They say that once you study abroad, it’s all you ever want to talk about. Being back in Berkeley, this statement holds some truth. As I view Instagram stories from my friends abroad, I always find myself thinking about my experiences from last semester. Here are my top four tips for anyone who’s planning on studying abroad.
1. Travel as much as Possible
Since you’re already there for the entire semester, you might as well travel as much as you can. By the end of my study abroad semester, I traveled to 20 different countries; weekdays were often spent planning trips and searching for different flights. Even if it’s somewhere you aren’t sure you want to go to, give it a chance. My favorite country I visited abroad ended up being Malta, which is something I never would’ve expected.
2. Explore the city
While you should spend time traveling to various countries and cities, make sure you have the time to explore the city you’re already living in. Some of my favorite memories are visiting places within Edinburgh, such as various scenic spots and museums. One thing I regret is spending so many weekends away from Edinburgh that I was missing experiences within the city. When I was in Belgium, I missed the chance to see the aurora in the skies; I also missed the only time it snowed in Edinburgh, and by the time I was back, all the snow was gone.
3. MEet new people
Part of studying abroad is having the opportunity to meet new people. Not only are you surrounded by people from a different country who attend the school, but you’re also surrounded by other exchange students from different countries. I learned so much about different cultures and had many late night conversations comparing them. Some of my closest friends I met abroad were French, British, Canadian, and Japanese.
4. Explore
As generic as it sounds, explore everything. Go to the local restaurants, hidden spots, and small shops. Explore beyond the tourist attractions and really try to learn how people live everyday in the city you’re in. Studying abroad is such a magical time to live a different life that’s drastically different from yours back home.
Studying abroad leads to so many new opportunities and experiences. If it weren’t for my time abroad, I never would’ve discovered my newfound love for Belgium chocolate, gone under the canal on a boat tour during sunset in Amsterdam, or attended the multitude of Christmas Markets in Europe. Traveling, exploring, and meeting new people have all become highlights of my last semester.