Guest Blog by: Jenni Maier (blogger extraordinaire, studied abroad in Madrid)
Before you go abroad everyone and their mom (and annoyingly enough your mom) tells you what to pack. But no one takes the time to sit down with you and tell you what NOT to pack. You can only bring two suitcases over with you so make sure to save all your poundage for the things that really matter.
1. Sweats - While pants with elastic waists may totally fly at home on your college campus, they'll get you horrible stares when you wear them outside in Europe. And don't even think about spandex. Even the homeless men will heckle you in the streets. While going back to pants with tricky devices like zippers and buttons may be a challenge, it's well worth it to fit in.
2. Heels - Definitely bring a basic black pair but no more (unless you're a guy, then you'll want to bring your whole collection). Europe's totally ancient which means many of their streets are cobblestone instead of paved. That means every time you take another step, you risk your heel getting caught and broken off. So unless you're into the one-legged-limp-look settle for flats.
3. American-Anything - People in other countries don't exactly love America. Sure they watch our television and trash talk our celebrities like they're trying out to be euro-PerezHilton, but they have no tolerance for American values or pride. So if you were planning to use your American flag as a snuggie for the next four months, think again.
4. Electronics - Go ahead and trust all the converters but be prepared to plug in your straighter one day and watch it start sparking up like it's preparing it's own fireworks show. While it may cost more to buy straighteners, blow dryers, and camera chargers abroad, you'll end up saving money because you won't have buy all your stuff again when you return to America.
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5. American food - Everyone thinks they can't live without peanut butter for a few months but they're wrong. It's clinically proven that many people have survived without it. Take advantage of all the new and different foods in your new country rather than stocking your suitcase full of preservative-filled favorites.
7. Prescription Medicine - Bring over all the drugs you need for the first month or so, but after that start refilling your prescriptions in Europe. Everyone forgets that Europe isn't a third world country and has access to the same medicines we do. Not only do they have most of our medicines, but they're one billion times cheaper. My $80 allergy medicine in America cost 2 Euros abroad. If I had taken my own advice I could have brought over five more going-out shirts instead of wasting suitcase space on 16 extra nasal sprays.
*Note*- Check with a doctor before taking this advice
8. Drugs - There's nothing worse than being sent home as soon as you arrive in Europe. If you're lucky your parents will kill you as soon as arrive back in America, if you're unlucky you'll be sent back to school and be forced to explain to everyone why you're not abroad after all. Be smart. If you absolutely can't live without unprescribed drugs, stock up on Advil PM for the flight over.
9. Gym clothes - Sure gyms offer special discounts to American students studying abroad (10% off a million euros) but you'll be so busy exploring, traveling, and recovering from hangovers that you'll never end up going. Odds are by the time you get home you'll be able to say vodka in six different languages but won't remember how to turn a treadmill on.
10. American Money - Get everything exchanged into Euros before you go over. While there are currency converters all over the place, they can have long lines or even be closed. You'll be ravenous when you get off the plane and it's pretty hard to buy food with dollars. You would have better luck trying to use Monopoly money at an Arby's in America than you will trying to find someplace that accepts U.S dollars.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
More Universities Open up "Global Centers" Overseas
With an increased focus on on global education in recent years, it is no surprised that colleges and universities throughout the United States are expanding overseas. Some schools like Cornell and New York University have opened up satellite campuses in multiple cities overseas, but other schools are going in different directions.
In the spring of 2009 Columbia University opened up its first global centers in Beijing and Amman. They have plans to open up at least two more in Paris and Mumbai. Ohio State University also has plans to open up similar centers in Shanghai, Mumbai and Sao Paulo.
While these “global centers” may seem similar to the satellite campuses of their peer institutions, they are smaller, less expensive and act more as a resource for professors, students, and alumni. Professors who conduct research overseas have a home base, study abroad students have the support of their home institution should they need it and alumni can get help finding anything from jobs to apartments.
