Looking at what it takes to choose a trip and the realities of studying abroad while preparing myself to finally leave for my trip!
I’m leaving for my study abroad to Liverpool in mere days (and am freaking out), but this time last year I was still panicking about where in the world I’d decide to go. The decision process may seem daunting, but the first thing I had to realize is that you aren’t going to make the wrong decision. That’s not to say you shouldn’t put time and care into the decision, but if you find yourself with your eyes open in bed distraught over which amazing foreign country to go to, relax.
It’s important to know your hang-ups. Going to a brand new country there’s a lot of factors; you’re leaving your family, going to an unfamiliar country, spending a lot of money, and experiencing other stress. By identifying these fears, you can find a school that will cater to towards that, at my school we have a site with every program listed and its available information. USE YOUR RESOURCES, there’s professionals, past students, and a trove of information online for you to use.
Scared to leave home and school to study in a foreign country where you know no one? Pull apart the pieces and figure out where that fear comes from. Is it the lack of a support system? Do a shorter abroad trip over the summer, or even look for a shorter program (I found out I’m only abroad for about 80 days. This is significantly less than other trps like Australia that leave in the beginning of the summer and return in winter). Or, you can sign up for a trip that has a greater rate of students going so you’ll be with a group of students whose faces may already be a bit familiar.
If you’re worried about finances: look for countries with a less expensive standard of living and exchange rate, check the projected expenses of the trip, and look into available scholarship opportunities (though a trip may seem like a stretch, if you really want it see if you can work for it!). Going abroad can be more plausible than you think thanks to the transferal of scholarships, but it important to have an honest conversation with your parents and to know what finances you will personably be responsible for in order to apply for the necessary loans or get that big tipping summer job.
For many people their study abroad is their first time overseas. If traveling to a country whose language you don’t know seems daunting, look at countries whose primary language is English or has a high fluency rate. Or, put those language classes to use and travel somewhere that will be familiar even if you’re semester 2 grades weren’t as great (those irregular verbs!). You could also travel somewhere you feel a connection to, go to the country your grandparents immigrated from or take a trip to Amsterdam because of your love of The Fault in Our Stars. This is an adventure, embrace it!
Leaving your home university for a semester with plans to graduate in 4 years can also be a challenge. So, if you’re worried about fulfilling your required courses, look for programs that are geared towards your major or have pre-approved core curriculum courses you need. Talk with registrar and the GO office to get more information on this.
All of this said, studying abroad is fun. As important it is to acknowledge and ease your fears, you should also plan on fun. It’s important to also know what you want going abroad. I liked being in Europe because of the ease of access to visit other countries, student who hope to travel may factor this in. I also love art, so I chose Liverpool because its saturation of music and the fact that their city-wide biennial art show will be happening while I’m there. Know your passions and find a country that will help them flourish!
There’s so many reasons to study abroad, and the experience will give you broad insight to yourself and the greater world around you. Give yourself the room to grow, experience new things, and push your limits while making sure you’re in a spot where your mental health and physical wellbeing allows for the journey.
I’ve already learned so much before even getting my feet on the ground in England, and I look forward to beginning my adventures and misfortunes here to give you a realistic view of what it means to be abroad. So, if you have more questions, make sure to stay tuned!