Make the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience

If you are one of the lucky ones who has the opportunity to study abroad, it’s an adventure to remember. Those who can, come back with amazing stories and everlasting experiences. If you are on the fence about studying abroad, here is your sign that you should take a leap and go for it!

There are many study abroad programs available depending on when and where you want to go. Here’s how to make the most of your study abroad experience—wherever you end up!

Make long lasting friendships

Wherever you end up going, you will probably arrive there with a group of other students who are also studying abroad. It’s likely that you will become good friends with the people who are in the same program as you. By making friends early on, you will get to go through all the experiences, adventures, and moments together. Not only will this help you during your time abroad, but it will also help to create lifelong friendships.

Document your memories

As someone who loves taking pictures and videos, I always make sure I have two-three devices to capture my memories on. It’s a great way to look back on all the stuff you did, but also share those memories with people back home. While you are abroad, you can also start your own blog and use that as a place to document your memories.

Through photographs, writing and more, you will be able to re-live your study abroad experiences and never forget what you did while being abroad.

Learn about the culture

No matter where you end up studying abroad, there is so much to learn! For example, each state in the US differs from the others — all fifty has its own culture. Besides historical landmarks, there are many cities and neighborhoods you can explore that are unique in their own way.

By exploring new places, you will learn about a different culture, meet new people and move out from your comfort zone, which is what study abroad is really about!

Be mindful of your expenses

Being a college student, you may be on a tight budget. So to prevent wasting all your money on random things, try to budget your spending. It may be helpful to write out how much money you are willing to spend on food, shopping, travel and other expenses.

One popular opinion is that the most worthy thing to spend on is experiences! You can find activities or events that are discounted or even free for students, but don’t feel bad putting the most money aside for your experiences. By doing so, you will save a lot more and spend on the things that really matter.

Go solo

Being around the same people can get tiring. It’s always nice to have some alone time, so if you do get the chance, go out and do some things on your own. You will be surprised how much you will view things differently and from your own unique perspective.

No matter how you make the most of study abroad, it is a once in a lifetime experience. If not now, then when? There are so many options out there, surely there is something perfect for everyone — and that means you!