The idea of studying abroad for a semester is extremely appealing. Four months of living in another country, gaining new experiences and meeting new people. However, the appeal diminishes slightly once you step foot in your new “home.” I felt giddy from the moment I stepped on the plane until the moment I stepped foot into my apartment. What you don’t expect to come with the giddy excitement is the homesickness, the feeling of unfamiliar surroundings and the impending thought that you made the wrong decision. For the first week of my study abroad experience, I felt all of these things. I called my mom multiple times a day and stayed holed up in my room, scared to brave my new environment. What I didn’t realize was that feeling these things would make my first good experiences so much sweeter. My biggest advice to anyone studying abroad, or even considering it, is to do everything, even if you’re scared. Studying abroad has been one of the biggest risks I’ve taken, but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: University College Dublin