A 20-Year-Old Traveler’s Guide to Studying Abroad
Image Courtesy: Hannah King
It was June 9th at approximately 3 a.m., and I lay in my new bed staring up at the ceiling. My body was dripping in sweat from the lack of air conditioning, my eyes were wide open because it was 9 p.m. according to my biological clock and the only thought going through my mind was, “What the heck have I done?”
Before college, I wouldn’t have considered myself a homebody. However, throughout my past three years at UGA, I have found myself loving the idea of going back to my hometown and spending time there. Don't get me wrong, I love Athens and I love college life. But sometimes you just need your bed in your own home. In an attempt to step out of my comfort zone and take risks, this past summer I chose to study abroad in London UK for six weeks. For the months leading up to my program, I was beyond excited to experience a new country, have an internship, and travel around Europe.
I have been traveling with my family around the US for as long as I can remember. To say I have a very long-standing and loving relationship with Southwest Airlines would be an understatement. However, I had never flown internationally by myself and I had never been in another country without my family for more than a week. Therefore, it was only natural that I was a little bit terrified as the days approached.
Fast forward six months, and I can say with confidence that studying abroad was one of the best choices I have made during my college career. I am in no way a “Pro-traveler” but here are some of my best pieces of advice for those considering, or planning on studying abroad.
Be comfortable in the uncomfortable: During your time studying abroad, odds are you will be in a few situations where you feel completely uncomfortable. Whether it be a language barrier moment, or getting stares because you are walking the streets in athletic wear (Note: Londoners do NOT wear athleisure in public… I learned this very early on), it is all part of the experience. Growth comes out of discomfort, so lean into and embrace the awkward moments.
Plan ahead: If I could change anything about my time abroad, it would have been to plan my weekend trips further in advance. I had the opportunity to travel to Paris, Edinburgh, and many other English cities during my time abroad. While the spontaneousness of our weekend trips made for exciting moments and lots of laughs, I wish we had planned them before our departure to London. It helps save money and time, while also eliminating the stress of planning while in another country.
Write EVERYTHING down: One of the greatest things that has come out of my study abroad is the extensive list of recommendations I have for the city of London. Not only does it help your friends who may travel in the future, but it serves as a way to remember all the amazing places you visited and memories you made.
If you’re debating... DO IT!: This last tip applies not only to the program in general but also to the small things. If you are debating whether you should study abroad or not, I highly recommend taking a leap of faith and doing it. Studying abroad has a variety of benefits such as enhancing your global perspectives, introducing you to new cultures, and strengthening your academic capabilities. Additionally, if you are committed to studying abroad or are currently abroad and are on the fence about an activity, restaurant, weekend trip, or anything you take the risk and say yes. One of my favorite examples, although it may seem silly, relates to Buckingham Palace. It was our second Saturday in London and it was King Charles’s birthday celebration. After much deliberation, my friends and I decided to wake up at 7 a.m. and take the Tube to Buckingham. We were unsure at first because we were still slightly jetlagged, didn’t know if it would be worth it, and did not want to be stuck in a large crowd for hours. I am so beyond grateful that we decided to go because I was able to stand in the front row and catch a glimpse of the Royal Family. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you take anything away today, let it be to say YES and take risks! Because, when else are you going to be 20 in London?!
Strike Out,
Hannah King
Editor: Grace Maneein
Athens