Dear Future Study Abroad-ers aka people I am insanely envious of,
After spending 5 months in Spain I have learned a whole lot about Spain, Europe as a whole, and myself. I figured I could share some knowledge to my friends and family who plan on living abroad.
Pre-Departure
For me, studying abroad is something I have always wanted to do. Living in a different country, speaking a different language, and meeting foreign people are all very scary things, but super manageable and life changing. I have never been a homebody (side note: I love my home and my family deeply) so leaving to Alabama was an easy choice and leaving for Spain was an even easier choice. Alabama or anywhere in the south is a totally different culture with different people, and sometimes a different language depending on how deep in the boonies you are, and after seeing how easily I adjusted and adapted to a somewhat different lifestyle I knew Spain would not be a huge challenge. But for those who stayed close to home and are thinking about studying abroad, do it! If you need to go with a friend, find someone you’re comfortable with and go for it. I understand studying abroad isn’t for everyone, but when are you going to have another chance to experience a totally foreign land (on your parent’s tab ;) ) without having things to tie you down like a job?
Anyways, one piece of advice I have is to plan ahead and prepare for your trip way before you leave or even apply. Know where you want to go, if your classes will transfer, and how expensive the country is. The conversion rate is pretty terrible anywhere in Europe, but specifically in London, Denmark, Switzerland, and I’m sure others the rate is worse. If you have to save money for your trip like I had to, save every penny. You think you can live off 2 thousand for a semester? Yeah right. I barely traveled and somehow surpassed that amount. My summer job will definitely be dedicated to reimbursing my generous and wonderful parents. Another big thing to realize is that it is going to be okay. There are going to be many times you will think things can’t get worse, but they can get worse and may!! (Missed trains, flights, baggage fees, etc) But no worries, everything works out and makes for a great story. I have traveled via airplane many, many times in my life and in the past two years too many times, so I am very comfortable in airports and going through security and all that fun stuff! For people who aren’t don’t worry there will always be someone to help you and everything is pretty easy to figure out. Even when I was in Prague trying to catch my train in 5 minutes with everything only in Czech, I figured it out with the help of a nice stranger. Making friends while traveling is very beneficial and fun. Don’t be closed off.
How could I forget the most important pre-departure tip! Do not over pack. God Bless my mother for telling me this extremely helpful hint… Lay out what you want to take, divide it in half, and then divide it in half again. I only took one big suitcase, my backpacking backpack, and a little carry on. I had more than enough clothes and realized just how little clothes one person needs. It was hilarious to see people in my program at the airport with 4 or 5 pieces of luggage for themselves! (Boys too)
Either when you first arrive or before you get there you should write down a list of things you want to see in the city you are in. I did that and it was awesome that I could check off everything I wanted to. But if you want to go somewhere for a specific holiday or festival, PLAN AHEAD. Everyone that went to Ireland for Saint Patricks day booked their trip way before we got to Barcelona. Otherwise tickets and hotels/hostels were out this world expensive.
Last tip for pre-departure preparation: breathe! I do not deal with anxiety and thank goodness I don’t because what I felt the days and even months before going to Barcelona had to have been anxiety if not something close to it. It was hard to even hear the word Barcelona without forgetting to breathe. I may not have shown it, but I was petrified. I was traveling alone to a foreign country not knowing one person there. It’s funny now to think back how nervous I was, but I know how normal it is and y’all should too. You will be more than okay; you will thrive.
While Abroad
Never say no! (Unless you’re saying no to drugs or stupid things like jumping off a bridge) If you have an opportunity to meet new people or experience something new, don’t miss out. I had a few people from home tell me they had friends in Barcelona and they wanted me to meet up with them, and although it was someone I had never met before or knew nothing about, I went and they taught me things about Barcelona and showed me a great time. Also, when there is an intercambio DO IT. If you are going to a country where you are learning the language like I am, intercambios are great. Intercambios are little gatherings of people who speak a couple different languages and are trying to practice with other people. So I would speak Spanish to a native Spanish speaker and they would practice their English with me. We would critique each other and help the other grow and learn. It was a great way to practice and also meet new people. Speaking of learning the native language, I understand some people don’t want to learn another language or whatever their reason may be, but if you are in a foreign country try to learn some of their language and their culture norms. Immerse yourself in the culture. When else are you going to have the opportunity to regularly speak another language? I may just be a little nerdy when it comes to Spanish, but hearing someone speak Spanish makes me so happy and eager to learn. I am definitely not the best, but I try and I know I have evolved into a much more confident speaker. Do not pass up on the opportunity.
