10 Things I Learned from Studying Abroad

Be Prepared for Travel Setbacks

When you travel to many different countries (seven, in my case) during just a three-month span, things will go wrong. Whether it's a cancelled flight, freak weather, lost credit card/phone/passport, you should always have a plan B.

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Always, Always, ALWAYS Plan Ahead

It's fun to do something spontaneous every once in a while, but in general it will make your life a whole lot easier if you have a plan for your time spent in different countries. (You will waste a lot of time wandering around and arguing with your friends over what to do if you haven't figured it out ahead of time.)

My suggestion is to sit down with your travel group and make a list of everything you want to do on each trip. Then, organize the list based on which excursions are nearest each other and then separate the list into different days. Not everything will go exactly as planned, but having any plan at all is better than losing time and getting frustrated with each other.

Keep Cash On Hand At All Times

Credit cards are a must when you travel to countries that don’t use the same currency as you, but you should also take out the equivalent of at least $20 worth of the local currency "just in case." Many taxis in foreign countries don’t take credit cards, and there's a good chance you'll end up at a farmers market or some other sort of trinket stand where they only accept cash. Many of the less touristy restaurants also operate on a cash-only basis, and splitting bills with your travel group is much easier to do with cash.

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You Do Actually Have to Do Work When Studying Abroad

Going into my semester abroad, I assumed my teachers would a) know I was an international student who planned to travel a lot, and b) therefore not assign me as much work as a normal student. Boy was I wrong. You will be expected to do just as much work for your classes abroad as you are at home. My final assignments were essays ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 words. Most of these assignments are given to you pretty early on in the semester, so take advantage of any down time you have and get a head start. You don’t want to spend your last two weeks abroad in the library.

Traveling with a Group of Friends Is More Fun Than Traveling Alone

It's important to make friends when you're studying abroad, because planning (and going on) trips together makes the time much more enjoyable. Not only will you have the memories from your time abroad, you may establish long-lasting friendships, too.

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But Taking a Trip By Yourself Is Incredibly Freeing, Too

While traveling in a pack is definitely enjoyable, I recommend taking at least one trip by yourself or with one other person. This way, you have the freedom to do what you want, you don’t have to worry about compromising with others, and you really do become more independent.

Don’t Be Cheap

When will you ever have an experience like this again? Go ahead, buy that decadent dessert, that t-shirt you’ll wear only once, and that boat cruise that takes you around the island. Don’t limit yourself because you’re trying to save money. You'll regret it.

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But Don’t Overdo It, Either

Yes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but going home broke is definitely not ideal. Sometimes there is such thing as overindulgence. Before making an on-a-whim-purchase, ask yourself if what you’re buying is really worth it, or if you just got caught up in the moment.

Don’t Obsess Over 'Must-Sees'

This is your trip and no one else’s. Don’t believe that you have to see everything on the top 10 lists in order for your trip to be worthwhile. If you have no interest in seeing the Mona Lisa, then don’t! Spend your time drinking wine at a riverside cafe instead, if that's what you'd rather be doing. The only must-sees are the ones you actually want to see.

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Thank the People Who Made Studying Abroad Possible

It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind that is studying abroad, but make sure you take time to thank those who made it all possible. Whether it's your parents, your guidance counselors, your friends, a scholarship committee—whoever it is—don’t forget to give them a giant thank you to show how much you appreciate this remarkable opportunity you were given.

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Best Student Travel Discounts and Where to Find Them
• A Study Abroad Packing List for Student Travelers
• Tried and True Student Travel Discounts in Europe

Nicole DiCenso is currently studying abroad in London, England. She loves to travel and document her journeys, so follow along on Instagram @GirlLostAbroad.