Setting Intentions for Studying Abroad

I’m about two weeks away from beginning the exciting new chapter of studying abroad in Siena, Italy. The anticipation and excitement has been building for months, but as the departure date nears, some nervousness has begun to creep in. As a first-generation study abroad student with limited travel experience, I’m stepping into unfamiliar territory—both literally and figuratively. I’m not sure what to expect!

Having spent my entire life in Maine, from growing up on the coast to attending college in Lewiston, I’ve always been surrounded by the comfort of a close-knit community. The thought of leaving this bubble to live in a completely new and different environment is both thrilling and a little daunting. There are countless uncertainties ahead, but I am excited to embrace the unknown.

One way I’ve been keeping the nerves at bay and focusing on the excitement has been through setting clear intentions for my study abroad experience. Taking the time to reflect on what I hope to gain, learn, and cherish during this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has been a grounding exercise for me. Here are the intentions I’ve outlined for myself as I prepare to live and learn abroad:

1. Stay Present in the Moment

I want to work on mindfulness and fully embrace each experience as it comes. While staying connected with loved ones all around the globe is important, I aim to prioritize building meaningful relationships with the people in Siena and immersing myself in my surroundings. To do this, I’ll be intentional about setting my phone aside, letting go of worries about the past or future, and focusing wholeheartedly on the present. I will be determined to ground myself in the here and now.

2. Document the Journey

I want to actively document my experiences abroad, ensuring the memories, lessons, and connections I make are never forgotten. Writing these blog posts will allow me to reflect and share my journey with others, but I also plan to keep a personal journal to capture my thoughts and emotions more personally. Through pictures, posts, and writing, I hope to create a meaningful record of my study abroad experience that I can look back on for years to come.

3. Prioritize Personal Growth

I want to use this time abroad as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth, exploring who I am, what I value, and how I aspire to grow. Immersing myself in a new culture, environment, and community of completely new people will undoubtedly challenge me to see the world—and myself—from new and different perspectives. 

4. Practice Gratitude 

I hope to regularly remind myself of how fortunate I am to have the opportunity and appreciate every moment, even the challenging ones. As the first person in my family to ever study abroad, it’s important to me that I never lose sight of how lucky I am to be living this experience.

5. Explore Siena 

I want to make the most of my time in Siena by diving deeply into everything the city and its people have to offer. My goal is to go beyond surface-level experiences and truly immerse myself in the rich food, culture, language, traditions, and music of the region. I hope to spend time with locals, not only to learn from their perspectives but also to form meaningful connections that will make this experience even more memorable. 

I’m sure this list of intentions will grow and evolve in both breadth and depth as I embark on my journey abroad. These are just the starting points I’m carrying with me as I prepare to set off. I am beyond excited to finally arrive in Siena and see where this experience takes me!