With just over a year having passed from my study abroad experience, I have been able to reflect on the most positive and negative aspects of my trip. While there is nothing I regret, there are some things that I would do differently. In the same vein of thought, there are experiences I wouldn’t change if the world depended on it. Here’s my advice for students looking for more niche tips regarding studying abroad:
Don’t depend on other people to experience things
While it is certainly important to make friends that you can trust within your abroad class, don’t let their plans hinder your own. Some of the best days of my trip were days I spent alone. If I only planned my days around other peoples’ plans I would have never seen rain fall into the Pantheon. Do it solo if need be!
Book direct flights if it’s possible
Your travel days are already going to be some of the most stressful of your trip; you don’t want to end up stranded in a strange city. A student in my group was stuck in London for four days of our trip before he could join us. Luckily he was stuck in a country that spoke his native language, but the situation could have been even worse with language barriers. If you must connect, leave yourself plenty of layover time.
Make time in your day to study
You tell yourself that you will be fine skipping a day of studying, but that day will turn into two or three. Even if it means working at a restaurant or on a train, make sure to make a habit of studying. With so many exciting opportunities around you, it is easy to lose track of time and lose habits you may be great at while in the United States.
Research excursions and tours ahead of time
I was one of only a handful of people in my group who was able to tour the Colosseum or St. Peter’s Basilica while on the trip. Our professors told us that so many tours happen that it would be easy to get one while we were in the country. Unfortunately for most, tours were reserved months out; the only reason I got lucky is because I was chronically planning the “must-dos” of my trip months before I stepped foot on the plane.
Learn the local scams beforehand
Each country is going to have an array of scams that target tourists and non-natives. This can range from taking a picture for you to trying to push things into your hands. Simply look up the city you’re going to be staying in and “local scams.” This can possibly save you money and harassment while going about your day-to-day. Make sure to be cautious and diligent.
Natalie Peck is a senior communication major from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Natalie can be reached at [email protected].