Get a journal, make a blog, take pictures! I have a terrible memory, but even people with great memories can forget a funny story or an experience. I know without my diary, blog, and pictures I would not remember half the stuff I will now be able to. Of course blogging isn’t for everyone and neither is writing in a journal, but they don’t have to be public and they are your tools to remember so you can use them however you want. I used my diary to write more personal things that have happened throughout my semester. I have written in diaries since I was a child so this was nothing new to me, but it definitely helped even more because being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone is a scary thing and sometimes writing through your feelings can be therapeutic and calming.
Opium study abroad experience vs. Belchica study abroad experience
If you have never been to Barcelona like many people, you have no idea what that title means. There is a really big beach club called Opium. While it is really awesome and fun, it is a 100% study abroad club. The place is always filled with Americans and it is pretty difficult to meet any native people. Belchica is a bar a block away from my apartment that my roommates Katie and Sara discovered and we went to a couple different times throughout the semester. Belchica is a 100% native bar with no Americans. I’m sure you can figure out what I am going to say about Opium vs. Belchica, but just in case… Living abroad is a time to see a different culture and meet awesome native people. If you spend every week/weekend going to the same promoted clubs and bars filled with Americans how are you ever going to meet local people? Half of my program (CEA) were the Opium study abroad-ers, the ones who woke up thinking about Opium that night and spent most days lounging around in bed, skipping class and not seeing the beautiful city they are lucky enough to be all because they are waiting for Opium Mondays!!!! While everyone is different and go abroad for different reasons, nothing is more frustrating to see and be surrounded by these types of people. If you are able to have this experience don’t waste it in a club filled with Americans… spend it walking through the city, exploring different neighbors, and then Opium if you want or better yet a Spanish club like Razzmatazz or Otto Zutz. Okay I am done with that rant.
Jet Lag
Don’t do what I did. Nap. Napping is the enemy of trying to adjust to the new time zone. (Spain is 6 hours ahead of the US) Also I have heard being hydrated is also key to successfully adapting.
Foreign Men
This topic is a very relevant topic for the ladies obviously but definitely for me. Unfortunately, I did not find that super romantic, amazing foreign man to sweep me off my feet and convince me to spend the rest of my life under the Spanish sun with him. Thank god for my Mom and Dad. What I found were creepy pervs in the street and men who did not understand that different cultures have distinctive ideas about what is acceptable or comfortable. Ladies seriously be careful. Barcelona is an incredibly safe city. I never felt scared that I would get attacked or anything like that, but always be with someone. I have some stories that can help solidify this piece of advice, but will not share here.
Traveling within Europe
Friekin RyanAir. I know that everyone who has studied abroad agrees that cheap airlines are great because the tickets are cheap obviously, but what is not so great about cheap airlines like RyanAir is they love to charge you for everything. ALWAYS PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASS BEFORE. (Especially for RyanAir) I always printed it before without knowing that if you do not print it, it is a 70-euro charge for them to print the piece of paper. 70 euros for a piece of paper. Oh and if you don’t go to the office for RyanAir and get your ticket stamped and go through security you have to go all the way back and get it stamped… Also luggage size is very important. I have heard many stories of people having to pay to check their bag because it was too big. Some airlines also only let you have one bag, not a bag and a purse, just one bag. So be conscious of that. In addition, always be early for your flights especially international flights like going back home. I have heard many stories of kids being very silly (nicest word I could think of) and missing their flights. It is better to be bored for an hour or two waiting for your flight then running through the airport sweating and crying because you are going to miss your flight. That might be my father speaking, but he is so right. I have learned the hard way.
Public Transportation
Don’t tell anyone, but in some places (Italy, Switzerland, Prague) it is pretty easy to take public transportation for free. This isn’t the most moral advice, but when you travel to different cities pay for your ticket the first time, but observe people and see how strict the systems are. In Barcelona there are ways to avoid paying for metros, but only at some stations can you sneak on. In Paris, it seemed impossible to not pay for the metros. But in Italy and Switzerland we rode the bus system and tram system for free. Prague, I rode the metros for free as well. I guess you can’t say they were free… I just “didn’t know how to buy a ticket” (with my innocent face on of course). Just a money saving tip because I promise you’ll need to learn how to budget.
