Studying abroad was one of the most amazing experiences I have gotten to have in my entire life. The fast paced, never knew what was coming next life style really changed my perspective on life. I was able to see and do so many things all over Europe that have taught me so much about myself, the fashion industry, and life in general. My most important piece of advice? Study Abroad. whether its for four months, four days, or four weeks. I can’t say enough good things about this experience. So, I thought I’d write out the top five things I learned from being abroad.
1. Things almost never go according to plan, and that’s okay.
I am the biggest planner, I always run through scenarios a million times in my head trying to prepare for everything. Being abroad, or just traveling through Europe, teaches you to live moment by moment. You never know what’s coming next, and being aware and just being present for whatever is thrown at you is part of the journey.
2. Try new things
I am the queen of sticking to things I know and am comfortable with. Well, traveling around Europe with new food, new languages, and new places, sticking to what we’re comfortable with is almost impossible. This experienced pushed me out of my comfort zone, showed me what I really liked and didn’t. In Italy, I felt pretty comfortable with the food and culture, but traveling to Croatia with different food and language was a different experience and was a culture shock for a weekend.
3. I can handle way more on my own than I thought
Going to Kent, I was forty-five minutes from home, and anything I needed my parents were right there to help me. Being in a foreign country and three time zones away, that wasn’t really possible. School setbacks, or just setbacks with life in general seemed terrifying at first without my parents at home. I quickly learned to adapt to a situation, and make the most of it.
4. Always value alone time
Some of my favorite moments in Florence were spent wandering the streets and getting lost in the city. I had a roommate the entire time I was in Florence, so the times I was able to get away and just experience things on my own was so fulfilling. I didn’t realize it until I was gone. Before I left for the semester, I was completely unable to do anything on my own. I always had my friends with me when I went to the grocery store or even got gas. One of my favorite memories from being abroad was at the end of the semester when I wanted to get my favorite gelato for the last time, so I took a walk by myself and sat on the river and enjoyed one of my last moments in Florence.
5. Take advantage of every opportunity given to you
I almost didn’t go abroad because I was terrified. I feared the worst for every situation, but thank God I went. I can’t imagine where I would be if I didn’t take advantage of this opportunity. The chance to learn more about myself and the fashion industry in a different light is indescribable. I always reference these experiences in interviews but this goes so much farther than that. Knowing and sensing how I was before I left for the semester, and feeling how I am know, going abroad brought so much into my life that wasn’t there before
Great tips there!