Naturally when you decide that you want to travel, you must sit down and figure out where it is that you want to go. Do you want to Study Abroad through your school or Independent Program? Or do you just want to save money and take off on the adven
ture on your own? Both options have their pros and cons, but it all depends on your preference. This last semester I worked at the Study Abroad Office on my campus. It opened my eyes completely to the whole process behind each program in different countries. I mostly focused on London Outgoing students, but I still learned immensely about other
programs through my co-workers. If you choose to go through your school, I would start off by asking about attending any informational workshops on Studying Abroad. In these workshops they break down each step in how to apply and what is expected of you for each Program. Once you know the basics of what each program offers, the cost, which program fits your major, etc. you can make a decision on what works best for you. This applies for the Independent Programs as well. However, you will have to work with the Program itself on housing, classes, schedules, etc. Every University should have a Study Abroad/International Office full of experienced people who can answer all of your questions that you may have. They are there to help you and provide you with knowledge about every program offered. Now, if you are considering traveling on your own or with friends without the help of your University, then we are in the same boat! I have already traveled abroad through my school, but now I want to go back on my own and see the things that I have missed. Though it is true I will be missing the cushion of my university advisors for help on travel, I believe I can do it on my own, and so can you with the right information. My previous experiences abroad have made me extremely responsible and independent--more than I could have imagined. I have had months of practice learning how to use public transportation (which is not easy in London I might add) as well as booking my own flights and hostels. All I really needed was just to throw myself into it and by my second week there, I was a pro. So if you are traveling with friends or yourself, do not be afraid to make the decision to go. You are doing yourself a favor by challenging yourself to do things on your own. Do your research and ask yourself, "Where in this world do I really want to go? Where will I fulfill my curiosity and wanderlust?" Sit down and budget your money and make a plan for yourself. You can even go on Expedia or other travel websites and look for flight and hotel deals as well as tours and programs they offer to help plan it all out. It is very possible to do it all on your own as long as you are prepared. My personal suggestion to all of you would definitely be to pick Studying Abroad first. I learned so much applying what I learned in the classroom to what I saw outside of it. When you Study Abroad, the city you reside in IS your classroom; And the people you meet whether you know it or not, are your teachers. You learn so much from the people you meet on your trip and they will prove to be your friends for a lifetime. You see and experience so much alongside them, it is hard not to get close with them. On the other hand, traveling alone or with a friend leaves you more open to meeting new people in each city you visit. Connections with people you meet in other countries are something you do not want to miss out on. They will teach you immensely as well. Whichever way you decide to travel does not matter. What matters is that you decide. Either way, you will see what this beautiful world has to offer you.. Later on I will discuss how to look for decent hostels as well as cheap flights and transportation once you are in Europe. Best of luck on your decisions, I know you all will make the right choice.
xx, Miranda Lopez
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