13 Things People Should Tell You Before You Spend A Semester Abroad

Or you could just learn it the hard way, for yourself.

1. One Day is Not Enough to Spend in a City

You only have one semester to explore a new country or continent, so of course you want to see as much as possible. But do not rush your travels! You cannot see an entire city in one day. Spend a few days in each spot so you can actually become familiar with the place, or else you're just going somewhere to check it off of a list. And that's not fun.

2. Do Touristy Stuff

There is such a pressure to go off the beaten path and only see obscure sites and go to obscure places. But the popular places are popular for a reason. Sure, there will be a lot of people there, mostly tourists, but you are a tourist too. And acting like you're not won't get you anywhere.

3. Learn a New Language

Sure, in most countries, you can find that a lot of people speak English. But for every country you go to, learn a few phrases. You don't realize how important knowing other languages is until you find yourself in a foreign country where you can't even eavesdrop.

4. It's Worth it to Pay for Museums

Traveling on a budget is hard, there is no doubt about that. But don't miss out on cool things because you don't think its worth the money. Every once in a while, let yourself spend ten or fifteen bucks on a ticket to a museum, gallery, or building. You never know if you'll have the chance to go to any of these places again.

5. Suck it Up and Take the Early Train/Plane/Bus

So you have to wake up early, but there are so many benefits! First of all, the earlier you go, it's usually cheaper. Also, it's not uncommon for trains and planes to get delayed, or you have to make detours, so it's best to get an early start so that you don't get to your destination too late. And of course, the earlier you get to your destination, the more time you get to spend there!

6. Just Because You Can Drink Doesn't Mean You Have To

Huzzah! You are of the legal drinking age! One of the best parts of being abroad is going to a bar and asking for a drink, no questions asked. But remember, alcohol costs money. And getting a wine every night at dinner adds up pretty quickly. So, by all means, drink up. But don't think it's a must for every night.

7. Foreign McDonald's Are Pretty Cool

Just because it's an American company doesn't mean that it's just like home. The furniture and interior decorations are often pretty nice. And the menus are different in every country, so it's pretty fun to compare.

8. ...But Still Eat the Local Food

One of the best parts about traveling is eating. So eat everything you can. It's worth gaining a few pounds.

9. You Will Probably Still Miss Food From Home Though

Nothing will stop late night cravings for Dunkin Donuts, your favorite food from your diner back home, and especially home cooking.

10. Study at Least A Little

School probably isn't as high on your priority list as usual, and that's okay. You have a lot to handle when you're in a new country. But don't pretend school doesn't exist.

11. Take Pictures, and Make Sure You're in Them

You will be taking pictures left and right with your phone of every place you go to. But it doesn't hurt to hand the camera to a friend, or to a stranger, to make sure you and the people you are with get to make it in the shot.

12. Chose Travel Mates Wisely

You think you know someone...and then you travel with them. Keep groups to a reasonable side and always make sure you have someone you can trust with you.

13. Most Importantly, Have Fun!

So you already knew this, but really do so. You never know when you are going to have the chance to do this again, so enjoy every minute of it. Even when you just want to pack up your bags and sleep in your own bed, enjoy it.