Studying Abroad

Just about a year ago, I left for my first Study Abroad trip. It was also the first time I was traveling to a different continent. Most of the trip was spent in London, England, although for parts of the trip we went to Scotland, Wales, and I went to Dublin, Ireland while the rest of the group was in Paris, France.  I wanted to share some wisdom that I picked up along the way.

1. Unpack your daily luggage every day. I took my backpack with me everywhere, including our weekend excursions. On the first day I packed some sunscreen and forgot about it. When I went through security, I got stopped and had no idea why. Turns out the sunscreen was more than six ounces. The security guard had to unpack my entire backpack to find it and then throw it out. Luckily it was almost empty so I didn't loose anything, but it could have been a huge waste.

2. Pack lightly during the days. If you are with a group, you can plan ahead so not everyone has to bring everything. Since a lot of the places you'll go have security and bag checks, taking a purse instead of a backpack can save you a lot of time. Some places might not even let you bring in bags bigger than a certain size so you could end up having to rent a locker.

3. Don't take anything personally. All places have a different sense of decorum and what's acceptable. One day I lost my purse and when the security guard returned it, she lectured me about  keeping track of myself. A few times I had to remind myself that these were people with stressful jobs, who dealt with tourists every day and that I just needed to relax and not take anything that was said personally.

4. Take your student I.D. Many places, including restaurants, had discounts if you were a student, it didn't matter where. But it was only good if you had your I.D. Bring it, just in case.

4. Go with a group. Being in a foreign country can be tough, but it's even harder when you're by yourself. It also makes planning easier. My group's chaperon had organized this trip for many years, so he knew a lot of people. He could also get group prices on tickets. So even if it seems expensive, you're saving quite a bit of money. It also takes a load off your shoulders. When I was in Dublin by myself, I was stressed, and didn't enjoy it as much as I expected to. I also made a mistake in ordering my plane ticket.

Studying Abroad, even for the relatively short period I was there, was and experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I've always enjoyed European history, and this trip helped me connect to the stories that I've read, in a way that I couldn't before. It also teaches about cultural differences. You find yourself explaining things you never thought you would.

Sorority Convention

So before in the post I left on Monday I said I would talk about some of the stuff that happened at my sorority convention.

We stayed at the Sheraton, which was great, but I think they are used to conventions. Nothing was comp. We bought all the food, minus what was paid in registration.

Overall, it was a great experience and I'm grateful to have had the chance to go. Already,I am planning to volunteer at the next one in two years. I met alumni and past national staff who have been coming to these for as many as fifty years. My sorority made business cards so I feel like we did a good job of networking. The best part of the trip was meeting people who have always appeared to me as distant figures who just barely exist (and certainly would never be able to help with my chapter) and getting to know them. Now I feel much more confident in going to them and encouraging my sisters to go to them for help. I also enjoyed meeting so many of my sisters and getting an idea of what kind of organization we have.

We did a philanthropy party where we put together baskets to donate to the Ronald McDonald house, and it was a huge success. Everyone who came donated items and we put together 175 baskets.

Also, we had several speakers, including an alumni, and two alumni from other Greek organizations.

It was a great trip and it inspired to make my sorority the best that it can be. If anyone has the chance to do something similar, please do it. I'm not saying that there weren't fallbacks; especially when it came to procedures during general session, and I left feeling extremely tired. But it was all worth it.

Going on Free Trips

It may sound crazy, but there will be quite a few chances to travel while you are in college, at no cost to you, especially if you are willing to get your hands dirty while you're at it. Many schools offer alternative spring breaks. For example, my school once took interested students to Nashville, TN to volunteer with homeless organizations.

Other campuses groups, such as greek organizations and Student government, send their members to annual conventions. I personally have been to Chattanooga, TN, Philidelphia, and North Carolina for activities conferences, and in a couple of days I am going Birminghan, AL for a sorority convention.

These chances are once in a lifetime. You will not get to have this much fun on a free trip after college, so take advantage of it while you can.