September brings many new and exciting opportunities for Fairfield students. With a variety of events and fairs to attend, Fairfield makes it easy to find your next adventure. Many Stags, including myself, find themselves drawn to the study abroad fair at the beginning of the year. More than 45% of Fairfield students chose to study abroad during their undergraduate years, and it is no wonder why. Global Fairfield provides the information, support and structure needed for students to step out of their comfort zone and find the study abroad experience best suited for them. As a current senior who studied in Florence, Italy during the spring semester of my junior year, I can confidently say that studying abroad is the best decision I have ever made for myself. It was the perfect way to step out of my comfort zone, make new lifelong friends and explore different cities every weekend. It sounds cheesy, but studying abroad is truly the opportunity of a lifetime.
Only one week away from the study abroad applications opening on Oct. 1, now is the time for interested students to weigh their options and start preparing for their big adventure. As someone who thrived during my semester abroad (and literally will never stop talking about it), here are some tips and tricks to prepare for your abroad adventure!
- Utilize Global Fairfield
This may seem like it goes without saying, but Global Fairfield is always there to help students who are interested in going abroad. The idea of studying abroad can definitely be daunting and brings up a lot of questions. What city should I choose? Will my classes count towards my degree? What is the housing situation like? Luckily, these are all questions that can easily be solved with a quick email or visit to the Global Fairfield office.
Located on the bottom floor of the library, the Global Fairfield office is always ready to help out students during their abroad application process. They will help you determine which city is best fit for you based on your interests and area of study, and will even work with you to ensure that your classes abroad will count directly towards completing your degree. Global Fairfield genuinely cares about its students and wants to help everyone feel prepared during their study abroad process.
- It’s Good To Do Things That Scare You
Leaving home for a full semester to live in a foreign country for the first time is no easy feat. Many people are very intimidated by this prospect and let their fear dictate their decision to go abroad. While this is undeniably unnerving, try not to let your fears outweigh your excitement! Many of my friends who were terrified to study abroad were the ones who ended up loving it the most. By doing something that scares you, you are allowing yourself to grow—which is the entire point of studying abroad.
I went into my semester abroad with no pre-established friends, unlike many people in my program. This was very intimidating to me, as I thought that everyone already had their group and I would be alone in Florence with no friends. I was proved wrong very quickly, as everyone who studies abroad is looking to meet new people. On my first night in Florence, I hung out with new people that I still consider some of my closest friends to this day.
If I had let my fear of not having friends keep me from studying abroad, I would have missed out on making such meaningful friendships and memories. Although it’s frightening, a push out of your comfort zone could be the best thing you ever do for yourself!
- Your Experience Is For You
While studying abroad, it can be easy to fall into the patterns of what those around you want to do. Although this can be beneficial to trying new things and seeing new sights, don’t let other people’s agendas get in the way of your unique study abroad experience. If you want to go to a local market or try a new restaurant that no one else is interested in, don’t let this stop you from doing it by yourself. Some of my favorite memories from Florence were when I would go out to coffee shops and check out vintage street vendors on my own. I also had one of the most peaceful meals of my entire life when I treated myself to a solo dinner at a restaurant near my apartment. Doing things alone made me realize how confident and independent I had become from studying abroad, and gave me a new appreciation for enjoying each moment as it is. While you should definitely make new friends and socialize, don’t forget that your study abroad experience is for you!
Senior Sam Ponessa, who studied abroad with me in Florence, shares that his advice to those going abroad is to “always try the regional specialties.” Each location you travel to will have a food specialty of that location, and it is never something you will be able to find anywhere else. Take advantage of where you are and try all of the authentic food while you can! I promise that nothing in America will ever compare.
Senior Roisin McCarthy, who spent the fall of her junior year in London, wants to encourage everyone to “embrace every moment.” Studying abroad is the time of your life, but it flies by so fast. Make sure to relish all of the small moments abroad, like having your morning coffee or walking around your host city. It will make your experience all the more special!
Overall, those studying abroad should focus on the exciting aspects of their new adventure over the intimidating ones. Going abroad is all about growth, and even if you are nervous I promise that you will thank yourself for this opportunity later. If I could study abroad again I would do so in a heartbeat!
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