I will be departing from the US in two days to begin my professor-led abroad program, and I am both excited and nervous. I have never traveled to Europe, so I cannot wait to immerse myself in the beautiful, historic cites of Athens and Paris.
Research has been a large part of my preparation process; I have been reading and watching many videos about places to visit, food recommendations, and packing tips. We have many free days built into the program’s schedule, and I am looking to make the most out of them. I cannot wait to tour the Louvre in Paris and see the Acropolis in Athens.
One thing that makes me nervous about the trip is the logistics of everything. Thankfully, due to the advancements of technology, the language barriers in the countries I will visit are much easier to hurdle. I can take pictures with my phone of signs that I cannot read, and they will be translated for me. Furthermore, transportation may be a difficult adjustment, so I plan on doing a lot of walking.
Another benefit of studying abroad is the new people I will meet. Traveling with fellow classmates will ease some of my worries and give me the opportunity to make new friends. I have already met with members of my group as well as my roommate; they all seem like great people.
Ultimately, I know that the key to a successful study abroad experience is to stay open-minded and flexible. I’m ready to embrace new experiences, try new foods, and push myself out of my comfort zone. I’m excited to see what adventures await me in Paris and Athens, and I can’t wait to share my experiences with friends and family back home.
