Students blog

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to study abroad? How to prepare, what to pack, what the customs are of where you are going? I studied abroad over this summer and had many of the same questions. My experience allowed me to get answers to all of these questions, and hopefully help YOU out on your abroad journey. Studying abroad can be an exciting, but nerve-wracking time, so I am here to answer all those little questions, and hopefully provide some comfort about the whole experience.

Connect with others

The biggest piece of advice I can offer you is talk to EVERYONE in your new host city. Talk to your classmates, your professors, your RA’s, the cashiers at your local grocery store, the people you stand by on the bus, EVERYONE. It can be scary to put yourself out there, but I just reminded myself that no one here knows you, and this is your chance to be the most outgoing, and ambitious version of yourself. If you totally embarrass yourself, it really doesn't matter, this is your chance to be the version of yourself you want to be with no external pressures!

Pack wisely

Power Adapters

It might sound obvious, but it can be very easy to forget. Make sure to check that you get the right adapter for the country you are traveling to, some have different kinds, even within Europe.

A “Modest” Outfit

While abroad there at lots of religious sites or locations you may visit where it is customary for women to wear skirts and scarfs, and men to wear pants. Make sure to check where you plan to visit, and if in doubt pack an outfit that would fit those requirements.

Photos of Home

It’s easy to get homesick when you are so far away so bringing photos of family, friends, and even your favorite places always make your room feel more like home.

A Credit/Debit Card with no international fees

Many cards have no international fees as a perk, but it is important to check with your bank to confirm. While I was abroad, I used a card called “Monzo”. This card is free, and you just transfer funds from your bank account to this card and avoid any fees. It is also important to note that you need to call your bank before you leave and inform them of international travel.

Immerse yourself into your new environment

Take the silly tourist tours

I know you want to feel like a local, but that takes time. An easy way to get to know the city you are staying in is to experience it like a tourist first. Once you do you can pick your favorite neighborhoods or areas to focus on and get to know better.

Make a Home Base

Making the area that you are staying familiar is so important! Get to know your grocery store inside and out, pick a favorite coffee shop, become a regular at a dinner place. These are going to end up being the relationships and connections you think about long after you leave your host city.

Explore historical sites

Europe is littered with historical sites, and while they might be touristy sometimes, they are steeped in ancient history and provide a chance to experience and learn things you otherwise never would have. Visit every site you have a chance to; you might discover a new interest!

Make a local friend

This may sound hard, but this “local friend” can be your RA, a professor, a fellow classmate, literally anyone. Hearing where the best places to go are from a local show you the true colors of your city. I would always recommend talking to your professors, they have likely lived there their whole lives and have their favorites.

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Studying abroad is one of the most exciting opportunities a college student can have. It’s an opportunity to experience a new culture, gain international experience, and grow in ways you never even thought about. Preparing for such an adventure takes careful planning. Here are five tips to help you get ready for your study abroad journey. 

1. Research Your Destination: Before you travel to another country, it’s important to research the country or city you are traveling to thoroughly. Research the country’s history, language, customs, and political climate. Understand the cultural norms to help integrate better and immerse yourself into the culture. Learn more about the transportation, events, and local community before arriving. Having an agenda will make your travel flow smoothly. 

2. Handle the Paperwork Early: Study abroad comes with lots of paperwork including passports and visas so the earlier you start, the better. Check your passport’s expiration date to ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Many countries require student visas, so once your program is confirmed, start the visa application process. This often involves gathering documents, attending appointments, and paying fees, so make sure to account for time and costs. I personally had to order a new passport which took around a month to receive and there are multiple documents and steps to require a student visa. 

3. Sort Out Your Finances: Living abroad can be expensive, so it’s important to get your finances in order before leaving. Create a budget that covers all essentials: tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, and fun. Check out with your bank before studying abroad to acquire a debit or credit card that works internationally. My biggest advice is to save, save, save. 

4. Learn the Language: You don’t have to be fluent in the language of the country you are studying in but learning some basic phrases can go a long way. Knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” can make interactions smoother and more pleasant. I used apps like Duolingo and Babbel to get started with the basics. Consider taking language courses before or during your stay or in the first couple weeks of your stay. 

5. Pack Smart: Packing for an extended stay abroad is completely different from packing for a vacation. Start by checking the climate of your destination so you can bring appropriate clothing. You’ll likely need a mix of casual, business, and weather-appropriate outfits. Remember to pack any necessary documents (passport, visa, insurance, etc.) and medications you might need. It’s also smart to bring a universal power adapter, especially if the country you’re going to has different power outlets. Try to avoid overpacking as well.

