It’s not goodbye, it’s hello to a new beginning

And just like that my spring semester at App State has come to an end. It’s safe to say that over the last few weeks, many many tears have been shed, memories reminisced and friendships have been made stronger than ever. But it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t cry because you’re sad it’s over, you should feel proud that you’ve completed such an experience that no one can prepare you for. You should feel joy as you watch those that you have grown so close to, will now continue their journey and grow and flourish and you can say that you were apart of their life, and them a part of yours. Feel proud of yourself that you have now become one step closer to finding yourself, this journey has no specific end, you write your path each new day you awake and this experience has helped shape you into the person you are today. So be thankful if anything, that this amazing time has finished on such a high note; you grew in ways you never thought possible, met people you didn’t know you needed and experienced such experiences you didn’t know you would need to face. 

For those of you debating whether or not to study aboard. Do it. What have you got to lose? You have more to gain, intellectually and personally above any other factor holding you back.

Preparing For Your Studies Abroad

Applying to study abroad can be a very lengthy process, trust me, I went through it too. One thing that I cannot stress enough is to stay organised and on top of everything! There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled out and of course your university choices. When it comes down to making your three choices, I can only suggest that you, of course, chose a place that you'd be happy with living in for five months, as well as making sure that the courses they do are beneficial for you and will help towards your degree.

Once you have finished with your personal statements and selecting your choices and been successful to study abroad, it’s time for the serious stuff. This will be where you apply for your visa, send important information and documentation to your host university and start booking your flights etc. Booking your visa interview can take some time so make sure that you don’t leave this until the last minute otherwise you might not be able to go. Also, in terms of booking flights, the sooner you book them the cheaper they will be!! I would recommend to just book a single flight for the time being unless you are 100% certain that you will be coming straight home and you know the exact date this will be.

After you have completed all of this, it’s now time to start packing. How exciting! This can be very stressful, primarily due to the fact that you’re only limited to one cabin sized suitcase and one big one, unless of course you pay to have extra. My only tip is pack the necessary things. Stuff such as toiletries, stationary and smaller things can always be bought once you’ve arrived. Also, keep in mind what the weather will be like for the whole time while you’re away. If you’ve applied to study abroad during the spring semester then keep in mind that it will get warmer towards the end of your stay, so pack some lighter, summery clothes.

All in all, have an amazing time abroad, it’ll truly be an experience you won’t forget nor regret!!