Well, it's about six weeks since I left the states and landed here in New Zealand, and I can honestly say that they've been some of the best six weeks of my life. That being said, I've learned a lot about myself, and what it really means to live in another country. So for this post, I'm gonna share a bit with you about all that, and those of you about to leave for another country (Kelly and Ducky), or thinking about it, will hopefully learn a few things too!
Clothes are not that important in packing, but make sure you have enough socks and underwear and a variety of styles. For example, I mostly just brought comfortable outdoorsy clothes, and a lot of them. Turns out I really do not need that many clothes, and outdoorsy is not in style here. At all. In fact, sweatpants in class will get you a lot of really weird looks. So don't decide on just one style before you get here, because sometimes looking like an American just isn't good. And I think the socks and underwear part pretty much needs no explanation.
You will miss everything about home, even stuff you never thought you would. And I mean everything. It will suck. But that being said...
Don't let missing home stop you from having fun abroad. You're in a whole other country!! Also, that fact will either never sink in, or it takes a really long time. Not quite sure on that yet.
When you do miss everything and everyone, don't go cry in your room by yourself, go out with your new friends, and do something! Most of the friends you make abroad will likely be other internationals, at least at first, so remember they are going through the exact same thing. Be there for each other!
Don't worry about boys, abroad or at home. Just let things happen, that's all you can really do. Come to think of it, that's just a really good thing to do in general.
Don't forget to do what you originally came to do. It may be fun to go out every weekend with your new friends, but if you dreamed of hiking around, like me, or doing whatever else, make sure you do it.
Take pictures. Of Everything. The beautiful scenery, nights out with friends, your new room, the pile of dirty dishes after 24 hours of the girls deciding not to do any dishes in an effort to make the boys do them (which won't work, by the way), and whatever else random your heart desires.
Write it all down. In a blog or a journal or whatever. One day you're gonna be old, and your year abroad will seem like forever ago. I'm guessing it will be pretty nice to be able to go back and be reminded of all the little things that made up your day to day life. I could be wrong on this point, but I'm willing to bet that I'm not.
Be friendly. To everyone. Yes, people will immediately be able to tell that you are American, literally before you even talk, and some people will not be impressed by that fact. So change their minds by being super friendly!
Say hi to people that you've met, regardless of whether or not you think they remember you. This is a great way to make friends, and if they don't remember you (for various reasons), it's a great thing to laugh over.
Don't stress too much about money. It's harder said than done, but sometimes you just have to say, screw it, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I'm gonna do it.
Keep in touch with family and friends back home, but not too much. It can be tempting to completely ignore emails and just go off on your adventures, but people back home will not be happy with you if you do that. At the same time, you won't really have the same experience if you're constantly running home and cutting good times short just to read an email or skype. So don't do that, no matter how much you miss anyone!
Always be up for fun, no matter when, no matter what. This is vital. This also means you should not procrastinate on your school work so you actually can do whatever, whenever. Some of my favorite memories are a result of just randomly deciding to go somewhere and do something because someone suggested it.
Just because it's something you would never in a million years do back home, don't let it stop you from doing it now. It may be crazy, and possibly dangerous (but not really), but do it. Again, some of my best memories are as a result of putting my prejudices aside (especially those about sketch vans) and just going for it. But if it is actually dangerous, don't do it. Obviously.
So everything so far can essentially be summed up by saying live in the moment, but don't ignore the past or forget to plan for the future. Getting to live abroad is the chance of a lifetime, don't let it pass you by!!
Love to you all!
