As the world starts opening up again, everyone will be itching to start studying abroad in college. If that includes you, a curious and adventurous college student, you will need to start preparing! Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself as a college student or person in their late teens or 20’s.
I was fortunate enough to study in Bilbao, Spain during the spring of 2020. It brought many challenges, but I am so proud of myself for doing it. As I start my adventure to law school in a new city, I am beyond grateful for the experiences that I had while studying abroad. I believe it prepared me for life more than any college course.
Before you can have the time of your life studying abroad, though, you will definitely need to prepare yourself before your trip.
Here are 11 of my most important tips for studying abroad in college:
1) Save Money Before Studying Abroad in College
Trust me, you need to have a good buffer for yourself before you study abroad. Unless you are super frugal, you will probably find yourself spending money on things you didn’t expect. From souvenirs to weekend excursions, there are many ways to blow your budget. For me, it was the cafe con leche and tortilla de patata EVERY morning. Why limit yourself during this once in a lifetime opportunity? Save a little more from your weekend job, and you will be just fine.
2) Bring a Small Cary-on for Weekend Trips
I studying abroad for the semester, so I brought a large checked suitcase, a backpack, and a small carry-on suitcase. I recommend that you have something like a small suitcase or large backpack that is big enough for you to take on weekend excursions.
Trust me, you won’t want to be carrying around a GIANT suitcase when you’re jetting off to Paris. Plus, you want something you can put in the overhead bin. I never checked my bag during my weekend trips, and it just made everything so much easier. You wouldn’t want your bag getting lost when you are trying to shove as much sightseeing into 48 hours as you can.
3) Open a Credit Card with ZERO International Fees Before Studying Abroad in College
This was a life saver for me! I raised my credit SO much during my time abroad, and I racked up some serious rewards cash $$$. This is a great way to make sure you have your butt covered in any situation while abroad.
I opened a Capital One card that allowed international spending without fees, plus it had 0% interest for a year! I used this card for everything: flights, train tickets, food, you name it! This card gave me great cash back, but I also knew that if I needed to sped a little more one weekend, I could just pay it off when I got home.
Remember: credit is a serious responsibility. It is NOT free money. Use credit cards to your advantage, but don’t abuse the privilege.
4) Guard Your Passport With Your LIFE
You will be in new places. It will get overwhelming. In any situation, guard your passport with your life. This includes your wallet and phone, too. You can get a new phone, and you can cancel credit cards, but if you can’t get back home from a foreign country, you will be regretting it.
Passports can be very difficult to get, and foreign consulates may not be very quick or reliable in a short notice. It was hard enough to get a student visa to study abroad in Spain when I did. I went on a school trip to Barcelona, Spain in high school, and a student in my group lost their passport. They had to stay behind almost TWO WEEKS with one of the teachers. They both missed school after everyone else returned from the trip because they needed a new passport to get home.
Don’t be that person. Don’t lose your passport.
6) You Don’t Need to Pack as Much as You Think
Trust me, when you’re lugging everything through 3 airports you will regret it. You will also regret it when you’re trying to repack everything PLUS souvenirs when it’s time to make the trip back home. You don’t need as much as you think! Remember, (depending on the location) you can always buy supplies when you arrive and get settled.
I was told this multiple times by my study abroad director, but I STILL packed more than I should have. Shoot for less!
7) Use the Buddy System Whenever Possible
You will get lost. You will be nervous. Navigating new places can be hard! It is always much safer to travel in groups. Solo traveling has its benefits, but I advocate for the buddy system 100% of the time. Be as safe as possible safe when studying abroad in college!
8) Learn and Study the Local Metro & Train Systems
If you’re in a new place, trains and metro systems can be SO confusing! The most confusing place I’ve every been to was Paris. We took the train and the metro there. It can be super efficient if you know how it works. If you don’t, you can waste time and get frustrated.
Always study the map and know where you’re headed before you get on the train or metro. Pay attention to where it is headed so you don’t miss your stop or transfer! Most information can be found online or on a map outside the stations. Don’t be shy to ask a local, too!
9) Bring or Buy Reliable Walking Shoes
I wore out my shoes BIG TIME. I walked more while studying abroad than I ever have in my whole life. Unfortunately, I wore out my shoes and decided to go on a 7 mile walk in those shoes. Long story short, I hurt my foot from the improper footwear and was out of service for a week! Don’t be me. Be prepared!
10) Keep Yourself Healthy
Bilbao was very rainy, so I was sick a LOT. Constant travel can be hard on your health if you don’t take care of yourself properly. Find out where your local pharmacies are and what healthcare services are provided by your program. Eat healthy, sleep well, and rest when you need it. You will be on the go so much while studying abroad, so take care of yourself!
11) HAVE FUN!
This will be the time of your life, trust me! Take advantage of this opportunity from the start. I didn’t start doing things until after the first month. Truthfully, I really needed this time to get adjusted to a new environment and living situation, but part of me still regrets it because my study abroad program was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I did quite a bit during my time, but I still wish I had done more!
