in at least groups of two.
  • Guys are very persistent abroad many are nice, but do not be afraid to say no if your not into him or feel uncomfortable.
  • Small purses are better. Always keep your valuables safe, Europe is big with pick pocketers.
  • Buy a burner phone so you can communicate with your friends because cell phone plans are very expensive and trust me your only using your smartphone in a wifi restaurant unless you want to pay hundreds of dollars.

 

If you have the extra time do some additional exploring it’s a must.

One of the best views in Rome is the Tiber River.

Barcelona

 

Croatia

Positano, a beach in Italy along the Amalfi Coast

Have fun and be safe! Don’t be afraid to take the plunge! Whether you go with a friend or decide to travel alone your trip will be unforgettable!

My name is Jill.
I am a senior at Sacred Heart University.
My favorite animal is a squirrel.
I am obsessed with The Vampire Diaries and True Blood
Taylor Lane is a senior in the Sacred Heart University school of education. She majors in English and is a section editor for the school newspaper, Spectrum. She is a captain on the Division I Softball team. Taylor aspires to be a special education teacher and spends her free time volunteering in programs for people with special needs.