Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Summer in Europe

It's almost that time of year again - summer! Which means it's time to start planning for the upcoming months. Hands down my favorite season, summer beats out the rest of the year, especially for traveling. While I will admit popular tourist destinations can get a little frustrating in the summer due to being more crowded and having longer lines, the general carefree feeling of being outside, in an awesome city, doing awesome things, makes it worth it.

It's much better sipping a glass of wine on a sidewalk cafe during aperitvo in Rome under the warm rays of the sun than it is on a cold, dreary day. (Am I right, or am I right.)

Maybe I love Europe in the warm weather months so much because my first time outside the US was to study abroad in Italy for a 6-week summer program.

While in Italy for my study abroad, I lived in Florence and took trips within the country to Rome, Siena, and the Amalfi Coast. I also went to Ireland one weekend and England the next.

Besides our orientation, I didn't have much to go off of in terms of a list for what to pack when you study abroad over the summer. Most lists were for stretching your suitcase to fit four-eight months of clothing (semester/full-year abroad), and I wouldn't need to be packing riding boots or a parka.

Instead, I'd be wading the waters of Capri with sandals and a swimsuit.

Here's a brief overview of what to do and what to pack prior to heading to Europe for a summer study abroad program.

Also Read: How To Make The Most Of Your Study Abroad

Pre-Study Abroad Checklist: Europe Summer

First things first

-Passport: Because you can't leave the country without it.

-Plans: Have you started planning weekend trips or any extra traveling before/after your program? Now's the time to do some research and coordinate with others in your program on where you want to go! In my opinion, having things planned out at least somewhat in advance is worth it, though spontaneity can be exciting too.

-Luggage: I brought a backpack, carry-on roller bag, and a large checked roller bag, though for six weeks I probably would've been fine with a large duffle and these packing tricks.

-Check your emails and confirm with your study abroad program that everything is squared away. This includes any visas you may need, tuition payments, program fees, housing, trips through your school, etc.

What Clothes to Pack (Ladies)

Clothing

Dresses (makes putting together outfits easier, plus they're nice for warm weather), Tops (basic tees/tanks, a couple nicer ones to dress up an outfit), Bottoms (2 pairs of shorts - one athletic for physical activity and one pair of trendy ones for daytime - 1 pair leggings, 1 pair jeans - because no one's going to notice or care that you've worn them 3 days in a row - a skirt or two, and either a light jacket, sweater, or chambray shirt for when it's chilly.

Accessories & Shoes

1 handbag (medium size is best), 1-2 pairs  sunglasses, a lightweight scarf (for chilly nights or flights), 1 pair comfortable flats, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair strappy sandals, 1 pair flip flops.

This is where I went a little crazy when I studied abroad. I brought ten (10!!!) pairs of shoes with me, and then I bought two pairs in London, so I can home with 12. However, a majority of the shoes were sandals so they took up very little room, but I really did not need that many pairs of shoes.

Realistically, you only need one pair of sandals, but if you have some room, a couple extra pairs couldn't hurt. Just keep that in mind for having to bring everything home in terms of luggage space.

Extras

Beachside in Positano, Italy

-Bug spray: you will need it. You can buy some once you get there, but if you do, make sure to get some right away if you plan on stepping outside at night.

-Electronics: Earbuds, phone and/or laptop or tablet, camera, adapters, portable speakers (nice to have).

-Journal: To document your experience.

-Toiletries: Travel-sized ones are fine because you can easily stock up while you're there, if needed.

More Useful Articles

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy: What You DON'T Need

How To Pack For 2 Weeks In a Carry-on

5 Forgettable Things You'll Want To Pack For Long-Term Traveling 

Experiencing "Happy" Culture Shock

I had the goofiest smile on my face as the fellow students and I stared out the bus windows, mesmerized at the beauty of Rome. It felt like we were inside a movie set, only this time it was for real and not through a TV screen of a replica somewhere in Los Angeles.

