Studying abroad is more than just a semester of classes in a new country. It’s an experience that can reshape not only how you see the world but also how you see yourself. Between exploring new cities and meeting new people from around the world, you learn how to adapt to change. Every day brings something new. Here are five of the biggest lessons we have learned during our semester:
5. Take Time to Explore Your Home Base and the Surrounding Towns
It’s very easy to get caught up in planning weekend trips and checking off the must-see bucket list destinations, yet some of our best memories come from exploring the places we live. Whether it’s discovering a new dinner spot, a fun shop, or a nearby town that is just an hour train ride away, taking time to explore your home base helps you feel more connected to your new home. You start to pick up on local routines, pace of life, traditions, and get familiar with the locals who will help shape your experience.
5. Take Time to Explore Your Home Base and the Surrounding Towns
It's very easy to get caught up in planning weekend trips and checking off the must-see bucket list destinations, yet some of our best memories come from exploring the places we live. Whether it's discovering a new dinner spot, a fun shop, or a nearby town that is just an hour train ride away, taking time to explore your home base helps you feel more connected to your new home. You start to pick up on local routines, pace of life, traditions, and get familiar with the locals who will help shape your experience.
4. Try at Least One Local Dish from Everywhere You Travel
Food is one of the best ways to get connected with a culture. Fresh pasta in Italy, a warm pastry in France, or a new dish you have never tried, saying yes to local food makes every trip special. Some of the best food I have had is something I have never heard of before, but I will take the recipes home with me. Don't be afraid to ask the locals for recommendations and visit smaller family-owned businesses. Food has a way of bringing people together, and those shared meals often become the moments you remember most from your travels.
3. Be Outgoing — The People You Meet Will Change Your Life
One of the most rewarding but unexpected parts of studying abroad is the people you will meet. From classmates and roommates to locals and other travelers, everyone you meet brings a new perspective. The people I have met have truly changed my life, and one of the best feelings is knowing that we will forever get to talk about our experiences together. Being open and social can lead to friendships that will last far beyond the semester. Although our time abroad is ending, I know that I will have a little piece of my time here through these relationships I've built.
2. Embrace New Cultures — You Might Love What You Discover
Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel a little scary at times, but it's also where most growth happens. Whether it's learning new basic phrases in another language, attending a local event, or just observing different customs, every experience can teach you something new. You never know, you might even find yourself adopting a new habit or value that can stay with you long after you leave.
1. How to Deal with Change and the Possibility of Uncertainty
There is a side to studying abroad that isn't always easy. Plans fall through, transportation gets delayed, homesickness hits, and things don't always go as expected. Learning how to adapt and stay positive in these moments is one the greatest skills I have learned while being here. Reminding myself that even if something isn't going right, I am in a beautiful place, with great people, and everything will work out eventually. Change becomes less scary and serves as a reminder that flexibility and an open mind can truly turn these challenges into an adventure or a great story.
Studying abroad has taught us much more than we ever expected. It’s not just about the classes or the places you visit; it’s about learning to be independent, trying new things, and figuring out who you are in a completely different environment. We’ve learned how to say yes to adventure and the unknown that comes with it, we’ve learned how to appreciate the little things that make our experience special, and how to embrace every moment together because it truly does go by so fast. This is truly an experience that we will never forget!
By: Elanna Tousignant, Dailey Adkins, Anna Gardiner, Cooper Hughes