The Leap Worth Taking - My Journey to Studying Abroad

My Journey to Studying Abroad

Ever since I started college, I knew I wanted to study abroad. To me, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience life in a completely different way. While traveling is always exciting, living abroad for an extended period offers a unique chance to truly become part of a community and gain a deeper understanding of another culture.

One of the biggest influences on my decision to study abroad was my family. All of my extended family lives outside of the United States, so I grew up with an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Because of this, I have always wanted to broaden my worldview and gain an even greater understanding of life beyond my own community. Seeing how interconnected the world is has made me eager to step outside of my comfort zone and experience another country firsthand.

My sister also played a major role in inspiring me to study abroad. She currently attends school abroad and has had an incredible experience. Watching her grow more independent, confident, and adaptable through her time overseas made me realize how transformative studying abroad can be. Hearing her stories about meeting new people, exploring different cities, and learning from everyday experiences convinced me that I wanted to have a similar opportunity for personal growth.

Choosing IES Abroad

When it came time to choose a program, IES Abroad immediately stood out to me. One of the things I loved most about IES Abroad was the wide variety of program options and locations available. No matter what your academic interests are or where you hope to study, there seems to be a program that fits your goals. I was also drawn to the unique courses offered through IES Abroad, many of which focus on local culture, history, and contemporary issues. In addition, the field trips and cultural excursions included in many programs seemed like an amazing way to learn outside the classroom and explore parts of the country I might not otherwise have visited.

The Preparation & Logistics

As exciting as studying abroad is, preparing for it has also been an important part of the journey. Over the past few months, I have been working an internship and saving money to help cover expenses while I'm abroad. Financial planning has helped me feel more prepared and has allowed me to start thinking about some of the experiences I hope to have during my semester. 

I've also been planning potential trips with friends while making sure to leave time open for spontaneous adventures. Some weekends, I hope to visit friends studying in other cities or countries, and if possible, spend time with family members who live abroad. At the same time, I want to avoid overplanning and leave room for unexpected opportunities that may come up once I arrive.

One of the biggest milestones in the preparation process was receiving my visa. While obtaining a visa can sometimes seem intimidating, IES Abroad made the process much easier by providing clear instructions and support throughout each step. Having that guidance helped reduce a lot of stress and made me feel more confident about the logistics of moving abroad. 

Beyond the paperwork, I've also been spending time researching my host city and learning more about the local culture. Whether it's reading about customs, creating lists of places I'd like to visit, or learning about cultural norms, every bit of preparation helps me feel more excited and ready for the experience. I've also completed class registration and am looking forward to taking courses that will allow me to engage with my new environment both academically and personally. 
Can’t wait to see you soon, Barcelona!

💌 A Note to Future Travelers
As my departure date gets closer, my excitement continues to grow. Studying abroad is an opportunity to learn not only about another culture, but also about myself. While I know there will be challenges along the way, I am looking forward to embracing them and making the most of every experience. For anyone considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: take the leap. It may feel intimidating at first, but the opportunity to grow, learn, and see the world from a new perspective is truly invaluable.