Sometimes we get caught up in the experiences we are having and forget to reflect upon them. Here are my tips on how to make the most of study abroad:
1. Take Photos: Yes, I know most Millennials and members of Generation Z take a copious number of photos. Yet, this is so important during study abroad. Take pictures of everything: your food, museums, and especially your friends. What you’re taking are not just pictures, they’re memories. One day when you look back on your time abroad, you’re going to be so grateful you have them.
2. Journal: Journaling is a great way to reflect on your experiences. It also is a place to keep mementos. I keep all of my tickets and different things from my travels to paste into my journal. My journal is filled with all sorts of things from my travels; such as entries about foods I’ve eaten, things I’ve done, and friends I’ve met along the way. Perhaps the best thing about my journal is reading back all of the incredible things I’ve done!
3. Blog: Blogging is another way that you are able to remember your experiences while also keeping your friends and family up to date on your travels. Not only do I blog for ISA, but I have my own personal blog and photo blog on Instagram. Now, you don’t need to be as crazy as me and have multiple blogs. So, find what works for you. If you like to write, create a blogger account. It’s easy and a great way for your family and friends to read about your experiences. If you like to take photos, create a travel Instagram. On my Instagram blog I focus solely on the foods I get to try while traveling. It’s fun for me to share the awesome foods I’ve had abroad, while also getting to share with my friends and family. [Photo 2]
4. High, Low, Weirdo: High, Low, Weirdo is a game that my friends and I play. You share different memories from a trip (ex. a high memory, a low memory, and a weird memory). This is a super fun game to play with friends, and makes you recall all sorts of memories you wouldn’t normally think of. [Photo 3]
“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them” (Andy Bernard, The Office). I’m sure many have heard this quote before, whether it be on The Office, or during a graduation speech. This quote reflects on the good times we experienced throughout our life. Although I’m still in the “good old days” of my study abroad experience, I know that my time in Spain will quickly come to an end. I’m already nostalgic for the days I spent traveling Europe with my friends.
Megan Grenier is a student at Saint Anselm College and was an ISA Featured Blogger. She studied abroad with ISA in Seville, Spain.
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