Coming out of my first semester abroad in Florence, Italy, I have learned a LOT of lessons that I will be taking into my next semester. Going abroad (especially for the first time, like me) is an intimidating task that really puts you to the test in every way. I wanted to give some tips on what to do/not do to make your study abroad experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
1) DO: Pack travel essentials.
Whether you plan to travel every weekend or just take one or two trips, there are some key items that I would recommend bringing to make this as easy as possible. My number one recommendation is a travel backpack. You can find many on Amazon that fit the dimension requirements of the free carry on bag that you are allowed to bring on flights. My friends who didn't bring one of these heavily regretted it. I would also recommend a pair of flip flops, for the dual purpose of showering in hostels and going to the beach! My friends would always end up borrowing my flip flops when showering on trips, so don't forget these. Travel containers for your soap, shampoo/conditioner, moisturizer, etc. is also a good idea. If you have makeup or skincare that you like to travel with, getting a clear quart sized bag is important because often airports require you to fit all of your liquids in that size bag and take it out during TSA screens. An eye mask and ear plugs for flights/hostels is also a must for me personally. Lastly, I like to bring Dramamine on every trip for myself and others, as someone inevitably always gets motion sick from all the planes, buses, taxis, and boats that we are taking.
2) DON'T: Pack too many "fancy" clothes
I brought several floor length dresses that I hoped I would have an occasion to wear them to but alas-a formal wardrobe is not conducive to hopping from country to country living out of a backpack. Bring clothes that you know you will wear and clothes that you can pair with anything: like a black skirt or nice pair of trousers that can be dressed up or down. Also, trust that you WILL go shopping and probably end up bringing home a lot of souvenirs and clothes, so don't overpack!
3) DO: Check Skyscanner for cheap flights
Skyscanner is truly my saving grace when traveling while studying abroad. It's a site where you put in your host city and any destination and it checks all of the airlines shows you the cheapest flights for the dates you selected. There are also features where you can see the prices of flights for the whole month or you can opt to "travel anywhere" and compare prices for different destinations. I have used this site when booking all of my flights (and I went on 9 trips where I flew during this semester).
4) DON'T: Feel pressure to mirror other people's study abroad experience
I know I'm talking about traveling a lot, because truthfully that was a large reason why I wanted to study abroad. However- you could also opt to stay local and really get to know your host city. One of my best friends studied abroad in Paris this semester and only went on two trips because he really wanted to soak up his time in Paris. We had very different experiences abroad but both of us really enjoyed our semesters. Do what YOU want to do.
5) DO: Try to say yes to new experiences
This may very well be your only time living out of the states, try to make the most of your cultural immersion! Try new foods and drinks and excursions. Get yourself out of your comfort zone! All of my favorite experiences from this semester were when I tried new things that were a bit nerve wracking. *But always be mindful of your safety and security when doing new things.
6) DON'T: Just stick to your GW friends
I encountered many people while abroad that came with big groups from their home schools. They typically just kept to those friends and never really ventured out to meet new people. I really think this can dampen your abroad experience. You can't get the same immersive experience when your constantly surrounded by people from home. And because these people felt so much pressure to stick to their home friends, they missed out on trips and experiences because they were held back by what their group wanted to do. I would honestly recommend trying not to study abroad with people that you know, but at the very least if you do don't stick exclusively with those people.
7) DO: Try a solo trip
I know that this is incredibly intimidating to most people, especially if you are a woman or POC/LGBTQ+ as there are added risks, but one of my biggest recommendations to anyone going abroad is to try your hand at solo traveling. Research is key to doing this-you have to pick a destination that you know will be safe and easy to get around. I went on sites like TikTok and reddit to read other solo female traveler's experiences before going on either of my solo trips. My first was to Budapest, and I absolutely loved it. I felt so safe the entire time and really got comfortable doing things alone, even if it was scary at first. I also went to London solo and had an equally wonderful time. Solo traveling teaches you so much about yourself and really lets you gain trust in yourself that you can handle all sorts of situations. At the very least I'd recommend you do a solo day trip to another town or city in your host country. Fun fact: on my way back to Florence from Budapest I flew into Pisa Airport and didn't realize that there was a train strike in Italy that day. I was trapped in Pisa for hours and had to figure out by myself how to get home. (PSA: there's a bus that takes you from Pisa Airport to Florence Airport, who knew?!)
8) DON'T: Fall for scams
Whether it's in your host city or on a trip, be very aware of common scams that you may encounter. There are many people that will try in a lot of creative ways to get your money. I unfortunately fell for this when I was in Marrakech: two women grabbed my friend and I and started hennaing us and then forced us to pay 350 dirham each. Just say no and walk away.
9) DO: Remember to be grateful and have fun!
Studying abroad is such a privilege that not everyone has the time/resources to do. If you are lucky enough to be able to do it, keep that in mind and be grateful for all of the people that are supporting you in this journey. Keep on top of your studies while abroad but don't forget that above all this experience is supposed to be fun. Make new friends, see new places, try new foods, and overall just live your life to the fullest.
10) And last but not least: don't let your fears deter you from going abroad
I was so nervous to go abroad. I had never been out of the US before and no one came to Italy with me to move me in. The night before I left for Florence, I had a crippling panic attack. But I am SO glad I got on that plane. I have grown so much confidence over the past few months and had some of the most magical experiences of my life. Being able to come home and tell all my stories to my family and friends has been so amazing. Was it difficult at times? Absolutely. Did I get homesick? Yes, on several occasions. Were there times where I wanted to go home? A few, but I knew that the rough patches would pass and be replaced by good memories. If you have any hesitations about going abroad, I just have one piece of advice for you: Do It.
Olivia Donahue
Academic Year 2024-25
Semester in Florence - Accademia Italiana
Columbian College of Arts and Science
Biology Major