3 Things to Remember When Studying Abroad

By Katja Tunkkari on June 21, 2017

I snapped this pic of three friends waiting for the bus in Rome, Italy 

By the time my senior year of high school rolled around I had an incessant travel itch that I couldn’t shake. Having lived in the same town for the entirety of my lucid life, it was time to broaden my horizons.

At only 17 I bid farewell to my family, friends, and boyfriend, packed up my life into two jam-packed suitcases (a difficult feat when one is leaving for an entire academic year) and boarded a plane. My destination? Rome, Italy.

I spent the duration of the flight questioning my bold decision. My stomach was in knots, and the turbulence only worsened my nausea and anxiety. I knew no one where I was headed; what could I possibly have been thinking when I set this intrepid plan into motion?

Spoiler alert: my year in Rome was undoubtedly the most enriching, challenging, yet rewarding year of my life.

Don’t get me wrong, studying abroad is no easy feat. You will get homesick and at times you will be plagued with self-doubt and apprehension. However, if you make the most of this opportunity it will be the most memorable, self-growth advancing experience of your college years.

If your study abroad departure date is on the horizon, or you’re simply considering the possibility, here are my three biggest tips to make the most out of this exciting adventure.

Don’t let your homesickness hold you back

Me and a friend at the Colosseum in Rome, 2014

You will get homesick! If you don’t, you’re certainly in the minority. Getting homesick isn’t necessarily a bad thing — in order to grow as an individual, one must step outside of their comfort zone from time to time.

In order to ease the occasional bout of homesickness, pack some of your favorite things that remind you of home. This might be your favorite American food (peanut butter is a common one, it’s difficult to find outside of the states!), photographs of family and friends, or hand-written letters from loved ones. And remember, if you have access to WiFi, home is only a Skype date or phone call away.

The one thing you don’t want to do is let your homesickness hinder your experience abroad. Don’t isolate yourself (example: staying in bed and watching American television all day). This will only make you more lonely, and you will miss out on once in a lifetime opportunities. Homesickness is a temporary feeling. Find relief in the company of others and keep yourself busy exploring your foreign home.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Mingling with some local Romans in Trastevere

Cliche, yet essential. This applies to any foreign country you might be traveling to. If you disregard the customs, reject the food, or hold onto your American preconceptions and prejudices, why even bother?

In order to make the most of your study abroad experience, you must do your best to immerse yourself in your host country. Yes, there will be times when you feel out of place and uncomfortable, and you certainly won’t like every food you try, but this is part of the adventure! You’re leaving home to experience a new culture and gain a new perspective on life.

This is also an important consideration to remember when it comes to safety. American tourists are often the first targets of pickpockets and thieves. Do your best to blend in.

Don’t be afraid to take a solo trip

Me at the Colosseum in Rome, 2014

When alone, I believe that one gets an entirely new outlook on their surroundings. You’re free to have one-on-one interactions with your destination’s people and its unique culture. You’re also free to set your own budget and itinerary.

Of course, follow safety precautions when traveling alone. Make sure someone trustworthy knows exactly where you’re going and where you’re staying, and routinely check in with them to let them know you’re okay. Keep your wits about you, watch your drinking, and try to blend in. Exercise caution when meeting new people — remember, not everyone has good intentions!

Studying abroad is an extraordinary opportunity with limitless potential. Step into it with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a desire to maximize your return from your study abroad experience. You will make memories that will last a lifetime and return home as a more well-rounded and cultivated individual, and will likely be plagued by the ‘travel bug’ until you’re able to travel again.

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