Study Abroad Prep 101: Getting Ready for Rome

Ciao (trying to practice my Italian already!)

Preparing to study abroad has been one of the most exciting (and a little stressful) times of my life. When I found out that I was accepted into my program, I felt like there were a million things I needed to figure out. But what really helped me was breaking everything down into smaller steps, which made it feel more manageable. If you are just starting this process, I want to share how I have been preparing and what has helped me the most.

1. Passport and Visas (start earlier than you think you need to)
   I already had a passport, so I just needed to make sure that it wouldn’t expire within six months of my return date. If you don’t have one yet, apply as early as possible; it can be a longer process than you would think. For visas, my program did not require one (check your program!). If you do require one, your program will be able to help you, but still, it’s your responsibility! Make sure you are staying on top of deadlines. (No one wants to miss their study abroad over paperwork.) If you are going for a short-term program in Europe, this is usually not something you have to worry about.

2. Financial Planning (be honest with yourself)
   This was probably one of the biggest stressors of my preparation. I sat down with myself and really thought about what was already covered from the program and scholarships, and what I would need to pay for myself, like flights, food, transportation, and just other small, everyday spendings that I might need. With this information, I made a rough budget, which helped me feel more in control. This is where you have to be really honest with yourself and realize that you won’t be able to experience luxurious things every day, but don’t let that hold you back. Still, make a budget that allows you to do fun things, because it’s not realistic to say that you won’t spend extra money at all (you will, and that’s okay).

3. Researching My Location
   Initially, I didn’t really know much about the basics and get-arounds of Rome, which led me to do a lot of research. I learned about public transportation and how to protect yourself from pickpocketing (keep your bag in front of you and closed at all times). I also learned smaller, more random facts, like how you don’t order cappuccino in Italy after 11:00 a.m. or how peperoni pizza over there means pizza with bell peppers, because pepperoni pizza is an American thing. Learning these things ahead of time makes me feel less anxious about going to this completely unfamiliar place.

4. Academics/Internship
   Even though studying abroad is meant to be a fun experience, it’s still school and work. I made sure I understood how my credits would be transferred and applied to my degree at Indiana University. And since I am doing an internship with So Fare Films as well, I looked into their work and the kind of impact they make, and what they might expect of me. Talking to my advisor and future boss helped me have a better idea of what is expected of me beyond what is just said on the program website.

5. Packing (I’m an over-packer)
   This is something I have been stressing about a little bit, because I tend to overpack, which is not something I want to do when I’m studying abroad, because I know that I will want to buy things when I am over there and need to make sure I have room in my bags (I don’t need five pairs of shoes). To help with this, I made a packing list that has the essentials, such as adapters, important documents, and professional clothes. “Extra” items, I will be more careful about packing and ask myself, “Do I really need to pack this?” (The answer is usually no.)

6. Mental Preparation
   This is one of the biggest things I’ve been working on. I know this will be very exciting and not something I will ever regret. But I also know that there will be some uncomfortable times. Being in a new environment, meeting new people, and adjusting to a new culture won’t be easy. So I have been telling myself that it is okay if things are not perfect. Some things will probably go wrong, and that’s a part of this experience that will make it special (and probably funny later).

Preparing to study abroad is not about having everything perfectly planned. My advice for you is to start early, stay organized, and don’t stress! (Or at least try not to.)
Will some things go wrong? Yes.
Will it suck? Yes.
Will it make your experience more special? Absolutely.

Ciao for now!

Mirolla