Abroad at Home

Seven years ago, I was newly home from one of the best adventures of my young life: a semester abroad in Europe; bright-eyed with all the experiences of the world under my belt.

Five years ago, I was newly graduated and promptly slapped upside the head by the real world; bright-eyed but wonderfully under-qualified.

Four years ago, I was newly relocated to a different home, my big-girl apartment, with a real adult job; bright-eyed and wildly determined to fake being a grown-up until I convinced people it was true.

Throughout those transition years, I realized more and more that the wonderful (and often ridiculous) lessons I learned while abroad were applicable godsends to my every day. They gave me a little leg-up on adulthood, and I was more than happy to take any help I could get. Recently I had a chance to spend some time with my younger cousin who is about to embark on a four year stint in Ireland for university. So naturally I spent a ton of time imparting my “wisdom” on her…whether or not she wanted me to! Here of course, are some of the highlights. A round 20. The things I learned while studying abroad that I standby as life-truths in my new found adulthood (in no particular order):

1. Listen to the radio. It’s a great source of local happenings and music is something people use to relate to one another. If you’ve got access to radio in a foreign language, it’s a great learning tool.
2. Have health insurance. Period.
3. Skimp on spending for trivial things; use that money on travel. When in doubt, always travel. It’s worth way more than that extra random thing you don’t need. 
4. Take care of your skin. Use moisturizing lotion every day and night, and sunscreen whenever going outside. Your skin will react differently by city and location around the globe, due to pollution or solar proximity, but lotion and SPF are essential regardless of where you are.
5. Keep in touch with your family. They’re a constant, no matter where you go or what you do. So keep them in the loop. And tell them you love them, damnit.
6. Read street signs. That way if you’re ever lost in that area, at least you’ll recognize the street names. And being able to give directions is a gratifying feeling. Also, be able to read a map and get some directional sense, your GPS won’t always be there to save you.
7. Have a plant. It’s a low maintenance companion that helps you breathe easier and livens up your space.
8. Have a diverse group of friends. Different opinions keep conversation interesting for years to come. And when you’re away from home, off on your own, friends become family. Chose them wisely and do whatever you can to make time for them. Be there for them and they’ll be there for you. Surround yourself with people you trust. And stay in touch with those people if they fall out of proximity (visiting them years later is just one more excuse to travel!).



La distance n'est rien.

9. Take photos. Not just of things, but of people. Not just of monuments, but of every day moments and items. You’ll regret it later if you don’t. Memories are more potent with photographic backup.
10. Be willing to barter and haggle. Always find out if there's a way to get a discount. If you've got a student ID still, the world is your oyster - you'd be amazed the deals you can get.
11. Fall in love. With a person, a place, a moment. Treasure it and tell the world and don’t be afraid of it. Some loves last a lifetime and others don’t, but usually you’ll regret not loving more than you ever will loving. (My deep and unapologetic love for British chocolate milk will last forever!)
12. Figure out how to cook on a budget. You can make wonderful meals for very little cash moneys. A few potatoes from the gypsies at the market, and a little effort, and you’d be amazed. (Hint: spices)
13. Some stories are worth taking to the grave. Many more are worth telling. Have a few good tales in your back pocket, but more importantly: listen to the stories of others. You know your stories. You don't know theirs. 
14. Evaluate the cost of big purchases over the long run. While abroad, for me it was a curling iron. It was 60 Euros and I was there for five months. So, less than 50 Euro cents a day (let's not talk exchange rates!). Given the number of photos I’d be in and the potential European husbands I’d be meeting: worth it. I just had to give up one delicious chocolat chaud from the vending machine each day – heart wrenching, but worth it. Figure out how long you’ll have something for and how to equate that cost to your every day purchases to see if you should afford it. This doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of necessities (or justify extravagances by amortizing out over a long period of time), but it can help determine what’s really necessary.
15. Always be willing to try something new. Not drugs from a guy on the street, though. Don’t try that. It won't end well. When in doubt, use the buddy system for any potentially dangerous new activities - best to live recklessly with someone who has your back / can tell the story of your misadventure later, at the very least.
16. Baguettes and wine are never a bad idea.



Cheers to you! You wise and cultured adult, you!

17. Be kind to homeless people. You don't know how they got there, but they know how you get to and from your home everyday... okay, maybe that sounded super paranoid and creepy, but seriously, they make much better allies than enemies. 
18. Wear appropriate footwear. Fashion is all well and good, but if you twist an ankle and wreck your favorite heels out on the cobblestone or at the club, no one benefits. 
19. Dancing and laughing are the best form of exercise.
20. Don’t be afraid to do things alone. Go see a movie. Have a meal at a restaurant. Get a drink at a bar. Being alone while being surrounded by the happenings of the world can be very peaceful and enlightening. Relish the “you” time. No one is seeing you alone and judging you. They’re all too busy wondering if you’re judging them to notice you.

Basically, just make a point to live as much as possible. Life is your biggest adventure, whether you’re venturing to a foreign land or into a new phase of life. You may not know where you’re headed, but don't worry. As long as you're happy, then at least you're lost in the right direction.