When’s the best time to study abroad? The answer is now!
The summer of my freshman year, I found myself taking Intermediate Spanish. Spanish had been a longtime hobby of mine and my class partner and I were gushing over how much we loved the language! Eventually, she expressed to me - her life’s goal is to be a bilingual nurse and she would be putting her skills to the test during an upcoming semester abroad in Spain. I was aware of the benefits of studying abroad, but, I wasn’t quite sure if it would work for me. I thought, “Wow, that’s definitely something I should learn more about,” but I wasn’t sure when the best time would be. Little did I know, the time was right then and there. I found myself in an orientation the next week and met with a study abroad advisor to choose my program.
“Time was starting to slow down again. And that’s how I knew - it was time for me to spread my wings and soar to my next destination.”
LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT
Leaving the study abroad office, I couldn’t help but think about my next steps. Where would I go? How long would I stay? Who would I meet and what would I see? I immediately thought about my first trip out of the country, happening just a few months before I made the decision to study abroad. I had just spent my spring break in Portugal with the University Scholars Program. Over the course of about 10 days we went to 8 different cities: Lisbon, Evora, Sintra, and Sagres to name a few. Enamored with the idea of another international travel my heart began to melt and the happy tears rang in!
Sincerely Takira at the Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal.
After moments grieving trips that have already passed, if became quite clear to me - I was willing to do whatever it took to leave the good ol US of A once again. Don’t get me wrong, I “love” my country, but after a week in Europe I wasn’t pressed to come back.
Remember how Trixie Tang needed constant reassurance and for Timmy to tell her she was pretty? Yeah, that was me after touching US soil again. Everything back home was subpar and you had to convince me it was worth a stay.
Although I didn’t need much convincing to consider living in another country for half a year, it wasn’t as easy to think about funding it all. Despite receiving a few grants and scholarships for school, I still had to take out a sizable loan to cover my living expenses.
Thankfully, after learning more about the study abroad office I discovered all of my financial aid would travel with me. Not only did I have the money to cover my studies, I would actually save money because the cost of living in Chile was cheaper than NC. At that point, I was sold! All I needed was money for my flight and the first couple of weeks before my refund check kicked in I was set! I went to YouTube university and read blog posts just like this one to make sure I was prepared. My journey was waiting and so was I.
If you’re reading this and wondering, “Should I study abroad,” my answer will always be, “yes.” If you’re like me and wondered, “When is the best time for me to do it?” My answer is “now.” The minute the idea comes into your head - start doing research! Set up an appointment with a study abroad advisor (your school may have an office for this). If you don’t know where to go, look for programs that will help you complete your degree requirements or pick up a minor.
Don’t think you have the time and resources? Make the time. Find a way. There’s an entire world ready for you to explore, you just have to say “yes.” And feel that “yes” with your every being.
“There are two types of people in this world: one who finds every reason for things to work and another who finds every reason for it fail. Which one are you?”