Pickpocketing
Don’t be stupid and it won’t happen.
If you don’t gain weight, you’re doing it wrong
Even I gained weight so I believe I am entitled to say that. I have learned so much about my taste buds in Spain! I actually like calamari (not even fried). I love empanadas and a bunch of other delicious foods. I am the pickiest eater and one thing I was most worried about before going abroad was that I wouldn’t eat enough. Surprisingly enough, I love trying new foods and sometimes I even try different sauces. Not only have I matured during my time abroad, but so have my taste buds! Although one thing I have dreamt about since being abroad are my main food groups: Eggos, cereal, and muffins.
Wi-Fi (wee-fee)
I love not being able to use my phone without Wi-Fi. Okay, I hate it too, but not using my phone 24/7 has been incredible. I paid more attention to my surroundings and it made eating out with people more personal. In the U.S, I would always be on my phone while eating out with friends or family, but abroad you can’t unless of course the restaurant has Wi-Fi. I advise you don’t base your restaurant decisions on whether or not there’s Wi-Fi. The snapchats can wait and you really don’t need to check Instagram every 20 minutes I promise you’ll survive without throwback Thursday. Enjoy the company of your new friends.
Clothing
Boys this is for you too. European men and women dress significantly different than Americans. More so the men dress much nicer. You will rarely see anyone out in sweatpants and sneakers. Although Europeans do enjoy a solid jeans and sneakers combo, they look cool doing it. Not only is everyday wear different, but so is nightlife attire. Leave the tight dresses and high heels home. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb or worse like a prostitute. I am not kidding. American girls have been mistaken for prostitutes because only European prostitutes dress as classy as a college student. Unless of course you are going to be an Opium study abroad-er then make sure you bring all your tight dresses!
Body Odor
FYI, European men either have never heard of deodorant or enjoy making people gag. Public transportation is a body odor hell. Sometimes it’s so bad you can smell them when they walk past you on the street. My way to survive the repulsive smell is to inhale the perfume on my wrist. I encourage that method. It helps. Or breathing into your sleeve.
Those are just a “few” pieces of advice I have for all you future study abroad-ers. I am SO beyond jealous and cannot wait to see everyone’s pictures and maybe even blogs too.
Los besos finales xoxo
After spending 5 months in Spain I have learned a whole lot about Spain, Europe as a whole, and myself. I figured I could share some knowledge to my friends and family who plan on living abroad.
Pre-Departure
For me, studying abroad is something I have always wanted to do. Living in a different country, speaking a different language, and meeting foreign people are all very scary things, but super manageable and life changing. I have never been a homebody (side note: I love my home and my family deeply) so leaving to Alabama was an easy choice and leaving for Spain was an even easier choice. Alabama or anywhere in the south is a totally different culture with different people, and sometimes a different language depending on how deep in the boonies you are, and after seeing how easily I adjusted and adapted to a somewhat different lifestyle I knew Spain would not be a huge challenge. But for those who stayed close to home and are thinking about studying abroad, do it! If you need to go with a friend, find someone you’re comfortable with and go for it. I understand studying abroad isn’t for everyone, but when are you going to have another chance to experience a totally foreign land (on your parent’s tab ;) ) without having things to tie you down like a job?
Anyways, one piece of advice I have is to plan ahead and prepare for your trip way before you leave or even apply. Know where you want to go, if your classes will transfer, and how expensive the country is. The conversion rate is pretty terrible anywhere in Europe, but specifically in London, Denmark, Switzerland, and I’m sure others the rate is worse. If you have to save money for your trip like I had to, save every penny. You think you can live off 2 thousand for a semester? Yeah right. I barely traveled and somehow surpassed that amount. My summer job will definitely be dedicated to reimbursing my generous and wonderful parents. Another big thing to realize is that it is going to be okay. There are going to be many times you will think things can’t get worse, but they can get worse and may!! (Missed trains, flights, baggage fees, etc) But no worries, everything works out and makes for a great story. I have traveled via airplane many, many times in my life and in the past two years too many times, so I am very comfortable in airports and going through security and all that fun stuff! For people who aren’t don’t worry there will always be someone to help you and everything is pretty easy to figure out. Even when I was in Prague trying to catch my train in 5 minutes with everything only in Czech, I figured it out with the help of a nice stranger. Making friends while traveling is very beneficial and fun. Don’t be closed off.