Look for more of the global centers opening up around the world as it is an obvious trend in the world of international and higher education.
In the spring of 2009 Columbia University opened up its first global centers in Beijing and Amman. They have plans to open up at least two more in Paris and Mumbai. Ohio State University also has plans to open up similar centers in Shanghai, Mumbai and Sao Paulo.
While these “global centers” may seem similar to the satellite campuses of their peer institutions, they are smaller, less expensive and act more as a resource for professors, students, and alumni. Professors who conduct research overseas have a home base, study abroad students have the support of their home institution should they need it and alumni can get help finding anything from jobs to apartments.
Look for more of the global centers opening up around the world as it is an obvious trend in the world of international and higher education.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Whats New in Study Abroad
There are always new and exciting things happening in the world of study abroad! Here are some quick highlights:
Interested in being green while studying abroad? IES Study Abroad recently announced new programs they will be hosting which are part of a "go green" initiative for study abroad. Starting in the Fall of 2010 students will have the opportunity to take part in the "Freiburg Environmental Studies Program". Here, they will take classes in environmental studies and sustainability. Along with the Frieburg program, IES will also be offering environmental studies classes on some of their sites throughout the world. Read more about IES' environmental initiatives here.
Columbia University (nyc) has opened up new global centers worldwide in the past year. The first two being in Amman, Jordan and Beijing, China. They are planning on opening up other sites worldwide as well. Check it out here.
Community Colleges throughout the US are trying to send more of their students abroad. There are many obstacles because of budget cuts and lack of other necessary resources, but there is hope for growth. Read more about it here.
Check back for more info on whats new in study abroad!
Interested in being green while studying abroad? IES Study Abroad recently announced new programs they will be hosting which are part of a "go green" initiative for study abroad. Starting in the Fall of 2010 students will have the opportunity to take part in the "Freiburg Environmental Studies Program". Here, they will take classes in environmental studies and sustainability. Along with the Frieburg program, IES will also be offering environmental studies classes on some of their sites throughout the world. Read more about IES' environmental initiatives here.
Columbia University (nyc) has opened up new global centers worldwide in the past year. The first two being in Amman, Jordan and Beijing, China. They are planning on opening up other sites worldwide as well. Check it out here.
Community Colleges throughout the US are trying to send more of their students abroad. There are many obstacles because of budget cuts and lack of other necessary resources, but there is hope for growth. Read more about it here.
Check back for more info on whats new in study abroad!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Guest Blog Spotlight: My Nontraditional Study Abroad – at the Sorbonne
Guest Blogger: Angela Arnold
Most people study abroad during their college or their high school years. I decided to do things differently and study abroad as a full time teacher and graduate student.
You see, I studied French in high school and came to love the language and culture. During my college years, I had a single-minded quest to graduate as quickly as possible and start living my life. Study abroad never entered the picture.
After I graduated from college, I immediately pursued a career in teaching. While working towards my master’s degree, I became enamored of the idea of working or living abroad. Since I was already proficient in French, I decided that France would be the ideal location for my initial international sojourn.
While perusing a teacher’s magazine, I came across a study abroad in France opportunity that was too good to pass up. It was focused on French teachers and offered them a chance to study at the famous Sorbonne. I leapt at the opportunity, and the rest is history.
I planned a marvelous summer. I would study at the Sorbonne during the mornings. My afternoons were totally free. I could plan whatever I wanted. I lived in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in an apartment house with other French families. Life was indeed magnifique.
I prepared for my total immersion by listening to audio files of French conversation during all of my waking hours. I even hooked up a continuous loop of French that would play repeatedly while I slept. I was determined to hit the ground running, and I did.
I would recommend that all people who desire to study abroad put in the time learning as much of your host country language as possible. You can never know too much vocabulary. The grammar will come naturally as you converse with the natives.
