Studying & Traveling Abroad--An Unforgettable Experience

Arc De Triomphe; Paris, France.

Traveling is the only thing in this life that will allow you to lose yourself immensely but also discover your true self that has been inside you all along. The minute you land in another country other than the one you have known your whole life, there is a shift. Not only in your comfort, but in your emotions. Suddenly, you feel vulnerable. You feel as though there is a world of opportunity waiting for you once you take that first step off of the plane. When your feet touch the ground, you realize you are stepping into a new reality---one with endless possibilities and adventures that you will remember for a lifetime. This past year, I embarked on an amazing journey of self-discovery to expand my knowledge of this world I have been living in for the past 20 years. I decided the only way I could grow as an individual as well as chase my dream to see the world was to spend a semester abroad. I knew that I had always wanted to travel to Europe, but there was only one place that called to my heart--London. I had seen books, movies, shows, anything you can name, that had to do with this beautiful city, But it wasn't enough. I yearned to be there. I wanted to hear the sound of the busy streets echoing with the songs of people from every corner of the world. I wanted to see history unfold before my eyes as I visited castles, museums, historical landmarks, etc. I wanted to be in the city that told me a story every street i winded down. I wanted to learn immensely about British Culture inside and out of the classroom. I wanted to live with a British family and experience their culture as well as listen to their own stories, And that is what I did. London was all of these things to me and more. Because of it's central location, I was able to travel to many other countries on the weekends as well as take day trips when I had days off. It never ceased to amaze me that if I wanted to travel to Paris for the weekend, All I had to do was book a flight and I would be there in less than an hour. All of Europe was at my doorstep, waiting for me to open the door and come inside.
 I am writing this blog in hope to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and do something extraordinary. Seeing the beauty of this changing world from its oldest corners will change the way you see things in your everyday life. If there is one thing that I know for sure about Studying Abroad, it is that you will leave forever changed by it. Every fiber of your being will be transformed. You will leave with a new found knowledge of yourself as well as the world around you.  I am also saving money in order to get myself back across the pond as soon as possible. There are many places I still want to see and cultures I want to experience. I will discuss how I plan to save money and the process of booking my trip. Also, I will post about the countries I have been to and my reviews on them. I will also continue to post advice on packing, saving money, food, booking flights, hostels, culture, safety etc. as well as anything else travelers have questions about.

For now, Keep Calm & Travel on. 

xx, Miranda Lopez