Julia Grief is a student at Seattle University and an ISA Featured Blogger. She studied abroad with ISA in Sevilla, Spain.
The last few weeks before you leave for your study abroad experience are both exciting and a little nerve-wracking! Here are a few tips that I wanted to share about what to prepare before you leave on your adventure!
Cell Phone Plans
This was one of the biggest worries I had before I got to Spain! I had looked into an international plan through my US carrier, but it was so expensive. I waited until I got to Spain and I found out that the international data plans are so great here! I bought a month-to-month 2GB data plan for approximately 10-20 euros. The rates for the plans may vary depending on which company you use, but I definitely recommend looking into it!
Currency
Spain has a cash-based economy, so I suggest converting a good amount of money in the U.S. and bringing it with you because it is much more convenient to use cash while out at restaurants and stores. However, when converting money, try to avoid getting many bills bigger than 50 euros because some places do not like to return big amounts of change. When you go to buy a two euro cup of coffee, a 50 euro bill might not work!
Maps
Now this might seem very touristy, but my map saved me the first couple weeks when I didn’t have data to be able to look up where I was going. I would recommend trying to find a transit map as well, because trying to navigate a transit system in a new city can be a little challenging, but a map can help you find your bearings and the most convenient stops.
Packing
I am now in the process of trying to find a way to get all of my stuff home and it is a doozy. There are a few things I wished I left at home including the many guide books that I brought along, the ridiculous amount of clothes, and the shampoo and other toiletries that I could just buy here. My recommendation would be to bring as little as possible, because more than likely you will buy souvenirs, more clothes and other items to bring back and you will want as much room as possible!
I hope these little tips help you prepare for your experience abroad and have answered some questions that may be lingering before your embark on your journey!
The world awaits…discover it.
nice