Get your hands on some French DVDs, movies, audio CDs. Take an online course. Do whatever you can to immerse yourself in hearing the language. Most people who experience the worse culture shock do so because they cannot adequately communicate with those around them. So, improving your conversational abilities will eliminate this stumbling block.
My first days at the Sorbonne were hectic to say the least. My language facility was a bit inadequate when compared with those of native French speakers. I was fortunate to have a teachers cohort that I could easily slip back into the English language with. But I was also determined to live as much like a native as possible.
The French families at the apartment house befriended me. I developed quite a friendship with the many French immigrants from Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, and Algeria. We had endless lunches and dinners at the sidewalk cafes. We mostly frequented the Latin Quarter, and relaxed on the most famous street in le quartier latin - le boulevard St Michel. I enjoyed stopping in and talking with the locals as I walked to and from classes.
My friends took me to little inexpensive restaurants that I can still remember. I had the best couscous in my life and fell in love with Moroccan food.
Even though the French subway system is among the easiest to navigate that I have ever seen, I really preferred to walk while I lived in Paris. There was so much to see and do. I remember walking to Nôtre Dame, strolling down le Champs Elysées, spending a lot of time at Hôtel des Invalides/Napoleon's Tomb, visiting the tomb of the unknown soldier, and too much to describe here. Life was very spontaneous and very sweet.
There were no cell phones in those days. But I had a bunch of French friends who would call me at all hours of the afternoon and evening. We had so many imprompu get-togethers. My room was on the second floor, facing an open courtyard. They would come to the first floor of the courtyard and call up to me. My name would resound throughout the courtyard. I still chuckle when I think about it today.
The Sorbonne offered an excursion to a different province of France every weekend. We visited la Normandie (Rouen, Caen, Le Mont St Michel), la Bretagne (Rennes), Champagne (Troyes), Orleans (home of Joan d’Arc), les Chateaux de la Loire (Lyons), the castle of William the Conqueror (le Chateau de Guillaume-le-conquerant) in Falaise, Normandy, and many more treats. I saw many castles and was awed by the sound and light shows.
To me, being able to live in France for an entire summer was a dream come true. Study abroad can be such a rewarding activity. If you have a chance to live abroad, even for a short summer, I say, “Go for it.” You’ll be glad you did.
Angela Arnold conducts deeply personal and heart-felt interviews with lovers of study abroad and teach abroad. Mrs. Arnold is an author, consultant, and educator. In addition to her own deeply rewarding international studies, she is the parent of two children who had phenomenally successful study abroad and/or teach abroad experiences, and she is an exceptionally strong proponent of study abroad. Feel free to visit her website at http://www.studyabroadsuccess.com.
Most people study abroad during their college or their high school years. I decided to do things differently and study abroad as a full time teacher and graduate student.
You see, I studied French in high school and came to love the language and culture. During my college years, I had a single-minded quest to graduate as quickly as possible and start living my life. Study abroad never entered the picture.
After I graduated from college, I immediately pursued a career in teaching. While working towards my master’s degree, I became enamored of the idea of working or living abroad. Since I was already proficient in French, I decided that France would be the ideal location for my initial international sojourn.
While perusing a teacher’s magazine, I came across a study abroad in France opportunity that was too good to pass up. It was focused on French teachers and offered them a chance to study at the famous Sorbonne. I leapt at the opportunity, and the rest is history.
I planned a marvelous summer. I would study at the Sorbonne during the mornings. My afternoons were totally free. I could plan whatever I wanted. I lived in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower in an apartment house with other French families. Life was indeed magnifique.I prepared for my total immersion by listening to audio files of French conversation during all of my waking hours. I even hooked up a continuous loop of French that would play repeatedly while I slept. I was determined to hit the ground running, and I did.
I would recommend that all people who desire to study abroad put in the time learning as much of your host country language as possible. You can never know too much vocabulary. The grammar will come naturally as you converse with the natives.