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I studied abroad in Dublin from January to May 2023. I was initially skeptical about studying abroad, as I transferred to Notre Dame and already felt like I missed out on a year on campus. As the middle child of a family of five girls, I also was intimidated to live an ocean away from my family for five months. My older sisters chose not to study abroad, so the experience seemed enigmatic, stressful, and overwhelming. I also needed to go to great lengths to ensure I would fulfill enough credit for my science major to make the decision a possibility.

Studying abroad was an incredible experience in so many ways. I only had one friend going into my program of 55 Notre Dame students, so it was a wonderful opportunity for me to make new friends and broaden my horizons. I learned so much about myself, my priorities, my travel preferences, my Irish culture, and my world perspective. Here are my tips for those considering going abroad:

Document your time

Studying abroad feels like a dream. Your life is staggeringly different for about five months, then you return and hit “resume”. When you are abroad and living in an entirely different environment, you will naturally reflect more. Think about certain aspects of the culture that seemed surprising or off to you–why did you feel that way? Do they do things better here or at home? How do people treat you at local spots? What have you learned culturally and about yourself? Do you think about the world differently? It’s important to jot down your thoughts on paper or online because your time abroad will be over before you know it–and even though you think you’ll remember every moment; it all becomes a blur without intentional preservation. Additionally, if you travel often, make sure to write down where you go! You never know when you’ll get to go back, but people always appreciate restaurant, museum, park, and lodging recommendations.

Say ‘yes’ to everything

Something that people often struggle with when studying abroad is the lack of routine. It is dependent upon your class schedule and where you live, but when I was in Dublin my days were less regimented. Rather than feeling like you need to fill that time exercising or killing time on your phone, say ‘yes’ to window-shopping, visiting the bookstore, roaming around your town, and talking to locals. When you study abroad, your learnings tend to be 30% academic and 70% personal, cultural, and social. It’s different in a wonderful way–you can focus on your personal development and see how the world is different. But you can only do this if you go out and explore.

Do things alone

Because we get to be surrounded by friends often while at school, some students are self-conscious about exploring or adventuring on their own, thinking they’ll be judged for not “having friends.” Well, in reality, you should take advantage of any free time you have, whether your friends are free at the same time or not. Think of all the time you’re wasting by being afraid to go out on your own! I feel confident that you’ll surprise yourself with how much fun you have, and there is a high probability you end up chatting with local people and making new friends. Honestly, it can be tough to break out of your bubble and make new friends unless you’re alone because talking to one person is much easier than attempting to chat with three people that are already friends. So, get on the bus or the train and go do something for yourself, by yourself.

Put yourself out there

You might go into your abroad experience with lots of friends or without knowing anyone. Either way, make sure to have an open mind and really put yourself out there. This is an
opportunity to make new friends, and if you never give yourself the chance, you will 100% miss out on getting to know people who could have added beautiful color to your life. Ask him/her to grab coffee, to walk in the park, to wait for you after class, to get lunch, to go thrifting, to go to the pub, etc. The options are endless! The worst thing you can do is pick your three friends immediately and only chat/travel with them for your entire time abroad. Everyone is experiencing being abroad in this location for the first time, so hold on to that. It’s new for everyone. People miss home, can’t talk to their family as often, are unfamiliar with their surroundings. Allow yourself to embrace the new experience and let new people in to enjoy it as well.

Avoid comparisons

Depending on location, university, time of year, budget, and mindset going in, everyone has their own unique study abroad experience. Do NOT compare yourself to others! Suzie may have gone to 25 countries abroad, but she didn’t get to make any local friends and traveled solo often. Brendan may have gotten to go surfing 10 times, but he stayed in Ireland and saved money by eating pasta every night. Sandra made new best friends but struggled with passing her classes. Cara posted gorgeous photos on camels in Morocco but must retake biology II because it didn’t count. James may not have traveled much, but he had an incredible experience working in a lab on campus and working on group projects with English students. There is always more to the story, so don’t make all your judgments on the six Instagram posts your older friends dropped throughout the semester.

No matter what the situation may be, everyone experiences a roller coaster of emotions throughout their time abroad, and no one’s experience is perfect. If you want to travel a lot, awesome. If you don’t want to travel at all, that’s also awesome. You just need to figure out what is best for you independent of what others plan to do.

If you’re planning to study abroad... ENJOY IT! I wish I could have the time back to do it all again.

