Can you believe that your semester abroad is winding down? Did you imagine yourself surviving – nay, thriving in – your semester abroad?
Didn’t your time abroad seem to crawl and fly? It probably feels like you just arrived yesterday, and yet finals are happening.
And then, right after finals, you leave.
Whether you are traveling for a little bit or heading straight home, things are probably a bit stressful right now.
We completely understand (and even wrote an open letter to you)!
In celebration of the end of spring semester (yep, even administrators celebrate the end of the semester!), here are some things to do to ensure a strong finish to your study abroad semester.
1. Revisit your study abroad bucket list
Remember that time when you arrived at your study abroad program thinking that you would do so many things? Did you make a list of things that you wanted to do?
Well, pull out that list, look at your study abroad Pinterest board, and get cracking!
Maybe you can’t make it to all of those crazy weekend trips, but you can certainly visit some local destinations that have (as of now) eluded you.
2. Complete all of your exams, essays, and final projects
This is the most important step for surviving the end of your study abroad semester – actually completing all of the academic portions of your program.
I know it makes a lot of sense, but the amount of incomplete assignments I have seen is pretty shocking.
You can finish the assignments and still enjoy the end of your semester, I promise!
3. Talk about ways to stay connected to your study abroad experience
Many programs have some version of a “study abroad ambassador” opportunity for students to apply to. By asking your study abroad institution, provider, or organization about these kinds of opportunities prior to leaving, you have a sure way to stay connected.
Also, your home university will likely have events that you can volunteer for – pre-departure orientations, study abroad fairs, information sessions, and more.
You can be the person who helps other students learn about surviving their time abroad!
(P.S.: I wrote some tips about ways to stay connected to your study abroad experience here.)
4. If you start getting upset about having to leave, keep reminding yourself to stay present in your experience
It is completely normal to fall in love with your city, school, experience, and the person that you are when abroad.
You will probably mope or mourn the loss of your program, professors, new friends, or the ease of visiting new places.
This is okay!
However, try not to mope too much when you’re still abroad. Wouldn’t it be better to keep exploring right until departure instead of bemoaning the fact that you’re leaving?
(I know, it’s easier said than done. #beenthere)
5. If you start getting really excited about your upcoming departure, keep reminding yourself to stay present in your experience
Maybe your way of surviving the end of your study abroad program is to have a daily countdown calculator until you are finally back home.
Skyping with your dog just hasn’t been the same, has it?
However ready you may be to go home, try to enjoy the time you have left and remain present in your classes, your local explorations, and your time with friends.
The moral of the story? STAY. PRESENT.
6. If you consider returning for another semester, talk to your study abroad advisor
If you cannot imagine surviving without staying at your current school for another semester, contact your study abroad advisor!
I have had quite a few students do this, and each time we have made it work.
Granted, this takes quite a bit of effort on your part – you will need to get in touch with your academic advisor, perhaps your Registrar, Bursar, program contact, and a few other people, but it’s barely any work when compared to the fact that you can extend your time at your host institution.
Just think of the possibilities!
7. Go out with your friends on your last night (aka don’t throw a house party)
Sorry to add a “don’t” to this list (but I hope I made it better by providing an alternative), but in my years as a study abroad advisor (as well as someone who studied and lived abroad), last night house parties never end well. This I promise you.
Sure, you will likely want to have a house party instead of going out to your favorite bar, but when you leave your house or apartment a mess, you will be billed for the clean up.
And that bill will be large.
And you will probably not get your grades until you pay your fine.
The only time when a house party isn’t actually a completely terrible idea is when you are living abroad and you are moving out and there are other people who come to your house to claim all of the stuff you aren’t planning on moving with you.
I did this three days before I moved out of Korea, and it was the greatest thing I ever did. My friends who were still staying in Korea cleared out everything in my apartment, right down to my used toothbrush.
All of the food and drinks from the party were cleared out (I advertised it as “bring your own containers!”), and I had two days to wipe down a 10’ by 10’ apartment. That took 10 minutes.
However, when you are studying abroad for a semester, you will likely not have many or any friends who are staying behind who can benefit from a “take all of my things” party.
So, house parties. Skip them.
Do you have any tips for surviving the end of your study abroad semester? Tell us in the comments below!
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Open Letter: To Students Returning Home
15 Truths of Studying Abroad