As things come to a close…

With three weeks left to my experience abroad in Prague, I figured it might be helpful to share some tips I have learned along the way. While some of it is common sense, I still think it will be beneficial!

1. Keep a journal! It gets hard living so far away from friends and family. Record the good & bad experiences; remember this is a time of growth-learn to embrace it. Looking back can make you laugh, cry, and see yourself change.
2. A limited wardrobe is not the end of the world! Washing machines do exist even in the Czech Republic, I promise! Depending on what time of the year you visit, you really only need two weeks worth of clothes. A few sweaters, jeans, shirts, etc. Clothes are very interchangeable, even if American society makes you think they aren’t. This tip even helps you save money for suitcases on airlines!
3. Go abroad with an open mind. I cannot stress this enough. When I arrived, I came in with the mindset that followed something like this…

• It’s only one semester, it will go by so fast.
• My rooming situation will be just like at Susquehanna.
• Everyone should speak English too…right?
• I don’t need to make friends, I’m only here for a bit.
• The time difference can’t be that bad…

It will be a culture shock living here or even visiting, so just embrace all it has to offer with open arms!

4. Go do things by yourself! I’m usually surrounded by people back at my home university because of my job, major, and extra activities. I never really had much time to myself, but that all changed when I realized I only have classes Monday and Wednesday! I’m free five days a week-essentially the opposite of the American school system. Some of the activities that I found most enjoyable to do by myself:

• walks/runs-there are so many beautiful parks and streets to go explore!
• Read outside-this one depends on the time of year, but I highly suggest it
• go to a restaurant-challenge yourself not to take out your phone. Enjoy your own company and really focus on the meal in front of you.
• study in cafés-this is what I do when I miss doing work at Susquehanna. I get work done while at the same time, feeling like I’m back home.

5. Keep up to date with what’s going on back home! I make it a point to call my grandparents, parents, brothers, boyfriend, and friends regularly. I am hoping that this will help me feel less out of place and/or confused with changes made while I was gone. Trust me, it’s okay to admit that you miss home! I can’t wait to see my family soon!