The first time I stepped foot outside the United States was in May 2011 during the opening tour for my study abroad program. We were to spend four days in Rome, and I was a mess of emotions ranging from excited to hysterical on the trip over. Once I had collected my bags and was on the bus to the hotel, all my reservations subsided as I was immediately transported into extreme culture shock - the good, happy-feeling culture shock that comes when you're off the charts excited about experiencing a completely new destination for the first time.

The architecture was so different and so beautiful. The colors, the palm trees, the "lion king trees." The streetside cafes. The old men in suits walking a tiny dog or the ladies donning high fashion on their scooters.

Everything was so different. Everything was so incredible.

As we checked into the hotel, we made plans for first things first - Italian food. We found a cafe and ordered our meals - me, pronouncing "caprese" totally wrong. Rookie mistake! Then we set out to explore, finding our way along the Tiber River and posing for photos along the way. "Guys, can you believe we're in Italy?!" we kept saying to each other.

That extreme boost of happiness carried on throughout the whole weekend, and still stayed strong as we made our way into Florence. I remember walking up to the Duomo for the first time and thinking wow - being frozen still, staring at its dazzling enormity.

Seeing the lights glitter along the river at night, the fluffy pastries in cafe windows, the cobblestone streets, and hearing the Italians speak their musical language. It was all part of the culture shock, and it was positive. I was so happy to be in Italy.

The goal of this blog is to inspire you to travel, whether it's your first trip abroad or your fiftieth. Have somewhere you've always wanted to go? Take the opportunity to go and just book the trip. The excitement that comes from planning a trip and the burst of happiness that occurs during will be worth it 100%.

10 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Semester Abroad

Krka waterfalls swimming

1. Take that chance to go to Ireland...tomorrow morning.

Be spontaneous. Sometimes the best memories are the ones that are the most unexpected.

2. Be open

...to making new friends, seeing new places, having new experiences, and trying things that you don't typically do at home.

kuna change croatia money

3. Budget accordingly....but still have fun

Look at your bank accounts and be realistic about how much you can spend per week. Stick to your budget the best you can. Though if that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes along, try not to pass it up - you never know if you'll be able to have the chance to ever do it again. Sometimes it's worth it to overspend for something awesome, even if it means the next two weeks you're eating grocery store pasta and cheap wine to compensate.

4. Go somewhere "random"

Budapest, Hungary? What's over there? I think you better go find out firsthand, because it's "random" and totally, completely, awesome.

paris maps

5. Take photos

Yes, you'll be that "tourist taking photos" but who cares? Years later you'll look back and be so glad you have pictures to look at.

6. Check in with family regularly

They care about you, and if they're anything like my parents (and most peoples' parents, I'm assuming) they're stressed out and making up scenarios in their head that involve scenes from Taken. Send them a quick Facebook message or text through Whatsapp to reassure them you're okay.

Blarney Castle View Cork Ireland

7. Remember to do your homework

The "study" part of study abroad is very real. While most classes abroad are notorious for being easy, it's still important to keep up with your classes to make sure you pass and can transfer credits back to your home institution.

8. Get to know your host family

They're the ones spending the time to cook you meals and let you live with them. They're the best locals you can get to know! Listen to their stories, practice speaking the language, and try out their recommendations for things to do around town.

Bellagio Lake Como

9. Write everything down

Whether it's a full detailed recap of your adventures or a quick list of the highlights, you will want to remember what happened on your travels years from now. Create a blog (public or private), make a Word doc, update a list on your iPhone, or even do it the "old fashioned" way - a journal and a pen.

10. Be in the moment

Trust me when I say your time abroad will go by fast. Before you know it, it will be the night before everyone heads back to the airport for the long-haul flight home and you will be with your friends, wishing it would last longer. Be in the moment, because there will probably never be a time again where you will be able to live and travel abroad, with limited responsibilities, with this exact group of people. Make the most of every situation, try to find the humor when things go wrong, and appreciate this time of life when you can be free to explore the world.

Soak it up. Enjoy it. And make this semester one you'll never forget.

Returning From Study Abroad: What Next?

This article was originally published on The College Tourist.

Back to your home campus after a semester abroad...

