When Studying Abroad, it is important to know...
When I decided to study abroad in Italy, there were a lot of questions I had, but I really did not have anyone to answer them. Well, lucky for you, there is me to answer all of your questions! It can be very nerve wracking to travel to another country with little understanding about what is really going to happen while you are there. Here are some things I have discovered while studying abroad in Italy:
1. Don't worry, everyone is just as nervous as you are to take that long plane ride to a place you do not even know anything about.
2. When getting to the airport to travel internationally, it is important to get there early. You have to really be ready to pay attention to what is going on. If you have a layover, that is where it can get difficult because when you touch down in another country, you must go through customs. Plan for extra time to go through this process as you are not always sure how many other people will be there along with you.
3. Yes, people will stare at you and make fun of you because you are American, but almost everyone is also very helpful to get you where and what you need. No matter where you go, you will get the looks because you are from America, so just be prepared now.
4. Your passport is your best friend! Whenever you stay in a hotel or Airbnb, they will ask you for your passport to have on file. This is not weird, they just need it for identification. That being said, make sure you always have it with you!
5. Also, when you rent a car, you need your license and your passport to be able to rent the car. It is important especially the first time you rent a car from a place because they do not let you do it without it.
6. Ask questions to your deans, instructors, professors, etc. They want you to succeed, therefore if you have questions, they are there to help. No question is a stupid question when traveling to another country more or less alone.
7. That being said, try to always travel with at least one other person. It is important to not be alone because there are things that could happen where having another person is helpful.
8. A lot of places, including the airport, does not have toilet seats. Practice your squatting before you get to Italy!!!
9. Along with that bathroom note, also know that there are really no free public bathrooms. In most places, including train stations, you have to pay a small fee to use the bathroom. It may seem annoying but it is to keep people from sleeping in the bathroom and also keeps them very clean.
10. Having your cell phone can be expensive. Remember to inform your cell phone provider that you will be traveling outside of the country and that you will need a special plan for most providers. I have T-Mobile and my bill is exactly the same as it was in the US. This is with the same amount of cellular data, texting, and calling to other T-Mobile phones.
11. With phones, make sure to download, and have your family and friends download, WhatsApp or Viber. These are 2 texting apps that you can use in Italy without going through your carrier. Also, remember Facetime and Skype can be used instead of calling!
12. Look into traveler's insurance and make sure that you know what coverage your school is giving you while in Italy. You do not want to be figuring it out when you need to go to the hospital.
These are just a few things I have learned while being here. If you have any other questions, comment below and I will try my best to answer!
With love,
Baylee
1. Don't worry, everyone is just as nervous as you are to take that long plane ride to a place you do not even know anything about.
2. When getting to the airport to travel internationally, it is important to get there early. You have to really be ready to pay attention to what is going on. If you have a layover, that is where it can get difficult because when you touch down in another country, you must go through customs. Plan for extra time to go through this process as you are not always sure how many other people will be there along with you.
3. Yes, people will stare at you and make fun of you because you are American, but almost everyone is also very helpful to get you where and what you need. No matter where you go, you will get the looks because you are from America, so just be prepared now.
4. Your passport is your best friend! Whenever you stay in a hotel or Airbnb, they will ask you for your passport to have on file. This is not weird, they just need it for identification. That being said, make sure you always have it with you!
5. Also, when you rent a car, you need your license and your passport to be able to rent the car. It is important especially the first time you rent a car from a place because they do not let you do it without it.
6. Ask questions to your deans, instructors, professors, etc. They want you to succeed, therefore if you have questions, they are there to help. No question is a stupid question when traveling to another country more or less alone.
7. That being said, try to always travel with at least one other person. It is important to not be alone because there are things that could happen where having another person is helpful.
8. A lot of places, including the airport, does not have toilet seats. Practice your squatting before you get to Italy!!!
9. Along with that bathroom note, also know that there are really no free public bathrooms. In most places, including train stations, you have to pay a small fee to use the bathroom. It may seem annoying but it is to keep people from sleeping in the bathroom and also keeps them very clean.
10. Having your cell phone can be expensive. Remember to inform your cell phone provider that you will be traveling outside of the country and that you will need a special plan for most providers. I have T-Mobile and my bill is exactly the same as it was in the US. This is with the same amount of cellular data, texting, and calling to other T-Mobile phones.
11. With phones, make sure to download, and have your family and friends download, WhatsApp or Viber. These are 2 texting apps that you can use in Italy without going through your carrier. Also, remember Facetime and Skype can be used instead of calling!
12. Look into traveler's insurance and make sure that you know what coverage your school is giving you while in Italy. You do not want to be figuring it out when you need to go to the hospital.
These are just a few things I have learned while being here. If you have any other questions, comment below and I will try my best to answer!
With love,
Baylee
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