How could I forget the most important pre-departure tip! Do not over pack. God Bless my mother for telling me this extremely helpful hint… Lay out what you want to take, divide it in half, and then divide it in half again. I only took one big suitcase, my backpacking backpack, and a little carry on. I had more than enough clothes and realized just how little clothes one person needs. It was hilarious to see people in my program at the airport with 4 or 5 pieces of luggage for themselves! (Boys too)
Either when you first arrive or before you get there you should write down a list of things you want to see in the city you are in. I did that and it was awesome that I could check off everything I wanted to. But if you want to go somewhere for a specific holiday or festival, PLAN AHEAD. Everyone that went to Ireland for Saint Patricks day booked their trip way before we got to Barcelona. Otherwise tickets and hotels/hostels were out this world expensive.
Last tip for pre-departure preparation: breathe! I do not deal with anxiety and thank goodness I don’t because what I felt the days and even months before going to Barcelona had to have been anxiety if not something close to it. It was hard to even hear the word Barcelona without forgetting to breathe. I may not have shown it, but I was petrified. I was traveling alone to a foreign country not knowing one person there. It’s funny now to think back how nervous I was, but I know how normal it is and y’all should too. You will be more than okay; you will thrive.
While Abroad
Never say no! (Unless you’re saying no to drugs or stupid things like jumping off a bridge) If you have an opportunity to meet new people or experience something new, don’t miss out. I had a few people from home tell me they had friends in Barcelona and they wanted me to meet up with them, and although it was someone I had never met before or knew nothing about, I went and they taught me things about Barcelona and showed me a great time. Also, when there is an intercambio DO IT. If you are going to a country where you are learning the language like I am, intercambios are great. Intercambios are little gatherings of people who speak a couple different languages and are trying to practice with other people. So I would speak Spanish to a native Spanish speaker and they would practice their English with me. We would critique each other and help the other grow and learn. It was a great way to practice and also meet new people. Speaking of learning the native language, I understand some people don’t want to learn another language or whatever their reason may be, but if you are in a foreign country try to learn some of their language and their culture norms. Immerse yourself in the culture. When else are you going to have the opportunity to regularly speak another language? I may just be a little nerdy when it comes to Spanish, but hearing someone speak Spanish makes me so happy and eager to learn. I am definitely not the best, but I try and I know I have evolved into a much more confident speaker. Do not pass up on the opportunity.
Get a journal, make a blog, take pictures! I have a terrible memory, but even people with great memories can forget a funny story or an experience. I know without my diary, blog, and pictures I would not remember half the stuff I will now be able to. Of course blogging isn’t for everyone and neither is writing in a journal, but they don’t have to be public and they are your tools to remember so you can use them however you want. I used my diary to write more personal things that have happened throughout my semester. I have written in diaries since I was a child so this was nothing new to me, but it definitely helped even more because being in a foreign country and not knowing anyone is a scary thing and sometimes writing through your feelings can be therapeutic and calming.
Opium study abroad experience vs. Belchica study abroad experience
If you have never been to Barcelona like many people, you have no idea what that title means. There is a really big beach club called Opium. While it is really awesome and fun, it is a 100% study abroad club. The place is always filled with Americans and it is pretty difficult to meet any native people. Belchica is a bar a block away from my apartment that my roommates Katie and Sara discovered and we went to a couple different times throughout the semester. Belchica is a 100% native bar with no Americans. I’m sure you can figure out what I am going to say about Opium vs. Belchica, but just in case… Living abroad is a time to see a different culture and meet awesome native people. If you spend every week/weekend going to the same promoted clubs and bars filled with Americans how are you ever going to meet local people? Half of my program (CEA) were the Opium study abroad-ers, the ones who woke up thinking about Opium that night and spent most days lounging around in bed, skipping class and not seeing the beautiful city they are lucky enough to be all because they are waiting for Opium Mondays!!!! While everyone is different and go abroad for different reasons, nothing is more frustrating to see and be surrounded by these types of people. If you are able to have this experience don’t waste it in a club filled with Americans… spend it walking through the city, exploring different neighbors, and then Opium if you want or better yet a Spanish club like Razzmatazz or Otto Zutz. Okay I am done with that rant.
Jet Lag
Don’t do what I did. Nap. Napping is the enemy of trying to adjust to the new time zone. (Spain is 6 hours ahead of the US) Also I have heard being hydrated is also key to successfully adapting.
