How I did it: I was so scared--it was only my second time flying anywhere, and my first time leaving home for a serious length of time. I just forced myself, because it's so easy to find excuses. And it was perfect. I made the most amazing friends, learned what makes me happy, fell in love, and grew so much. It's an experience I'll always treasure, always miss, and always be incredibly grateful for.

Lessons & tips: It's easy to find reasons why you can't do it--money, nerves, graduating on time--I promise it's worth it. Find cheap programs, that's what I did, dare yourself to do it, and for me, graduating on time was NOT more important or valuable than this experience. 

Resources: I studied through CEA (Cultural Experiences Abroad). And while they do have a lot of red tape, they are relatively affordable (especially considering how much tuition is--I actually saved a ton of money by studying abroad), and I studied at an actual College, which I recommend, and not through one of their global programs. If you study at an actual international university, your classmates, your friends, are natives of the country. You are immersed in the culture. It's perfect. 

Dec 03, 2010, 11:17PM PST | 0 comments | 4 cheers