As an uber-independent individual, my fervent desire to begin studying abroad–to expand my world, to immerse myself in new adventures, to experience all the flavors and flaws Europe has to offer – all massively trumped my anxiety. That being said, my time abroad has not been a walk in the park. From starting new classes, to attempting to understand the Czech language and culture, to being surrounded by a whole new group of peers, all while navigating the trials and tribulations of adjusting to a new city in a new continent, is far from easy. The lessons I’ve learned have pushed me past my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as a person more than anything has in my life, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. However, I certainly could have avoided some of the headaches and anxiety attacks with a little more prior knowledge. So without further ado, here is my compilation of things I’ve learned during, or wish I knew prior to, my first month studying abroad.
- DON’T lose your phone.
Okay, I know this one is a given. However, from first-hand experience (unfortunately), I urge you to be hyper-aware of where your phone and belongings are at all times while abroad. The rumors are true – theft is no joke here! Having had my phone stolen on the tram a mere three weeks after arriving in Prague, I will tell you the process of obtaining a new phone while in Europe is not a simple task. The language barrier, international phone plans, and lack of resources here were a logistical nightmare. Lesson learned the hard way…
2. Schedule calls with family and friends.
I won’t lie to you and say it is easy to keep in contact with those back in the states whilst in Europe. From the six hour time difference, to weekend trips, to a crazy busy academic schedule, all while trying to get adjusted in a new city on your own, free time is few and far between. And the same goes for my family and friends in the US all on different time zones and work schedules. That’s why I’ve found scheduling calls in advance – as silly as it may sound – to be the most effective way to stay connected to those at home. Plan in advance when it works for your schedule! It is easy to get lonely and long for a sense of home, and looking forward to those weekly calls with your big sister or long distance best friend provides that comfort you might not even know you needed.
3. Hostels, hostels, hostels!
The idea of my first weekend trip during my time abroad was daunting– arranging flights, booking accommodations, creating an itinerary, all for the first time with very little guidance. Inevitably a stressful task. Having now been on four weekend trips during my time abroad, the most useful piece of advice I have thus far is to stay in hostels. Not only are they much kinder on your wallet in comparison to hotels or Airbnbs for the most part, but staying in hostels have truly brought me some of my favorite memories abroad. I have been immersed in the most welcoming atmospheres with such interesting and kind-hearted people from all over the world, many of whom I continue to keep in contact with. I’ve found TikTok to be an incredibly useful research tool to see what specific hostels are like, and what others took from their experience staying there. Whether you are traveling with a group of friends, flying solo, looking for a nature-filled getaway, or wanting to party all night, there will always be a hostel that fits your wants and needs–and won’t break the bank.
4. Build and maintain a routine.
As a chronic overthinker and anxiety-filled individual, it is my routine that keeps me sane in times of chaos and transition. But when I say routine, I don’t mean a complete, hour-by-hour layout of my day, but rather, little practices that help me feel like my world hasn’t been completely flipped upside down. Whether it be starting the morning with a peaceful walk or meditation, finding an hour in the day to get a quick workout in, or cooking a favorite dinner from back home, consistency is crucial in grounding yourself amidst the mayhem that is life abroad. For me, I’ve found comfort in my Tuesday evening calls to home during my walk home from class, and ending my nights off journaling with a cup of tea. Though insignificant to some, these small regimens that I’ve been able to keep consistent from home to life abroad have kept me grounded during this volatile period and prevented anxiety attacks that would have been unavoidable otherwise. Your mental and physical health must remain your number one priority!
5. Keep a journal.
Continuing on the note of simple habits, I’d recommend more than anything else to keep a journal during your time studying abroad. Even just six weeks into my Prague experience, I have been able to look back at entries prior to my arrival and witness an immense sense of growth in myself and my identity during this time. In addition to entries, I have also been compiling little pieces of memorabilia from my weekend trips that I can add to my journal when my time abroad comes to a close. My notebook is now a time capsule of these months that I am sure I will never forget. Your future self will thank you for this – I promise! (or… join the NYU Prague Blog – it could be your digital diary of your time abroad!!!)
6. The Google Translate camera feature will save your life.
If someone asked me what the single most challenging thing to navigate while in Prague thus far, I would without a doubt say grocery shopping. A task that used to be my comfort errance has now become incredibly anxiety-provoking and far more complex than I ever could have anticipated. That being said, the camera feature on Google Translate has become a true lifesaver during my grocery trips. Although there are still some mistranslations and items that have no corresponding cognates, the camera feature allows me to take a picture of labels and other words written in Czech and automatically translates them to English. It has provided me with a sense of clarity that I would have never been able to find otherwise.
7. Take advantage of NYU resources and trips.
Though we are away from our home campus in Washington Square Park, NYU continues to provide a boatload of resources and gratuitous trips while in Prague that you should be sure to take complete advantage of. Although I have yet to be a part of one of the weekend trips hosted by the incredible staff here at NYU Prague, I have heard countless accounts from my peers here that they are well worth it. These trips allow you to immerse yourself in Czech culture and explore other areas of the Czech Republic outside of Prague which I feel is what study abroad is all about. And most importantly, they are free!
8. Don’t be afraid to explore solo.
As a hyper-independent person who dreams of solo traveling the world, the idea of being planted in a new city with no one but myself to guide me sounds like heaven. Of course, I know it’s easier said than done for introverts who find comfort in a companion when in unfamiliar places. I do, however, truly urge you to try and find comfort in your own company while abroad and enjoy the vast opportunities the world has to offer completely solo from time to time. I myself have had some of my fondest memories and found my favorite hidden gems simply by exploring while alone. Take a tram to an unknown destination, get off, and see what you find! Or make new friends outside of the little bubble that is NYU Prague and meet up with them over coffee. Say yes to as much as you can! I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
9. Give yourself grace
Being abroad is often romanticized, and reality is ignored. You are still a human being and you are allowed to feel normal, human-being things. Just because you have been given an amazing opportunity to study abroad does not mean you are expected to feel 100% happy at all times– and that’s okay! You are going to feel uncomfortable sometimes, as though nowhere really feels like home. The best advice I can give is to embrace that discomfort. Continue to be grateful, keep your eyes and hearts open to these new opportunities you will experience, and take it all in. You are only going to be in your early 20s living in Europe once!
10. …Time flies!
It’s been almost six weeks since arriving at Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague for the first time, having no idea at the time what incredible adventure awaited me in the coming months. And although I barely recognize that version of myself anymore, it simultaneously feels like just yesterday. I have found a new home away from home in Máchova, a second family among my friends here, and a reinvigoration for life and the future. My final words of wisdom, if I can even call it that, is to enjoy absolutely every moment–the good, the bad (and there WILL be bad), and everything in between. These months will slip through your fingers before you know it. Though I am dreading the moment I am back in Vaclav Havel waiting to board my return flight to Boston, I look forward with immense anticipation and excitement to these next two months, enjoying each and every ounce of life in Prague.