If your study abroad is nearing an end this semester, it can be tough to think about going back to “normal” life back home on campus and resuming things as they were before you left. Though you know that while things will be the same back home, you have changed – traveling has allowed you to grow and experience so much over these past few months.

Even though you may in denial during the last few days abroad before that long-haul flight home, realize that while this is ending, it doesn’t have to be the end of your travels. Use your upcoming breaks off of school to see how you can fit in future trips, or even consider traveling after you graduate.

Winter Break

If you studied abroad in the fall, you have the option of extending your travels for a few more weeks – this is a great way to spend more time in the region while you’re already over there. Maybe your family will meet you for the holidays and you can spend it doing something completely new.

If you go home right at the end of your program, spend some time adjusting to being back home, seeing friends, and maybe even taking some short trips/road trips before you head back to campus for spring semester.

Spring Break

With a week off of school, take a break and relax after a stressful few weeks of midterms. Did you make friends from other schools while you were abroad? This is the perfect opportunity to get together for a reunion!

Be a Tourist In Your College Town

Take a break from your regular routine of going to the same places by trying something new one weekend. Whether it’s a bar, restaurant, event, or heading to a different part of town, going to a new place will feel refreshing and different – something you constantly came across while you were traveling abroad.

Summer

Summer is awesome because you have months off before school starts back up again in the fall. Consider applying for internships in new cities (New York? DC? Chicago? Yes, please!) or volunteering in a foreign country. Even a quick trip somewhere will be the perfect getaway before the fall semester starts up again.

Post-graduation

The number one question everyone will be asking you senior year of college is, “What are you doing after graduation?” This time will be one of the most open-ended periods of your life and is the perfect time to travel. Whether you take a road trip, go backpacking around Europe or Southeast Asia, or take a celebratory trip with your college friends, this is the time to make memories before heading into the workforce.

Interested in traveling long-term? Working abroad, volunteering, and doing Peace Corps are a few of many ways you can travel, earn money, and build up your resume.

Why Studying Abroad Was The Best Decision I Ever Made

My first time going outside the United States was to Florence, Italy for a summer study abroad program in college. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and it fueled my love for travel. My life would be very different had I not taken the leap to go in the first place. Going abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made - and I've broken that down into reasons why below.

First time out of the country

The only notions I had of other countries were what I had seen in photos or movies or read about in books. My jaw dropped in amazement the second I stepped foot in Rome and watched the Italian architecture go by out the bus window. It was incredible, beautiful, and blew my expectations away. And this was before I had even made it to the Colosseum!

Just enough organization for my first trip abroad

Our classes were already set up, we knew we'd have pensioni (housing) during the duration of our stay, our flights coordinated with the opening tour in Rome, and we would all meet up at the airport upon arrival to go to the hotel and welcome dinner. Classes were Monday-Thursday in the mornings and after our 3-course lunches at our pensione, we had the rest of the afternoon off to explore Florence and long weekends to travel to other places if we so desired.

Had a home-base

When we traveled on weekends, it was so nice to be able to bring only what I needed and to leave the rest at the pensione. This ensured our backpacks would fit in tiny Ryan Air carry-on restrictions and we didn't have to bring everything with us everywhere we went.

Safe

I felt safe throughout the duration of my study abroad. Florence is very safe (just mind the pickpockets in touristy areas) and there were always people to walk home with after dark.

Applied classroom learning to travel and other cultures

Since summer session was just two classes, I took the opportunity to get some core/marketing classes out of the way. Even with those classes, the professors made a point to tie parts of the lecture to what we were experiencing abroad. Other classes, like Italian language, the arts, or religion had outings around the city - physically seeing what you're learning about in person enhances the experience so much more.

New friends

I was able to make friends with people outside my regular "friend group" back on campus in the States. It was refreshing to meet new people, and when we returned to campus that fall, we had that shared experience in common. And I'll never forget my roommates - we had so much fun!