Get your hands on some French DVDs, movies, audio CDs. Take an online course. Do whatever you can to immerse yourself in hearing the language. Most people who experience the worse culture shock do so because they cannot adequately communicate with those around them. So, improving your conversational abilities will eliminate this stumbling block.
My first days at the Sorbonne were hectic to say the least. My language facility was a bit inadequate when compared with those of native French speakers. I was fortunate to have a teachers cohort that I could easily slip back into the English language with. But I was also determined to live as much like a native as possible.
The French families at the apartment house befriended me. I developed quite a friendship with the many French immigrants from Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, and Algeria. We had endless lunches and dinners at the sidewalk cafes. We mostly frequented the Latin Quarter, and relaxed on the most famous street in le quartier latin - le boulevard St Michel. I enjoyed stopping in and talking with the locals as I walked to and from classes.
My friends took me to little inexpensive restaurants that I can still remember. I had the best couscous in my life and fell in love with Moroccan food.
Even though the French subway system is among the easiest to navigate that I have ever seen, I really preferred to walk while I lived in Paris. There was so much to see and do. I remember walking to Nôtre Dame, strolling down le Champs Elysées, spending a lot of time at Hôtel des Invalides/Napoleon's Tomb, visiting the tomb of the unknown soldier, and too much to describe here. Life was very spontaneous and very sweet.
There were no cell phones in those days. But I had a bunch of French friends who would call me at all hours of the afternoon and evening. We had so many imprompu get-togethers. My room was on the second floor, facing an open courtyard. They would come to the first floor of the courtyard and call up to me. My name would resound throughout the courtyard. I still chuckle when I think about it today.
The Sorbonne offered an excursion to a different province of France every weekend. We visited la Normandie (Rouen, Caen, Le Mont St Michel), la Bretagne (Rennes), Champagne (Troyes), Orleans (home of Joan d’Arc), les Chateaux de la Loire (Lyons), the castle of William the Conqueror (le Chateau de Guillaume-le-conquerant) in Falaise, Normandy, and many more treats. I saw many castles and was awed by the sound and light shows.
To me, being able to live in France for an entire summer was a dream come true. Study abroad can be such a rewarding activity. If you have a chance to live abroad, even for a short summer, I say, “Go for it.” You’ll be glad you did.
Angela Arnold conducts deeply personal and heart-felt interviews with lovers of study abroad and teach abroad. Mrs. Arnold is an author, consultant, and educator. In addition to her own deeply rewarding international studies, she is the parent of two children who had phenomenally successful study abroad and/or teach abroad experiences, and she is an exceptionally strong proponent of study abroad. Feel free to visit her website at http://www.studyabroadsuccess.com.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Guest Blog Spotlight: Central America
Guest Blogger: Martha Staid
Whether you’re planning to study abroad or just want to travel somewhere cheap and off-the-beaten-path, Central America is a great destination. Here are five top places to visit, and things to do there. All of these towns are easily walkable and have Spanish language schools, if you want to brush up on your español or start from scratch.
1. Boquete, Panama
Get out of the heat of Panama City in this laid-back town in the (very pretty) highlands. You can take small, personalized Spanish classes at the super-friendly Habla Ya Spanish School, or just let them arrange your activities: rafting, hikes, dance lessons, volunteering and more. They offer homestays with local families, too.
In town, Café Nelvis serves killer fried chicken, and you can get $1 domestic beer almost everywhere. If you make time to take a tour of the eco-friendly Café Ruiz coffee plantation, you can stop at the Canadian-run Sugar & Spice bakery on the walk back.
2. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo, on the very southern bit of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is probably one of the most chill towns you’ll ever visit. Wake up across the street from the ocean, get amazing pancakes at the open-air Bread and Chocolate, then rent bikes and ride south to go snorkeling in the coral reefs.
