{"id":5687,"date":"2022-12-14T08:00:43","date_gmt":"2022-12-14T13:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/inside-rec\/?p=5687"},"modified":"2022-12-19T07:59:39","modified_gmt":"2022-12-19T12:59:39","slug":"preparing-for-a-semester-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/inside-rec\/2022\/12\/14\/preparing-for-a-semester-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for a Semester Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"

Listen to Tara’s blog here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In three weeks, I will be on a 14-hour plane ride to Cape Town, South Africa. I will be in a new country, a new timezone, and entering a new year by myself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studying abroad has been an opportunity that I have always dreamt about. Now, I am enrolled in a dream program that allows me to travel around the world. In the span of five months, I will be taking classes in Cape Town, South Africa, Sydney, Australia, and Rome, Italy. <\/span><\/p>\n

This trip required lots of time and planning. As this semester comes to an end, I have learned a lot about the studying abroad process. Read along for helpful tips and information for studying abroad! <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Research<\/b><\/p>\n

The first thing I did to prepare for studying abroad was do lots of research. It is extremely important to know the places you are traveling to. I found that reading blogs about student experiences to be the most helpful for me. The program I am working with supplies students with an ample amount of information, advisors, and opportunities to speak with other students about their travels. <\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping a journal of important information is another great way to keep track of your research. It is important to learn about the climate, culture, and language of where you are planning on traveling to before you land in the country you will be studying in. Because I am going to three different counties, I devoted a lot of my time to learning about these factors. I feel as a student going abroad, it is part of my duty to be respectful to the places I will be visiting. <\/span><\/p>\n

The final aspect of research that helped me prepare for going abroad is getting an understanding of all the options that are available. Because I have chosen a program through the University of Rhode Island, the process has been fairly easy. URI has many options for students to study abroad. The one that stood out to me most was CIEE: a program that allows students to choose up to three places to travel to throughout the semester. Click here to learn about these amazing opportunities: <\/span>https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/global\/study-abroad\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

For me, CIEE seemed to be the best opportunity. I was able to create my own semester schedule, and in just three weeks, I will be traveling around the world. This is something that you can do too! Check in with your advisor to see how you can fit studying abroad into your schedule! <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What to Bring Abroad<\/b><\/p>\n

As an extreme over-packer, the process of choosing what to bring with me is quite daunting. However, after researching each place I will be studying in, I found that the climates will be similar.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Cape Town and Sydney, I will be experiencing the summer season. When I arrive in Rome, it will be late spring. Therefore, I am hoping to keep my suitcases light and airy as it will be filled with summer clothing! <\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a list of items I bought to help me with my packing process!<\/span><\/p>\n