Problem-solving

Traveling occasionally comes with complications. I'll never forget when a big group of us went to Elba Island and on Sunday night when we were making our way back to Florence, found out that there was a bus/train strike that day. After walking miles back and forth to different stations, we were about to camp out in the station for the night when a random bus pulled up. We were able to make it to Pisa, and then get on an extremely crowded bus back to Florence late that night. (And just in time to get a few hours of sleep before a few of us gave a presentation in marketing class!)

When situations like that happen, you have to figure out the best solution, and when nothing seems to be going your way, make the best of it. At least it will make for a good story later on, like the time they found a bomb in the Pisa airport and I didn't go to Barcelona.

Studying abroad is a unique travel experience

Going abroad for school is a unique travel experience. Even if you've traveled abroad before with family, solo, or with a group of friends, the experience is so much different. With study abroad you get to have a home base, some structure/routine with classes during the week, opportunities to travel more (since you'll likely be there longer than if you just went on vacation), and opportunities to make friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

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If you're on the fence about studying abroad, I highly suggest you do it. You only have so many years in college have an experience like this. Throw away the excuses and just go for it.

Where To Find The Secret Bakeries in Florence

Where To Find The Secret Bakeries in Florence, Italy

Let me introduce to you one of the best things about Florence, Italy: the secret bakery (panetteria segreta). There are a few scattered around town, and you've probably walked by them a dozen times without even realizing it. There is no sign on the door, no open store hours. The only way to find them is through directions from word of mouth and by following your nose...at 1:30 in the morning.

The secret bakeries in Florence are where all the pastries you see in cafes during the daytime are made after they're distributed.

Once you find the secret bakery, politely knock on the door and wait for a baker to pop his head out. Be quiet while you wait. They will not open the door for you if you're loud and obnoxious. (I've seen Italians throw water balloons out their windows at loud and obnoxious people).

Order however many croissants you want (sometimes they have mini pizzas) and the items will be a euro each.

They don't take credit cards, so make sure to have your euro coins on hand.

Enjoy the warm, delicious, chocolate-y or lemon-y or whatever you got as an end-of-the-night treat.

Note: at this time of night, it is best to not go alone - there are a lot of dark alleys in Florence and you want to stay as safe as possible.

The Locations Of The Secret Bakeries in Florence

Approximate Address: Via Canto del Rivolto

This one is near Piazza Santa Croce, which is also close to many bars and nightclubs. If you see Angie's Pub or are on Via delle Brache, you're not on the exact street, but you're very close. Look for a frosted glass door.

Approximate Address: Via della Pinzochere

This one is to the left of the Santa Croce church, and is close to the gym I used to go to on Via dei Pepi. If you're facing the church, turn left onto Pinzochere and look for a small crowd of people or the scent of baked goods. If you've reached Via Ghibellina, you've gone too far.

Approximate Address: Corner of Via San Gallo and Via della Ruote

To be totally honest, I'm not 100% sure this secret bakery is still in business. This was our go-to secret bakery when I studied abroad due to its close proximity to where our pensioni were. Since this bakery has the typical brown door, follow your nose!

Have you come across any additional secret bakeries in Florence? Share where they are in the comments!

Helpful Articles To Prep For Your Study Abroad

If you're going abroad this fall semester (or perhaps have recently arrived), you're likely to be excited about your abroad city, meeting new people, and traveling to exotic destinations every weekend. There is a lot of excitement about being abroad and adjusting to your fabulous new life. Here are a few articles that may help you prep/adjust for your study abroad experience:

When you're traveling constantly, transportation can really add up. Make sure to check out these websites and budget airlines to get the best deals!

Where To Find Cheap Flights

A month or two in, your may just want a quiet night at home to relax and watch some TV. Even though sites like Netflix and Hulu aren't available in other parts of the world, there are ways around that. Here's how:

How To Access Netflix, Pandora, and Hulu in Foreign Countries

You'll likely be traveling often, and a reality that comes with being a tourist are the tourist scams. Scams can differ from city to city so make sure you read up on the typical scams beforehand.

Avoid Tourist Scams With This Helpful Infographic

Another helpful graphic - tipping culture around the world. What and when to tip:

This Infographic Explains Tipping Culture Around The World