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Studying abroad is more than taking classes in foreign countries. It is a transformative journey and immersive experience that broadens the horizons. The decision to study abroad opens doors to a plethora of experiences that are not offered within one’s home country. Studying abroad is an opportunity that one should seize if they are offered. College students who study abroad embrace diversity and gain global perspectives. While there are numerous advantages to why one should embark on this journey, the opportunity to improve personal and professional growth is number one.

Being surrounded in foreign cultures and new countries contributes to one’s personal growth. College students can learn how to become independent and self-reliant as they navigate a new environment. This opportunity may come with discomfort, but embracing the experience with an open heart and mind can transform one into a whole new person. Open-mindedness is a key trait to possess while studying abroad. There will be hard times and challenging obstacles but keeping a positive outlook on the experience is key.

Students also learn how to become adaptable, which contributes to professional success within the real world. Traveling alone, meeting new people, homesickness, language barriers, and managing finances are some of the major factors that a student may experience while studying abroad. These experiences and challenges provide opportunities of resilience. Discomfort eventually turns into self-assurance, which is something that most people experience outside of study abroad. In a world that is constantly evolving and changing, being adaptable will help one succeed in life.

In conclusion, there are many benefits that one might receive through participating in a college study abroad program. However, the opportunity to improve and expand personal and professional growth will transform an individual’s life for forever. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime experience, no matter where one is in the world. Stepping out of the comfort zone and putting a foot forward to improve personal and professional growth will only lead to good things later down the road.

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My dream came true last summer, and I am still living in the past. I was able to do an international internship in Florence, Italy and what a trip it was! I was blessed with an opportunity to work with two brands, Steve Madden and UGG, to monitor global markets for new and upcoming styles and trends, import and export shoes (especially when preparing for Florence Men’s Fashion Week), and assist sales vendors in the English language.

I was able to learn side-by-side with my coworkers to navigate international business and open my eyes to another part of the world. My coworkers welcomed me with open arms, and our first step was to try and tackle the language barrier. They were the kindest and most encouraging women that could welcome me in such a new environment. We became friends easily and I still talk to them today!

Now don’t believe this blog will be all work no play! I am a huge foodie and Italy exceeded my expectations beyond belief, and they were pretty high to begin with. From the Florentine Bistec, to watching my pasta be cooked in an alfredo cheese wheel, I was able to experience every foodie’s dream: eating high quality and volume of great food. There were plenty of family style restaurants that had more outside seating than you can imagine, and the people-watching was top tier, too. Eating in front of the Duomo is a memory I will never forget.

I mainly stayed in Florence throughout the summer for the internship, but I was able to travel all over Italy and even made my way to Austria and Hungary for a bit. The northern and southern parts of Italy were different but held the same atmosphere. The northern Tuscany region was rich with breathtaking views of rolling green hills and vineyards for miles (for my fellow U.S. residents I promise I am 21!). The southern part was all beach and ocean which did not disappoint at all.

I was also able to visit Cinque Terre, which is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. There was an array of multicolored houses and markets and sand all along the coastline. My camera roll is stacked and ready for reminiscing.

I am here to tell you: if you are thinking of studying/working/going abroad, GO! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as a student and tagging along with other students is a whole other experience itself. I will always remember my lovely summer in Italy and would not trade it for the world!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

In the summer of 2022, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Florence, Italy! This was a very exciting experience for me, but mixed in with the excitement was a feeling of fear of the unknown. I did not feel prepared going into this new experience. Because of this, I have made a list of 10 tips everyone should know before studying abroad!

1. Keep a journal

This is something that I did not do, but I really wish that I did! However, my roommate kept a journal and wrote in it every day. Even if it was a little entry, it helped her remember all of the small things that happened that we sometimes forget about!

2. Bring comfortable shoes

Wearing comfortable shoes is one of the biggest pieces of advice I can give! On most days, I was averaging 20,000 steps! Trust me, your feet will thank you!

3. Make new friends

Although the whole experience may be very intimidating, remember to keep an open mind! Make friends with people who you would not expect to be friends with. I didn't know anyone when I flew to Florence, however, I kept an open mind and tried to meet as many people as possible!

4. Go to new places

Especially in Europe, traveling to other nearby countries is fairly easy and cheap compared to being in the United States. My best advice would be to take advantage of this! Traveling to other countries on the weekend was very common, and it was really cool to be able to see different parts of Europe other than where I stayed!

