Study Abroad Tips with Visible by Verizon

Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular for college students looking to experience new cultures, make new friends, and grow. The benefits of studying abroad are endless, from seeing new places and trying new foods to learning new languages and gaining a new perspective on life from people from other countries. At the same time, it can be a stressful experience for many students, whether it be finding housing, picking classes, figuring out your cell phone plan, or just immersing yourself in a foreign culture where you might not speak the language. In partnership with Visible by Verizon, who is making it easier than ever to stay connected while studying abroad, we spoke with two college students to get their tips on having the best study abroad experience possible. 

Danielle Gootman, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the University of Tampa 

Study Abroad Location: Florence University of The Arts, Florence, Italy 

What were the three highlights of your time studying abroad? 

1. One of the highlights of my journey abroad was definitely the food and culture in Florence. I loved dining at Trattoria Za Za, Shake Cafe, and Osteria Pastella. The coffee scene in Florence is incredible, too—my favorites are Ditta Artigianale, La Menagerie, and Rivarno Cafe. The Gucci Garden Museum, Uffizi Galleries, and Pitti Palace/Boboli Gardens are beautiful.

2. Florence, during the holiday season, is something special! The lights and festive markets filled with souvenirs and delicious food make it a memorable experience.

3. Exploring a new city every weekend was one of the highlights of my time abroad. I particularly enjoyed visiting London, Paris, and the Amalfi Coast, as each destination offered its own unique charm and culture, making my experience truly unforgettable. Florence is ideally located, with a train system that makes it easy to travel throughout Europe, and the airport is just about 15 minutes outside the city.
   

What are three things you wish you knew prior to studying abroad? 

1. Embrace Spontaneity: One of the best parts of studying abroad is being open to new opportunities and destinations, so stay flexible and consider visiting countries you might not have originally planned for. Don't forget to explore the charming small towns surrounding your main city; some of my favorite day trips from Florence include Venice, Cinque Terre, and Pisa.

2. Pack Light: When packing, only bring the essentials. The shopping in Europe is incredible, and you'll want space to bring back gifts for family and friends. Focus on versatile basics that can be mixed and matched for different outfits.

3. Bring Universal Adapters: A universal adapter is a must-have for charging your devices while traveling, so do your research ahead of time to ensure you're prepared to keep your gadgets powered up. Additionally, don't forget to check the adapters for your hair tools and other plug-in devices.
   

What advice would you have to someone nervous about studying abroad 

My biggest piece of advice when going abroad is to embrace an open mind. Being receptive to new experiences allowed me to try delicious foods, explore unfamiliar places, and connect with amazing people. This mindset truly enriched my time abroad in ways I never expected!

Isabelle Roberts, Writing and Performance Across Media Major at Northeastern University

Study Abroad Location: DIS Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

What were the three highlights of your time studying abroad?  

1. Visiting 18 countries for the first time! (It was also my first time in Europe!)

2. Getting cinnamon rolls on Wednesdays at the oldest bakery in Copenhagen.

3. Living out of a backpack and a suitcase and solo traveling for a month after the semester.

What are two things you wish you knew prior to studying abroad? 

1. Not everyone studies abroad with their entire friend group.

2. You really don’t need to pack that much stuff.

What advice would you give to someone nervous about studying abroad? 

I think if you’re nervous to go abroad, that’s even more the reason to do it. It’s a cliché that studying abroad “changes your life,” but in a lot of ways, it really can. Navigating moments of losing luggage, getting lost, and feeling alone has made me 10x more self-assured. Try to accept that a few speed bumps are inevitable and may be a lot less scary than you initially thought.