7 Things I Wish I Would've Known Before Studying Abroad

1. Pack clothes for more than one season, especially if you are doing a semester-long program or plan to travel after. Don’t forget to pack one nice outfit in case you have a fancy event to attend, you’ll be thankful for the flexibility it provides you with!

2. Pack light - find some clothing with some versatility and be choosy about stuff you think you think would be nice. Needs vs Wants! I guarantee you'll be collecting a ton of stuff on your travels and want to bring some things back! Trust, you'll be glad you had that extra space.

3. You don’t need to have a phone plan, in fact, if you decide not to get one you end up saving yourself a ton of money. Being unplugged forces you to enjoy what is right in front of you and makes your experience as immersive as possible. Also, free WiFi is more available than you think and you can always communicate when necessary.

4. Get a credit card with no international fees. You will be able to use it freely at stores and restaurants so you can bypass carrying a big wad of cash around. If you need to pull out cash you can also do that quickly (with a credit card) through an ATM. Try to get a card without exorbitant ATM fees because those can add up quickly.

5. Make friends with locals. This is the best way to uncover the true culture of a city/country. They will be able to tell you the best places to eat, drink, dance, and everything in between!

6. Keep a blog or journal and regularly write down your experiences and thoughts. This is invaluable. Even “regular” days studying abroad are special and they deserve to be remembered!

7. Don’t forget a converter for wall plugs. Get one that can convert for many different types of outlets in case you travel. It’s never a bad idea to stock up because it is likely you will want to charge more than one thing at a time -- do not buy these at the airport as they will be 2x the price of a regular convenience store. Also, don’t bring a hair dryer or curler/flat iron from home. If you absolutely cannot live without one, buy it there, since the voltage surge could break yours.

8. HAVE FUN! be open to new experiences, and make the most of your time. Don’t be afraid to try new things