5. Have a budget

With all of that being said, it is essential to have a budget. It is best to research the average prices for things where you are studying, and then base a budget on that, as well as how much you can afford. It can be very easy to spend too much money when you are abroad, so it is essential to do this before you leave!

6. Always have some cash

Lots of places in Europe are cash only, so it is helpful to have cash on you at all times just in case. I suggest getting this at your bank before you go abroad because it can be expensive to make this transfer outside of the United States!

7. Send postcards back home

This is a small tip that I wish I did more. Since we traveled on the weekends, I wish that I sent my family a postcard from each country or town that we visited, and then kept one for myself! This is a small way to keep your family or friends updated with your travels, and it gives you a tangible thing to have from each place that you visit!

8. Learn a little of the native language

It is really helpful if you try to learn at least a few words and phrases of the language that people speak in the country you will be staying in! Although many big cities such as Florence, Rome, and Paris can understand English well, it can be very helpful to try and learn the language while you are there, and it helps you understand the culture better!

9. Do not be afraid to ask for help

Although sometimes this may be scary, do not be afraid to ask for help from your professors or people you may meet in passing! Being in a new country can be confusing at times, and it is okay to ask people how to do something or how to get somewhere!

10. Remember to rest!

Although studying abroad is so much fun, remember to rest while you are there! You want to take care of yourself, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get some sleep and have downtime!

Most importantly, remember to have fun! Studying abroad is one of the most incredible things I have ever done, and I would not change my experience for anything. Soak up the moments that you are there because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

One of my must-dos in college was to study abroad. I was fortunate enough to make that happen this past summer, and it was everything that I had imagined. While I was able to explore London and Paris with my newly gained friends, it was easy to get caught up in the “abroad” part of the experience and forget what I was actually there for, which was the “study” part of the study abroad program.

I went to London and Paris through a school-sponsored program for my major. I was able to take six credit hours of classes taught by professors from my school. Instead of using a traditional classroom setting, we went on daily excursions to various places in each city. Additionally, most of my assignments and projects were due at the end of the program.

You’re probably thinking that I did not touch most of my schoolwork until the end of the program, and you would be correct. With the setup of my program and my eagerness to explore, it was effortless for me to put off my work and find tons of other things to do. While this was nice in the beginning, I started to feel overwhelmed by the amount of work I still had not touched and all of the things I still had not done in the city as the program progressed.

Here are three ways you can maximize your time abroad while ensuring you gain the full educational experience you signed up for.

Daily Down Times

My first piece of advice is to utilize mornings and evenings for schoolwork so that your day is open for exploration and class time. While it is nice to have these times to reset and relax when needed, I think these are great times to get your schoolwork done without having to compromise other plans throughout the day.

Healthy Habits

Another thing that students often take for granted, whether abroad or not, is getting a good night’s sleep. Allowing your body to rest is especially important when you are in a new setting and are trying to squeeze in a vacation on top of academics. Be mindful of your fluctuating energy levels, too. Stay hydrated and try to stick to healthy food choices as much as possible; don’t splurge too much on the local delicacies.

Plan Ahead

Finally, in order to make the most of your time, it is important to plan ahead and make lists. Before going abroad, I utilized the bookmarks tab in Google Maps. It was a great tool for searching the places I wanted to go, visually marking them onto a map, sharing them with friends, and executing the perfect plan each day.

If you plan to study abroad, I can almost guarantee that within the blink of an eye, you will already be approaching the end of your experience and yearning for more time. Studying abroad was the best decision I have made in college so far, and I would highly recommend it!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

One of the most popular and loved things to do in college is study abroad. It provides an amazing opportunity for students to explore different countries and cultures while still getting a meaningful education in their field. While it is an incredibly exciting endeavor, it can also be slightly terrifying. You are in a new country where you may or may not understand the local dialect with new people and that can be nerve-wracking.

I know I was nervous going into my twelve-week study abroad program last summer. However, I am here to tell you that, no matter what you may think, studying abroad is a one-of-a-kind experience that you can do. From what to pack and what not to pack to the easiest ways to make friends, here are my best tips for studying abroad.

1. It’s Okay to Overpack! (On Some Things)

One of the most difficult parts of preparing for study abroad is deciding what outfits make the cut for Instagram-worthy photos and what outfits need never to leave your apartment, let alone the country. While those adorable outfits are very necessary and fun to have, don’t overlook comfort. When you’re leaving home for an extended period of time, comfortable clothes can sometimes be a source of that “homey” feeling you may want. So, pack that comfort hoodie and your favorite shorts. You won’t regret it.