Rocking J’s has a fun backpacker vibe (and a treehouse to sleep in) if you want to meet other travelers, and the town is full of great Caribbean food (lots of coconut-y sauces and seafood) and quite a few vegetarian options. There’s more English/less Spanish spoken here than elsewhere because of the Caribbean influence, which could be either a plus or minus for you.
3. Granada, Nicaragua
My favorite city in Central America, Granada was built by the Spanish in the 1500s so it’s got an old-school European feel. This is a fill-up-your-camera-card town: colorful rows of houses, streets full of horses, bikes and motorcycles, and a bright yellow cathedral in the center of town.
Hotel Terrasol offers great deals and is run by an incredibly friendly family. Be sure to visit Masaya Volcano (Tierra Tours can arrange a day trip), where you can go right up to the edge of the smoking crater. El Quijote is a pretty gringo-ified bar, but it’s got memorable chicken fingers, if you want a change from local food. And for the weird-but-good category, try a glass of pinolillo, which is basically a corn and cocoa milkshake.
4. Suchitoto, El Salvador
Go ziplining over totally gorgeous Lake Suchitlan, then go pupusa crazy – women all over this pretty mountain town set up shop every evening to cook pupusas: flatbread stuffed with beans and cheese that are blow-your-mind delicious and will cost you less than a dollar.
You’re much less likely to be hassled for money or your
business in Suchitoto than many other Central America cities. And if you don’t mind hostels, Hotel Obraje has two-person rooms for $11 a night, right in the town center. There’s also a shop in the main square that sells alcohol popsicles (cerveza, anyone?) and an arts festival every weekend.
5. Antigua, Guatemala
Touristy but worth it: Antigua is a World Heritage site, full of Spanish schools, internet cafes, pretty parks and all kinds of restaurants and nightlife. There are several attractively-crumbling ruins and a couple of good museums, and The Bagel Barn shows free movies most days (plus has free wifi). If you didn’t make it to El Salvador, they have pupusas here too, at the hole-in-the-wall El Sapo y La Rana.
The Antiguan government recently banned all street vendors, which will probably make the town feel a little odd to you if you’ve been elsewhere in Central America. For souvenirs, or just to experience the madness, head to El Mercado near the bus station.
Of course there’s far more Central America to explore, whether you’re into big cities or wilderness. The Lonely Planet books are a good place to start to learn more, and the internet is full of information on both Spanish schools and volunteer opportunities. ¡Buen viaje!
Photos courtesy of Martha Staid.
Martha Staid is an avid world traveler who has been blogging for ten years, both personally and professionally. She has been featured on About.com's former College Life guide, where she wrote about study abroad programs. She can be reached at martha.staid@gmail.com.
Whether you’re planning to study abroad or just want to travel somewhere cheap and off-the-beaten-path, Central America is a great destination. Here are five top places to visit, and things to do there. All of these towns are easily walkable and have Spanish language schools, if you want to brush up on your español or start from scratch.
1. Boquete, Panama
Get out of the heat of Panama City in this laid-back town in the (very pretty) highlands. You can take small, personalized Spanish classes at the super-friendly Habla Ya Spanish School, or just let them arrange your activities: rafting, hikes, dance lessons, volunteering and more. They offer homestays with local families, too.
In town, Café Nelvis serves killer fried chicken, and you can get $1 domestic beer almost everywhere. If you make time to take a tour of the eco-friendly Café Ruiz coffee plantation, you can stop at the Canadian-run Sugar & Spice bakery on the walk back.
2. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Puerto Viejo, on the very southern bit of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is probably one of the most chill towns you’ll ever visit. Wake up across the street from the ocean, get amazing pancakes at the open-air Bread and Chocolate, then rent bikes and ride south to go snorkeling in the coral reefs.
Rocking J’s has a fun backpacker vibe (and a treehouse to sleep in) if you want to meet other travelers, and the town is full of great Caribbean food (lots of coconut-y sauces and seafood) and quite a few vegetarian options. There’s more English/less Spanish spoken here than elsewhere because of the Caribbean influence, which could be either a plus or minus for you.
