Choosing to Study Abroad.

To the student sitting in their dorm, endlessly scrolling through TikTok videos of "A Day in the Life" abroad, I was once you. Watching those videos filled me with both excitement and nervousness, yet I was eager to participate in something more. The idea of leaving behind everything I had always known as "normal" felt overwhelming. 
 

Studying abroad can feel intimidating, yet it is the opportunity of a lifetime. It gives you the freedom to explore a new city, immerse yourself in a different culture, and grow in ways you never imagined before. You now have the opportunity to do this daily without the "adult obligations" that might otherwise deter you later on. Many everyday worries that I and many others have faced are finances, language barriers, and homesickness, among others. However, the truth is that you are not alone, and there are ways to prepare and overcome each one of these. 

Before choosing Barcelona, Spain as my home base, I created a budget to guide my spending and my savings throughout my time abroad. This was created with the help of my family and institutions abroad, and it was comforting to know that I was not the only one facing this concern. As for the language barrier, although it can feel challenging, there are many resources to help you adjust. From taking language classes to choosing a homestay, where you can fully immerse yourself in the language and culture, there are numerous resources at your disposal to help you overcome and grapple with this language barrier. These experiences will help you grow more confident every day. 

When it comes to homesickness, I suggest finding activities you love doing at home and bringing them with you during your time abroad. This could mean reading in a cafe, going for long walks, or journaling. Having a familiar sense of "normalcy" while you adjust to your new environment will make this transition all the easier. Earlier this year, I had studied abroad for just three short weeks in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, yet I still feel nervous. Every time I have doubts, I ask myself, 'Why not?' Why wouldn't I take advantage of such a unique and enriching opportunity? There are so many resources and support systems in place to help me navigate my time abroad. Although this leap may seem out of reach, it is within your grasp if you can view it from a different perspective.  

Studying abroad will not only provide you with more than just a new perspective on the world around you, but it will also give you a new perspective on yourself. Choosing to study abroad in a different country takes courage and resilience, two traits that will carry you far beyond your time abroad. You'll return home with new insights and experiences that can impact your community and inspire those around you. 
 

Your home will always be there, but the opportunity to study abroad won't last forever. Take the leap and say yes to this new challenge. Broaden your world and your sense of self through study abroad. 
 

You've got this! We're all cheering you on.