Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. From immersing yourself into a new culture to seeing places you have only ever heard about in stories, studying abroad will change your whole outlook on the world. I recently returned from a month-long study abroad in Italy and it was one of the best experiences of my life!
While the study abroad process may seem daunting at first, the staff here at Tarleton State walk you through every step before, during, and after the trip. They help to ensure your trip goes smoothly and you are well prepared. After leaving the country for a whole month I have some tips that will also help ensure you have the best experience possible.
First, do not be afraid to put yourself out there. Whether that be talking to new people who are going on your trip before you leave or trying new experiences in a foreign country, this time is all about growing yourself. You may never get an opportunity like this again so make the most out of it. Also if you have the opportunity for a free weekend, where you and at least two other people can go off on your own, make sure you plan ahead. Two of my friends and I decided to go to Rome for a weekend. We made sure we booked our VRBO well ahead of time, all of our experiences, and our train tickets. Not only will these things sell out closer to the time but things like train tickets get higher in price the longer you wait.
Studying abroad comes with so many amazing experiences and opportunities. While on mine I got to see places such as Bologna, Rome, Florence, Ravenna, Urbino, and many more. In addition to seeing all of these breathtaking places, you are learning about material in class that directly correlates to what you are seeing. We were reading Dante’s Inferno and then we got to see where one of the stories in that book takes place and see Dante’s tomb at one point. This approach to learning makes the experience even better. Not only are you learning about incredible things, but you are getting to apply what you learned to what you see. It truly is an experience like no other.
While on study abroad you will get to see so many amazing things. It can be very overwhelming at times. In order to make the most out of this experience just try to live in the moment. Don’t think about what tomorrow’s itinerary is or you will miss out on fully experiencing today. Just take it a little at a time and try to soak in everything. Maybe even bring an extra camera because trust me you will run out of phone storage.
If you have the chance to study abroad, I can not recommend it enough. You will grow personally and academically. You will get to see marvelous things that you may have only dreamed of and have a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Tarleton State wants you to go on study-abroad trips! They have a slew of scholarships dedicated just to make study abroad more affordable. They also have an amazing staff that helps walk you through preparing to leave the country, getting your passport, and everything else you may need to know before leaving. Visit the Tarleton State study abroad website for more information on travel, scholarships, and upcoming trips!!
