Going Abroad This Summer? This Is What You Need To Know About Preparing
When I am not researching and writing articles for BL8K, I am a fashion merchandising student at Kent State University in Ohio. Fashion is a huge part of my life and learning about it at school and writing about it has been a dream come true. One part, probably my favorite, of my school program is that I must study abroad. The time for me to pack and go explore has finally come! I can officially start the countdown until I arrive at Florence, Italy this June.
I leave for Italy at the end of May and there has been a lot to prepare for, especially since I have never been to Europe before. Here are a few tips that I have learned while preparing for my trip.
Photo: Pinterest
Start planning your trip early.
No matter how much time you think you have it is always best to start planning your trip early. This will help you have time to figure out where you want to travel, get your passport, find flight deals, and allow enough time to buy any necessities for the trip. Planning everything earlier will take some stress off your shoulders when it is time to leave.
Photo: Chiara Ferragni at Uffizi Gallery
Culture shock is going to be normal.
There have been so many people that I have talked to, including advisors, that have told me culture shock is completely normal when you arrive in Europe or any other country in general. Going to a new place is really scary and unfortunately, there is not much you can do to control your emotions. However, there are ways to cope with culture shock like journaling, remaining in contact with friends and family back home, or even creating content about your time abroad. Personally, I will be taking a journal with me to document all of my travels and the intense emotions that I will be feeling when I arrive.
Photo: Chanel Métiers D’Art 2021 at Florence, Italy
Know and prepare for the culture that you are assimilating to.
Whenever you are traveling abroad, it is always respectful to learn more about their culture and, if possible, a little of their language. This will not only show the natives that you respect and care for their customs and culture, but it will also allow you to expand your horizons and learn something new about the world. For me, I have been learning more about Italian fashion so that I can blend in and see what garments are more popular over there.
Photo: Alessandro Michelazzi Street Fashion Florence
Pack light in your suitcases.
We all know that there will be shopping done wherever you go. It’s just inevitable. But, make sure that you don’t completely fill your suitcase(s) so that you can have room for whatever you buy on your trip. Many airlines are strict with the luggage weight policy when going international so it is better to be safe than sorry.
Photo: Pinterest
Talk to others who have been abroad.
One thing that I have been doing a lot is talking to others who have been abroad. Getting first-hand experience from others is the best thing that you can do to prepare. You don’t know a lot going into the trip and talking to others will help fill that gap. Honestly, there is still a lot that I don’t know about going abroad, but I am in a better spot than I was because I have talked to others. Since it is a required part of my program it is really easy for me to find others who have been in my situation, but there are so many places to find tips. Facebook groups, Tik Tok, and finding connections through family and friends are great ways to find tips.
Photo: Pinterest
