Advice from Experience

First of all, make sure to pack lightly! You will definitely want to bring home
souvenirs. On your first day in your study abroad program, you will definitely feel
jetlagged and tired - try not to relax or sleep until the local evening time. You want
to remain as active as possible, to decrease the effects of jet lag and to make the
most of your trip meeting new people, exploring a new city or country, and trying
new cuisines and learning about a new culture. Even if you are on a low budget,
try to go on as many excursions as possible! Some study abroad programs have
free excursions - for example CAPA provided me with free trips to the Blue
Mountains, a harbor cruise around the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera
House, and a “glamping” experience at the Taronga Zoo. You can also find free
or cheap excursions; for example museums are usually free entry, as well as
beaches, gardens, and parks. There will be a lot of restaurants and markets so
make sure you budget wisely, and leave some wiggle room in your budget for
events you really want to do - for example, during week one I left money in my
budget so I can go whale watching by the end of my trip. Be adventurous, try
new things, and step out of your comfort zone. Some days I would just hop on
the light rail and explore wherever I wound up! Always feel free to ask questions
and communicate with your program advisors; they will help you through
emergencies regarding health and safety, but also the smaller and less important
things - for example when I emailed for a yoga mat and my program advisor got
back to me in less than an hour! The advisors are there to help you, and no
question is a dumb question. The students on your program, too, are going
through a similar experience as you - stepping into a new culture, and trying to
figure out classes and internships and how to navigate the city. Reach out to
them, support each other, and build new and lasting friendships. Don’t forget to
talk to the locals, too, as they know a lot about their home country and are often
friendly and welcoming enough to help you out. So try not to stress; this is going
to be an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity! Make sure to have fun, and take
lots of photos!