3. Granada, Nicaragua
My favorite city in Central America, Granada was built by the Spanish in the 1500s so it’s got an old-school European feel. This is a fill-up-your-camera-card town: colorful rows of houses, streets full of horses, bikes and motorcycles, and a bright yellow cathedral in the center of town.
Hotel Terrasol offers great deals and is run by an incredibly friendly family. Be sure to visit Masaya Volcano (Tierra Tours can arrange a day trip), where you can go right up to the edge of the smoking crater. El Quijote is a pretty gringo-ified bar, but it’s got memorable chicken fingers, if you want a change from local food. And for the weird-but-good category, try a glass of pinolillo, which is basically a corn and cocoa milkshake.
4. Suchitoto, El Salvador
Go ziplining over totally gorgeous Lake Suchitlan, then go pupusa crazy – women all over this pretty mountain town set up shop every evening to cook pupusas: flatbread stuffed with beans and cheese that are blow-your-mind delicious and will cost you less than a dollar.You’re much less likely to be hassled for money or your
business in Suchitoto than many other Central America cities. And if you don’t mind hostels, Hotel Obraje has two-person rooms for $11 a night, right in the town center. There’s also a shop in the main square that sells alcohol popsicles (cerveza, anyone?) and an arts festival every weekend.5. Antigua, Guatemala
Touristy but worth it: Antigua is a World Heritage site, full of Spanish schools, internet cafes, pretty parks and all kinds of restaurants and nightlife. There are several attractively-crumbling ruins and a couple of good museums, and The Bagel Barn shows free movies most days (plus has free wifi). If you didn’t make it to El Salvador, they have pupusas here too, at the hole-in-the-wall El Sapo y La Rana.
The Antiguan government recently banned all street vendors, which will probably make the town feel a little odd to you if you’ve been elsewhere in Central America. For souvenirs, or just to experience the madness, head to El Mercado near the bus station.Of course there’s far more Central America to explore, whether you’re into big cities or wilderness. The Lonely Planet books are a good place to start to learn more, and the internet is full of information on both Spanish schools and volunteer opportunities. ¡Buen viaje!
Photos courtesy of Martha Staid.
Martha Staid is an avid world traveler who has been blogging for ten years, both personally and professionally. She has been featured on About.com's former College Life guide, where she wrote about study abroad programs. She can be reached at martha.staid@gmail.com.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fluctuating Economy Brings a Wealth of Information
Just like many other institutions, the world of higher education is not immune to the negative impact of the financial crisis. The Forum on Education Abroad recently released a report that shows fewer students may be studying abroad. 165 American schools, program providers, and international universities participated in the survey. Of them, 66% noticed a marked negative impact in their programs as a result of the economy.
While this is a staggering number don't be deceived! There is no raw data available yet for how many students actually studied abroad during the past academic year. Therefore, it is not definite if there was a significant decrease in the number of students that studied abroad. 43% of reporting institutions said that the decrease in their students studying abroad was between 1% and 15%. Only 9% of respondents said their decrease was 26% or more. Also, while 60% of institutions have have budget cuts, 44% of the respondents said their budget decrease was 10% or less. Also, only 9% of institutions cited budget cuts in the student scholarship arena. Therefore, many students will still be able to get the same scholarships that were available to them before.
Additionally, 39% of institutions have found that they had an increase in students studying abroad. Program providers like New York University have noticed an 8% increase in their fall 2009 numbers for students interested in studying abroad this spring. NYU has opened up two new study abroad locations this spring to help make room for the increased demand. Other schools have found a marked increase in the number of students attending study abroad fairs and requesting more information about study abroad programs. One study abroad advisor attributed this to the fact that job markets are becoming increasingly competitive and an international education is a desirable characteristic.
