Thinking About Studying Abroad?

Most of us want to travel all over the world but are just waiting for the opportunity, for the "right time," to flap our wings wide-open and fly. But when is the "right time?" The answer is, there is none.

As a college student, I thought it would be impossible to ever take a Study Abroad course, hearing about it is one thing, planning for it is another. To be honest, this is one of the most satisfying decisions I have ever made. I have been dreaming of going to Europe and seeing the different aspects of the world, but just thinking about it made it seem so undoable. First of all, I am aware that there will be financial issues that need to be taken care of. Secondly, how does this really relate to me personally? Am I just studying abroad for the sake of traveling? Finally, what are you even thinking?! These were the questions that swarmed in my head as the study abroad deadlines approached. Sure there were a lot of uncertainties on whether I should or should not go, but as the dates closed in and I finally decided that I am not taking "no" for an answer, even from myself, it was as if the blinds have opened and the lights poured in.

Financial issues were the first thing on my mind when I was considering study abroad, but here are some things that may help ease your mind:

1. How much can you support yourself?

2. Do you have family members who are willing to help you (i.e., parents, siblings, etc)?

3. Are you receiving Federal Pell Grant, how much do you have left?

4. Can you take out a student loan?

5. Can you apply for scholarships directed towards the Study Abroad Program you are participating in?

6. Would you ever consider taking out a Personal Loan? (Pay attention to interest rates, the amount of years it would take for you to pay off the loan, and ask for as many options as possible).

7. Have any fundraising ideas or know someone who is an expert in this area?

My second concern was justifying the relevance of studying abroad to myself, for me, France...it was one of the questions that really needed answering for me. If I even got my financial issues taken care of, would it be worth my time? What does French by Immersion have to do with me. I sought answers from my former professors, counselors, friends, family, and the internet. The answers I got were very helpful, but not as helpful as the ones I made on my own. I always knew I loved art, architecture, history and generally learning about different cultures the world has got to offer. These were the things I am sure of absorbing in the Study Abroad. Another thing to point out is to learn about the program as much as possible. Having been studying French for two semesters, I am fairly confident about my unproficiency in the langage, but that I would learn and develop my way into the French culture.

Nobody knows what I am thinking, not even myself, but I know that this is something right. Exposing myself in French, the culture, language, history, and everything merged into a month-long trip can open so many doors. But of course, there was still a voice in my head asking questions I did not want to be asked. To solve this, I referred to external sources.

1. Download Pinterest -- Pinterest helped me a lot, especially in planning when to get the best deals on plane tickets, finding things to do during my free times, packing strategies (fitting a month's worth of clothing in a carry-on!), and other miscellanious things. What makes Pinterest so helpful was the posts are created by experienced travelers.

2. Read Travel Blogs -- It's fun to read about other's stories and experiences. Some travel bloggers make a living out of traveling and you will find that the best past time is dreaming. Yes, dreaming. The more I delved into the idea, the more excited I felt and in control.

3. Research -- Have you ever felt so excited about something but once sharing it to the world you get a negative response? Well, that's the case for France. Most people I have talked to quickly points out, "pickpockets, losing cameras, hustlers on the metro, and more." The perfect solution for this is to resort to the internet and research, not just for stories from travelers who have experienced the issues, but also on how to prevent this from happening to you.

-read through the key places where theft usually happens

-talk to people who have traveled, most of the time they have good advise on what to do

-hideable pouches (money bags, travel-neck pouch for passports and IDs)

-if you can't skip the purse, search for slash-proof and cut-proof bags to be in the safer side

-finally, more research. If you are in doubt, ask someone you know is experienced and a reminder

that the internet is your friend.

Considering Study Abroad really does require a great load of thinking, reflecting, and planning, but it is part of the fun. Seeing your goals become tangible in front of your eyes really makes everything worth it. In addition to the experiences that you will gain and knowledge in finding the best deals in flights, handling and booking hotel rooms, and many more.

"Life is never easy for those who dream," but hey, things do not have to be too difficult if you use your resources!

(If you have studied abroad and have additional advice or comments, please feel free to share below!)

#StudyAbroad #France #StudyingAbroad #Travel #Europe