Hey Alyssa,

What’s up?! I know you’re freaking out right now about going abroad, but trust me that it will be the most fun experience of your life. There is no need to sweat the small details. Everything will work out once you get here. In the beginning, you will have a hard time adjusting to being in a completely new environment, but after a week or two that will go away. Once that feeling passes, you will just be in awe and feel so grateful about the fact that you are so young and can already experience living abroad. Jetting off to a different country every weekend will take a toll on your body, but the memories are all well worth it. Being abroad has helped me grow in so many ways. I have become more independent and comfortable doing things by myself. Sometimes you’re gonna want to do activities or see things that no one else does and that’s fine. Just go alone and I promise you will have the best and most meaningful experience. This might seem like an incredibly large change, but to put things in perspective for you, there is no language barrier, and the Tube is incredibly easy to navigate, so you have the freedom to go basically anywhere you want. You will make mistakes along the way that will cost money, but these will all turn into learning experiences that you can use throughout the rest of your travels. And remember, the money will always come back, but the memories won’t! At some points you will feel homesick. You are going to see so many new things that you’ll want to share with your friends and family back home, but calling often and sending pictures does the trick to ease the homesickness. Everyone back at home is so excited for you and can’t wait for the stories that you will bring back for them. While there are a lot of new things to learn and so much going on, also remember to stop and smell the roses. Throughout this program, I have learned to call London home and have been so grateful for such an amazing homebase. You’re going to be surprised by how quickly the time goes by. I know that I am still abroad in London right now, but I wouldn’t hesitate to jump into another study abroad experience. You are so lucky to have the opportunity to do this, so don’t waste it! 

With love,

Alyssa in London