The current economic climate obviously poses problems for students who want to study abroad. However, there are always scholarships available and cheaper alternatives to many study abroad programs. For information on scholarships click here. Also, do research before you go abroad, some destinations are always more expensive than others.
While this is a staggering number don't be deceived! There is no raw data available yet for how many students actually studied abroad during the past academic year. Therefore, it is not definite if there was a significant decrease in the number of students that studied abroad. 43% of reporting institutions said that the decrease in their students studying abroad was between 1% and 15%. Only 9% of respondents said their decrease was 26% or more. Also, while 60% of institutions have have budget cuts, 44% of the respondents said their budget decrease was 10% or less. Also, only 9% of institutions cited budget cuts in the student scholarship arena. Therefore, many students will still be able to get the same scholarships that were available to them before.
Additionally, 39% of institutions have found that they had an increase in students studying abroad. Program providers like New York University have noticed an 8% increase in their fall 2009 numbers for students interested in studying abroad this spring. NYU has opened up two new study abroad locations this spring to help make room for the increased demand. Other schools have found a marked increase in the number of students attending study abroad fairs and requesting more information about study abroad programs. One study abroad advisor attributed this to the fact that job markets are becoming increasingly competitive and an international education is a desirable characteristic.
The current economic climate obviously poses problems for students who want to study abroad. However, there are always scholarships available and cheaper alternatives to many study abroad programs. For information on scholarships click here. Also, do research before you go abroad, some destinations are always more expensive than others.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Ten Packing tips for the Study Abroad Student
Whether you are studying abroad for a week, month, semester or year, packing can be a daunting activity. To make the whole process a little easier, here are some tips on how to pack for study abroad.
1. If you are planning on studying abroad in Europe do not bother packing sweatpants. Maybe pack one pair to lounge around your apartment or dorm room in but I promise you NO ONE in Europe wears them and if you do you will be stared at. Do not waste the space.
2. Beware of cobble stones! Many streets and sidewalks in major cities througout the world are made of cobblestones. If you are planning on bringing high heels abroad, make sure they are not expensive because these cobblestones will destroy them.
3. Jackets and Sweatshirts take up a lot of room but if you are studying abroad in a cold climate you will definitely need them! Try to limit yourself to a jacket or two - pick versatile ones that you can wear to class during the day and out at night.
4. Because you will be exploring your new home, it is essential that you bring thick soled boots, sneakers or other shoes. If not, your feet will be in more pain than you thought possible by the end of the day.
5. Make SURE to bring many copies of your passport with you! I kept one in my backpack, one in my dorm room, one in a suitcase, etc in case something happened to my passport and I needed to get a new one asap!
6. Many beauty and hygiene products that may be your go to in the US will not be available abroad. However, the stuff they have abroad is very similar and you really won't be able to tell the difference. BUT if there is a hair conditioner you can't do without or a deodorant you need to get you through your day, you might want to make some room for extra.
7. You will buy things while you're there, so leave extra space in your bags! You will inevitably shop while you are abroad - whether you buy souvenirs for your frat bros or a great Parisian jacket you just needed.
8. You know those electronics you cannot live without? iPod? Cell phone? Lap top? Hair dryer?! Well none of them will work abroad if you do not bring the right power adapters/surge protectors. While you can usually find them abroad, I found it much easier to buy them state side and then not have to worry about it once I got there. They also do not take up very much room!
9. Love to read? Chances are you're going to have some down time abroad and are going to want to pick up a book or two while you're there. There are two things to consider - First, books are heavy so packing a bunch is definitley not a good idea and second, books in English tend to be very expensive in non-english speaking countries so don't waste your money on something you won't read!
10. Leave the expensive jewelry, watches and fur coats at home. Chances are you won't have a guaranteed safe place to store your valuables. Don't risk loosing them or having them stolen!
I hope these tips help you while you're attempting to pack for an amazing time away!
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