If you had asked me a few years ago if I wanted to go to Europe, my answer would’ve been an immediate, “Absolutely!”
The problem wasn’t that I didn’t want to go, it was that I had no idea where to even begin.
I’d traveled outside of the U.S. before, but only to Mexico. Europe felt like a completely different level of travel. Every time I started thinking about planning a trip, my excitement was quickly followed by about a hundred questions.
- Do I need a visa?
- Wait…what’s an ETA?
- How do I apply for one?
- Do I need an international phone plan?
- Do I need to exchange currency before I leave?
- How much cash should I bring?
- Should I get a new credit card? What’s a foreign transaction fee?
- Can I use my health insurance if I get sick?
- Do I need travel insurance?
- Wait.. I need a different plug to charge my phone? What’s the difference between a plug adapter and a travel converter?
- Can I bring prescription medication?
- What if I lose my passport?
- What if I accidentally do something that’s completely normal in the U.S. but not in another country?
- How do people even use trains over there?
- How do I make sure I don’t miss out on all the best places to see?
Every time I started researching, I felt like I had ten new questions for every answer I found.
Eventually, it just felt easier to vacation somewhere I was already familiar with.
The Opportunity That Changed Everything
Then the opportunity to study abroad with Tarleton State came up.
My reaction wasn’t, “Should I do it?”
It was, “Let’s go!”
Because suddenly all of those things that had kept me from planning a European trip by myself didn’t feel nearly as overwhelming.
Instead of trying to figure everything out on my own, I’d be traveling with a group of students who probably had a lot of the same questions. We’d also have experienced study abroad leaders who had traveled internationally many times before and could guide us through the entire process.
Pre-Trip Planning and Support
After our very first study abroad meeting, I remember thinking, “Wow…they already answered almost every question I had.”
Once I officially committed to the trip, we were enrolled in an online course that walked us through every step of the process with clear instructions and due dates.
- Passport? ✔️
- ETA? ✔️
- Travel insurance? ✔️
- Scholarship applications? ✔️
- Safety information? ✔️
- Cultural expectations? ✔️
Instead of wondering whether I had forgotten something important, I always knew exactly what I had already completed and what still needed to be done.
We also met several times before leaving, so there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and we had a group chat where we could help each other before and during the trip.
One thing that really surprised me was how much support Tarleton State provided throughout the entire process. Looking back now, so many of the things that once felt overwhelming ended up being much simpler than I expected because someone had already thought through them and was there to help us.
Cost and Financial Assistance
Another concern for me was the cost because international travel can be expensive. Before committing to the program, we received a detailed breakdown of exactly what was included, so there weren’t any surprises. There were also several scholarship opportunities available, and every student in our program who applied- received financial assistance, which made a huge difference.
Traveling as a group also meant we benefited from group pricing on flights, accommodations, and several activities. Honestly, after looking at everything, I think this trip would have cost me more if I had tried to plan it completely on my own.
Even better, any remaining balance could be paid through Texan Bill Pay using a payment plan.
Less Stress, More Adventure
Another huge benefit was that so much of the planning had already been done for us. Transportation, hotels, many meals, class activities, and excursions were all taken care of, which meant I could spend my time enjoying the experience instead of constantly worrying about logistics.
The schedule also had the perfect balance of planned activities and free time. If you wanted to relax at the hotel after a busy day, you could. If you wanted to spend every free minute exploring, there was almost always a group heading out together. And if you felt comfortable exploring on your own, you had that option too.
The People Made the Experience Even Better
One of my favorite parts of the experience was how close our group became. Some students even brought family members along, and everyone was incredibly welcoming from day one. Even though many of us came from different backgrounds and didn’t know each other well before the trip, it didn’t take long for us to feel like a little family. We shared meals, navigated new cities together, laughed through unexpected moments, and made memories that I know we’ll all look back on for years to come. Those friendships and shared experiences became just as meaningful as the places we visited.
I brought my boyfriend (who is now my fiancé!), and after the study abroad program ended, we extended our trip to explore London, Rome, and Capri together, where he proposed! I think that’s what made the proposal feel even more special. It happened after spending two incredible weeks making unforgettable memories with such an amazing group of people. Looking back, it feels especially fitting that he proposed on a trip that began with Tarleton State Study Abroad. We’re both Tarleton State alumni and will forever bleed purple, so it somehow just feels like the perfect beginning to the next chapter of our story.
Why I’d do it again
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ve always wanted to go to Europe, but I don’t even know where to start,” I completely understand, because that was me.
Studying abroad didn’t just give me the opportunity to visit Europe. It gave me the confidence to realize that international travel isn’t nearly as intimidating as I had built it up to be. Along the way, I gained lifelong friendships, experienced new cultures firsthand, developed skills I never expected, and came home with a broader perspective on the world and myself.
Okay, enough about planning… what did we actually do every day?
I’ve included our itinerary for each location in the Day In My Life: Study Abroad Edition blog, along with some of my favorite spots, recommendations, and memories from the trip!