Foreign Men
This topic is a very relevant topic for the ladies obviously but definitely for me. Unfortunately, I did not find that super romantic, amazing foreign man to sweep me off my feet and convince me to spend the rest of my life under the Spanish sun with him. Thank god for my Mom and Dad. What I found were creepy pervs in the street and men who did not understand that different cultures have distinctive ideas about what is acceptable or comfortable. Ladies seriously be careful. Barcelona is an incredibly safe city. I never felt scared that I would get attacked or anything like that, but always be with someone. I have some stories that can help solidify this piece of advice, but will not share here.
Traveling within Europe
Friekin RyanAir. I know that everyone who has studied abroad agrees that cheap airlines are great because the tickets are cheap obviously, but what is not so great about cheap airlines like RyanAir is they love to charge you for everything. ALWAYS PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASS BEFORE. (Especially for RyanAir) I always printed it before without knowing that if you do not print it, it is a 70-euro charge for them to print the piece of paper. 70 euros for a piece of paper. Oh and if you don’t go to the office for RyanAir and get your ticket stamped and go through security you have to go all the way back and get it stamped… Also luggage size is very important. I have heard many stories of people having to pay to check their bag because it was too big. Some airlines also only let you have one bag, not a bag and a purse, just one bag. So be conscious of that. In addition, always be early for your flights especially international flights like going back home. I have heard many stories of kids being very silly (nicest word I could think of) and missing their flights. It is better to be bored for an hour or two waiting for your flight then running through the airport sweating and crying because you are going to miss your flight. That might be my father speaking, but he is so right. I have learned the hard way.
Public Transportation
Don’t tell anyone, but in some places (Italy, Switzerland, Prague) it is pretty easy to take public transportation for free. This isn’t the most moral advice, but when you travel to different cities pay for your ticket the first time, but observe people and see how strict the systems are. In Barcelona there are ways to avoid paying for metros, but only at some stations can you sneak on. In Paris, it seemed impossible to not pay for the metros. But in Italy and Switzerland we rode the bus system and tram system for free. Prague, I rode the metros for free as well. I guess you can’t say they were free… I just “didn’t know how to buy a ticket” (with my innocent face on of course). Just a money saving tip because I promise you’ll need to learn how to budget.
Pickpocketing
Don’t be stupid and it won’t happen.
If you don’t gain weight, you’re doing it wrong
Even I gained weight so I believe I am entitled to say that. I have learned so much about my taste buds in Spain! I actually like calamari (not even fried). I love empanadas and a bunch of other delicious foods. I am the pickiest eater and one thing I was most worried about before going abroad was that I wouldn’t eat enough. Surprisingly enough, I love trying new foods and sometimes I even try different sauces. Not only have I matured during my time abroad, but so have my taste buds! Although one thing I have dreamt about since being abroad are my main food groups: Eggos, cereal, and muffins.
Wi-Fi (wee-fee)
I love not being able to use my phone without Wi-Fi. Okay, I hate it too, but not using my phone 24/7 has been incredible. I paid more attention to my surroundings and it made eating out with people more personal. In the U.S, I would always be on my phone while eating out with friends or family, but abroad you can’t unless of course the restaurant has Wi-Fi. I advise you don’t base your restaurant decisions on whether or not there’s Wi-Fi. The snapchats can wait and you really don’t need to check Instagram every 20 minutes I promise you’ll survive without throwback Thursday. Enjoy the company of your new friends.
Clothing
Boys this is for you too. European men and women dress significantly different than Americans. More so the men dress much nicer. You will rarely see anyone out in sweatpants and sneakers. Although Europeans do enjoy a solid jeans and sneakers combo, they look cool doing it. Not only is everyday wear different, but so is nightlife attire. Leave the tight dresses and high heels home. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb or worse like a prostitute. I am not kidding. American girls have been mistaken for prostitutes because only European prostitutes dress as classy as a college student. Unless of course you are going to be an Opium study abroad-er then make sure you bring all your tight dresses!
Body Odor
FYI, European men either have never heard of deodorant or enjoy making people gag. Public transportation is a body odor hell. Sometimes it’s so bad you can smell them when they walk past you on the street. My way to survive the repulsive smell is to inhale the perfume on my wrist. I encourage that method. It helps. Or breathing into your sleeve.
Those are just a “few” pieces of advice I have for all you future study abroad-ers. I am SO beyond jealous and cannot wait to see everyone’s pictures and maybe even blogs too.
Los besos finales xoxo