16 Things to Remember When You’re Struggling Abroad

Disclaimer: I wrote this because this is what has helped me, if you don't like it write your own list. Don't be a hater.

Follow tips to be adorable and happy 

Commit to today.

I often overextend myself, I think about how I can plan out the future. The problem is you don’t owe tomorrow anything right now. You don’t need to commit a lifetime; you need to commit a day. Breaking down your time into smaller sections allows you an easier mindset on how to take advantage of each day.

Bring pieces of home with you.

Bring the teddy bear your grandma gave you, bring your boyfriends t-shirt or your girlfriends perfume. Letters your friends have written you are invaluable when you’re having a hard time an ocean away.

Be Open.

“Be open to learning new lessons, even if they contradict the lessons you learned”-Ellen DeGeneres

This is self explanatory, but be a blank page. Let the streets, sights, culture, and people help you write your story.

Give today a chance.

During my first week in Spain I would wake up tired and jet lagged, I stood near the window and watched the rain falling on the street below as my feet gave their warmth away to the tile floor. (I know this sounds like the beginning to a sad and cliché music video) ANYWAYS. I didn’t want to learn, I wanted to go back to bed. I was being incredibly unfair to the day ahead of me, who hadn’t even had the chance to let the sun shine before I dismissed it.

Accept.

Accept the flaws of your home country and don’t look down upon the flaws of your new one. Every place has parts it excels in, and struggles with. Accept and absorb.

IT IS DIFFERENT. IT CAN BE STRESSFUL.

If everyone was the same why would you waste money being here? We are travelers; we are just passing through. Tread lightly.

Be a good friend.

Everyone studying abroad is going through almost the same thing in different phases. Always be kind, and go back to the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. Reach out if you seem someone struggling, we all stumble as we navigate foreign roads.

Challenge yourself!

Being abroad is a challenge on its own, but going beyond your comfort zone is a must to make the best of your time abroad. Try everything, you’re not required to love it!

Take time to yourself.
You don’t always have to be with a group, walking by myself around the city and exploring is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done. Take a map, grab your 5 euro a month emergency flip phone and go!

Be Gracious.

Say thank you often. Appreciate the people you are with and let them know what they mean to you. Good travel partners are priceless.

Time can’t move faster.

Don’t waste your thoughts on wishing time would fly by or slow down. Enjoy where you are. As the Spaniards say, “No por mucho mandrugar amanece más temprano”, roughly translating to “no matter how early you wake up, you can’t make the sun rise any sooner”. Let it happen.

Have a Strategy

You’re bound to hit a low between jet lag, culture shock, and daily stress. Have a strategy for when you feel this happening. My strategy is journaling, listening to my “cheer up playlist”, and going for a long walk. Find what works for you J

Be Frugal with your money.

You don’t need a large coffee everyday. Save your money for travel and adventure! You’re in Europe; buy yourself a large coffee when you get back to the states.

Ask for help.

If you’re lost, if you’re scared don’t hesitate to reach out. Travel is all about independence, but you don’t have to be alone.

Trust Yourself

You know more than you think you know. Be confident, be smart, and use common sense.

Chin up

Going to college in Minnesota for the past few years made me forget that the entire world isn’t “Minnesota nice”. People can be mean, that’s life. Don’t let it waste your time.

Patience

No matter what country you’re in people are going to push your buttons. They’re going to annoy you and upset you and you will have disagreements. Be patient and listen and try to understand where they’re coming from. Listening doesn’t mean changing your own view point and often enough I’ve noticed people are happy with just being heard.

& overall be proud of yourself.You are already succeeding! You’re abroad, you’re living. You’re doing great J

Please let me know if you have anything to add to the list. I'd love input!!