Last Updated on June 21, 2019 by Mackenzie Boland
1. Go with an open mind.
Not having expectations is sometimes a really good place to be, then when things don’t go as planned you take it as is and don’t get upset.
2. Get cultural.
Dig deep into the culture, language, and art of your host country. Visit museums and galleries, they often have student discounts.
3. Prioritize your destinations.
Decide what are the top destinations you want to travel to, and prioritize them. You can’t possibly go everywhere on your list, so make sure you prioritize, and don’t worry, you can always come back.
4. Invest in people around you.
While you abroad make a life for yourself. Engage with the students in your program, your roommates or host family, and the workers of the restaurants or shops you go to.
5. Write it down!
You will have so many memories you want to remember, but it’s difficult to recall them all. Take advantage and write everything down to reflect and reminisce later.
6. Set boundaries.
Stay in touch with your home life, but realize you can’t still be 100% involved at home if you are abroad.
7. Allow yourself to indulge.
In food, in shopping, in everything – you are only abroad for so long.
8. Carpe diem.
Make the absolute most of everyday, it goes too fast.
9. Take care of yourself.
Make sure you are taking care of your body, mind, and soul. Your needs can be put on the back burner when you are so busy with school and traveling.
10. Give thanks.
Be thankful for all of it. The good and the bad is part of a once in a lifetime opportunity that will shape you for the rest of your life.
This post was contributed by Mackenzie Boland, who studied and interned abroad with AIFS in Florence, Italy.
