Thoughts Before Going Abroad

Studying abroad might be an experience you never knew you needed. You will find yourself on a journey filled with opportunities for growth, adventure, and self-exploration. It can seem scary to go and live in another area for a couple of months when you are so used to the bubble and comfort zone you have created in your home institution. However, this experience pushes you to grow in ways you never imagined. You’ll likely discover new passions, develop independence, and gain a broader worldview. Immersing yourself in a new culture can also challenge your preconceived notions and expand your understanding of global issues. Additionally, navigating unfamiliar environments will build your resilience and adaptability, skills that will serve you well in any future endeavors. I would suggest reaching out to other students who have been through this experience before and asking them for advice or their reflections on their journey to help you make your decision about whether this is something you would want to pursue.

One of the most important things to consider at this time is to stay open-minded and ready to embrace new experiences. These can range from meeting new people from all kinds of locations and backgrounds to trying new local foods, learning about traditions distinct from your own, and experiencing an entire lifestyle unlike yours. As you embark on this journey, there are a couple of steps to be mindful of to prepare yourself for your time abroad. For instance, you can start by researching the areas you would be interested in living in for three to four months. When researching, take note of the cultures, languages, academic requirements, and living conditions. You can also start planning the finances associated with this trip, keeping budgeting in mind. I would recommend contacting your financial advisor at your home institution to get information about how scholarships and aid will transfer over to the tuition charges for your travel abroad program. I would also recommend applying for the IES Abroad scholarships that are available. It may be helpful to talk to people who have studied abroad before to understand their monthly spending on traveling, eating, etc. 

In an academic sense, you can look at all the IES Abroad program websites for each location, explore the wide range of classes offered, and design your ideal program! The websites have a plethora of information about the location and all the classes and languages for instruction that are also offered, which was really helpful for me when deciding the location I wanted to go to. Now for the fun part: it is time to decide what places you want to explore while abroad. What types of cultures do you want to see? What is one city you really want to visit? Overall, going abroad is a deeply exciting experience and I hope this can help you navigate your way through this process! Important note: If you are going to study abroad alone, do NOT be nervous! It may seem intimidating to go to a new country and city without knowing anyone but trust me it will all work out for the best <3