Tips Before Leaving Abroad

My name is Autumn Reynolds, and in November 2022, I finished my semester abroad studying at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. Studying abroad alone evoked many different emotions through the whole process, both good and not so good. Before leaving, I was very excited to go, but also very scared because I didn’t know anyone, didn’t know how things would be different, and scared I wasn’t going to figure out how to be able to live there. Here are some tips from my experience that will help with those pre-departure nerves: 

 

1. Join the Facebook group chat with all the other abroad students where you’re going. Joining this group made me feel a lot better because I reached out to a few girls before I even got there. Just knowing that I already knew someone I could hang out with made me feel a lot better. And we ended up being best friends and traveling together. 
2. Don’t be afraid to ask people to hangout or to talk to new people. I promise you all the other students will want to make new friends too. Differences from around the world (like accents) make great conversation starters! 
3. Make sure your phone is unlocked and look into phone plans/SIM cards before you get there. I made that mistake, and my phone was not unlocked which made that process a bit more stressful than it needed to be. And when you arrive at the airport there are so many different phone services that it is overwhelming to know which one to pick. Doing your research on this can decrease a lot of stress. 
4. Save money before you go. Studying abroad is not always cheap, especially if you are wanting to travel. I definitely spent a lot of money on traveling and I am glad that I had been saving for that trip for a long while before I left.
5. Exchange at least some money before you get there. Although exchange rates might be higher here or at the airports, it is worth exchanging at least some money beforehand just in case. And then you can exchange more at a bank there but at least you have some on hand. 
6. Expect emotions and don’t hold them back. It is okay to cry, to miss home, and to wonder if you made a wrong decision. Most people have those emotions, and it is normal so let it happen when it happens, and I promise it will get better.  
7. If you are wanting to travel, research and have a list of places you want to go or things you want to do before you get there. It will help plan your semester and where to go and spend the money you have.
8. Have fun and don’t wish the time away. Time flew by and I wish I had longer. I had so much fun while there. And the only thing I regret is not being there longer. 

I could give a whole list of tips about going abroad, but those are some of the ones that I think would help the most. If you’re thinking about going abroad just do it, it is worth it and you will not regret the experience. Cherish the time that you have there and enjoy every second of it because you will miss it when you come back.