List of Top Ten Helpful Things

1.     Make Travel Plans in Advance: plane tickets and travel expenses fluctuate and if tickets are booked last minute, they will be more expensive.

2.     Call Your Bank: Inquire about international fees, and if necessary, look into setting up a credit card that does not have any additional currency fees. USAA, if available to you, is a good option without fees.

3.     Sign Up for Student Trips: for meeting other exchange students or people studying abroad from across the world, sign up for a trip with a host organization i.e., WeLoveSpain

4.     Ask for Help: I found that most strangers were extremely helpful and kind. I was afraid to be seen as a “dumb tourist”, but found that, when I asked, most people were very willing to help if I was confused about something like the public transportation routes.

5.     Prepare for All Temperatures: The weather experienced an unexpected cold front, and I was not prepared with the appropriate clothes, so be sure to bring light and warm clothes just in case.

6.     Kiss on the Cheek: this was a practice I was very unaccustomed to at first and had to adjust, however is normal to greet people with a small peck on each cheek.

7.     Try New Foods: Eating new foods was one of my favorite parts of my experience. Even if I did not particularly enjoy the flavor, it was still worth trying.

8.     Communicate Well: Specifically with your host family, communication is very important. If you are going to be away for a meal or leave for a weekend trip, make sure your host family is aware.

9.     Airbnb vs Hostel: Depending on the city or amount of people you are traveling with, sometimes Airbnb’s are more cost effective than staying in a hostel so be sure to check rates.

10.  Leave Space in Your Suitcase for Souvenirs: You will probably buy more things to take back than you think, and it would be a shame to have to buy an additional piece of luggage.