As many of you will be a part of the new wave of UT Study Abroad students, it’ll seem like your to-do list will never end until you get on that plane and then you have to shift your focus to the new long list of precautions and struggles you might come across. However, this particular sense of anxiety can be easily ridden. Trust me…I’m a victim of anxiety. Not knowing or having control of a situation puts me in a mental and physical bind. Now, you’re asking how can someone like myself have done study abroad? Well, that’s why I’m writing this.To let you in on my three secrets which are: 1. Plan, 2. Organize, and 3. Let it go.
I understand my first two steps go together, but the third doesn’t right? Actually in reality it’s probably the most cohesive process I’ve ever taken on. How? UT was able to wrap all three and give it to me in the form of workshops. I planned everything I had control of before going abroad. Which is take advantage of the resources at hand!
The Study Abroad office at UT is always having workshops that make your transition so much easier and helps you with the whole process from getting started, money planning to buying the necessities and packing. Find them here: http://world.utexas.edu/abroad/calendar.
- Program Specific: These are mandatory pre-departure sessions for faculty-led programs so you have to be there to gain all the specific information relating to your program and gives you the opportunity to really be able to dive in to any questions you have. Dates and times will be provided to you by your Program Coordinator or Faculty member.
- Travel 101: I love basic travel tips and trust me you will too. This workshop focuses on basic travel preparation from the beginning such as how to get your passport to buying your flight, packing tips, money and so much more!
- Financial Planning: Money Money Money! This workshop covers how to use financial aid for your program and information about scholarships!
- Intercultural Communication: This makes the transition so much easier! It helps you successfully navigate a foreign culture and bridge the intercultural differences through interactive sessions. RSVPs required via the study abroad website calendar.
- Studying Abroad for Students with Disabilities Panel: A panel discussion facilitated by Becky Junkermeier from Study Abroad and Emily Shyrock from Student Disability Services.
What’s more exciting is that there are informational sessions in the works that will further all students’ needs!
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