Preparing to study abroad in Costa Rica was a task. My emotions were all over the place especially since I was all over the place. I learned a lot, even before leaving the country, including what not to do and what things to do the week before studying abroad. If I could do it over again, these are some of the things I would do to help with the transition.
Things To Do Before Studying Abroad:
1. Spend time with family and friends.
One of the biggest things I was sad about was being away from my family and friends. This was my first time being away from them in another country. So before I left, I took extra time to hang out with them.
I do suggest that you do not wait to the last-minute to schedule different hang out times because between working, packing or whatever else you're doing it could get overwhelming. I know because I did that. Also, to make sure you are able to spend time with everyone you want, try to set up a time to hang out with people at least two weeks before your departure date. The week of it might be near impossible.
2. Finalize luggage
One word: PROCRASTINATION. That is what I do and this trip was no exception. I waited to the last-minute to pack my luggage and it was pretty great...SIKE!
Try to have your luggage completely packed a week before leaving so that stress is eliminated. However, if you wait to the last-minute, something that will help is if you have a list of everything that you MUST bring and check it off as you do it so at least it will be ORGANIZED chaos and not just chaos.
3. Set a budget.
Studying abroad is by far one of the best things I have done in my life thus far. Studying abroad is filled with tremendous adventures, late nights, and many, many mistakes. But in addition to that, there are serious things you have to handle as well like a budget. Last semester, I wanted to do a lot of traveling around Costa Rica and Central America but I did not have an unlimited amount of money. With that being said I had to set a budget. What I did to make my budget was take the total amount of money I saved for my trip and divided it by the months I would be in Costa Rica. This is how I determined how to spend my money.
There might be a perfectly better way to budget study abroad money, but I don't know it.
Coffee at Coffee Shop in Costa Rica
Visiting Panama Canal during Spring Break while abroad
Kayla and I on a day trip in Cartagena, Costa Rica
4. Return items you don't need.
While packing to study abroad, I did soooooo much shopping. Accidentally, I ended up buying a couple of things online that did not fit well and things I did not need. Most of the stuff I returned and got my refund for but some of the stuff I can guarantee was still in my room when I came back from Costa Rica. An example is the ASOS box I asked my mom to drop off at the post office but she never did.
5. Set goals for your study abroad experience
While you are super excited for your new adventure and know why you are going abroad, set some goals. These goals will help you stay aligned with what you dreamed about experiencing while going through the tedious study abroad application process. If you want to travel to five different countries, write that down. If you want to only speak Spanish, write that down.
This step is super important because when you get abroad you can get so tied up in everything that is going on around you, that these goals just slip to the back of your mind. If you want to know more details about making goals check out my post, "Study Abroad Goals Will Give You The Experience You Deserve".
Things Not to Do Before Studying Abroad:
6. I recommend not working the week before going abroad
My last week in the states, I decided it would be cool to work for a day or two at my on-campus job. In my head, I thought this was a bright idea because I didn't have any classes to take so instead of sitting at home, let's work .Word of advice...DON'T DO THIS. That time will definitely be needed to do last minute things like making sure to buy every little thing you forgot about originally, to hang out with friends, or most importantly RELAX. The week before beginning your study abroad trip will be one of the busiest times for you. Even if you think you have everything down packed don't take that risk. You never know what will pop up and need to be done because something will pop up.
Now that you have all the tips that I learned, I hope that you found some information that will help you along your journey. I am so jealous of you. You are about to have the time of your life. Don't worry too much and enjoy the moments.
If you have any other questions about studying abroad, let me know. I will be so happy to help. You can also get more information about studying abroad by binge reading my other study abroad post.
Six Things to do To Improve Your Spanish While Studying Abroad in Costa Rica
Six Interesting Observations from my Study Abroad Experience in Costa Rica
Study Abroad Goals Will Give You The Experience You Deserve
Five Success Tips for Managing Your Academics While Abroad