2. You Don’t Have to Do Everything Right Now

Studying abroad is an extremely unique opportunity to travel and do things all over the world. However, you’ll (hopefully) be able to travel more in your lifetime. You don’t need to do every excursion or tour offered in every city you visit. Pick a few favorites and save the rest for a trip back there. Some of my favorite days were unplanned and included just wandering the city.

3. Some Things Are Worth Spending the Money on If You Can

On the opposite side of my previous tip, some things really are worth spending money on. One of my biggest examples of this is a good meal. Traveling is expensive and food can be a really easy way to cut expenses. However, some places are worth sitting down and having a nice meal. If you’re going to Italy, pay a little bit extra to have a nice bowl of pasta for dinner if you are able. It’s worth it.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Strike Up a Conversation with Someone New

One of my favorite parts of studying abroad has been the people I was lucky enough to travel with. I went into the summer knowing no one I would be traveling with. That was really scary. I consider myself fairly good at making friends, but it’s not always the most fun or comfortable thing to do. My biggest advice for this would be to just start the conversation. One of my friend’s favorite conversation starters is an uncomfortable, but fun one. Without knowing her very well in the first week of traveling, she walked up to me and simply asked for my life story. My initial reaction was confusion, but upon telling her about my middle school experience and the concert that changed my life, we became so much closer. A simple, but effective question.

5. Push Yourself to Try New Things!

Last, but not least, while studying abroad in itself is a new experience, be open to more new experiences while traveling. Whether it’s going to a piano bar in Paris or getting a rooftop hot chocolate in Prague, those new things are what will make your study abroad a completely life-changing experience.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

"We're going on a trip on our favorite rocket ship, soaring through the sky." - Little Einsteins

Many college students today remember the animated series, Little Einsteins. In each episode, four children travel to different parts of the world in their personal rocket ship. College is a time when many students get their first taste of freedom, including traveling with friends for the first time without a chaperone. However, we cannot simply just up and go whenever and wherever we want. For starters, many of us do not have the resources or planning expertise that the Little Einsteins had. And, we most certainly don't have our own rocket to conveniently go places!

But a little creativity and planning can make student travel more manageable. Here are four tips based on some of my experiences in travelling as a broke college student.

1. Factor in transportation costs

When it comes to travelling, two of the most important things to figure out upon determining a location are (1) how to get there and get around and (2) where to stay. Transportation adds up, especially if you plan to drive. You often need to not only pay for gas (think about the rising gas prices!) but also parking.

Even if you plan to use public transportation, it is just as important to consider location as there are limitations to the time schedule for when bus or rail lines are running. For example, when I went to England, because the bus lines were not running at the time I needed to head out, I ended up walking around two miles just to get to the rail station while carrying all my luggage and carry-ons. Not fun, I tell you, but quite an experience anyway. Overall, if the distance between your housing and chosen visiting destinations are close, you can get to places faster and easier, thus maximizing the time you’ll have to explore.

2. Consider where to stay and how to get around

Book housing at least a few months in advance for cost savings. (Yay, price discrimination!) Airbnbs are great for medium-sized parties (3-10 people) and can help save money if your party is willing to cook at least a few meals, as dining out can be costly.

Look into the safety of the area you are staying in and visiting, as well. Do your research ahead of time as to how to access public transportation and whether you need a certain app to ride the bus/train/etc.

3. Plan ahead for places to go explore AND eat

New place. I get it. You want to explore. But you’ll get exhausted if you have TOO much planned on your daily itinerary. Have no more than 3 activities/locations planned, depending on the length of each activity. You’re honestly better off giving yourself more time in one place than less. Also, having less planned allows you flexibility in your schedule. You may discover a place you didn’t really know about when you researched but are interested in, so leaving some room in your schedule gives you the opportunity to explore. Having some dining options in mind ahead of time can prevent frustration when you’re tired and hungry and not sure where to eat.

4. Take note of any important regulations and customs, especially if you plan to go out of country

Did you know that chewing gum in Singapore is illegal? Singapore values keeping their city clean and thus has a lot of different fines and regulations. Check out regulations and customs in your destination ahead of time. The last thing you want is to visit another country and suddenly find yourself in trouble with the law enforcement agency.

Travelling can be stressful and even tiring but it is also very rewarding. So, if you want to go on a trip in the near future, what better time than now to begin planning and thinking about it? Even without the Little Einsteins’ resources, college student travel is within your reach!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!