Advice for Preparing to Travel Abroad

There are so many scholarship opportunities available both from WKU and external sources. Since many of these scholarships share similar essay prompts, you can save time and effort by reusing your written essays after the first submission! I recommend reaching out to Lindsey Houchin (lindsey.houchin@wku.edu) from WKU's Office of Scholar Development for the list of scholarships to apply for! She is also phenomenal at proofreading and providing feedback! 
Some of the scholarships I applied for were FEA Scholarship, World Topper Scholarship, Armbrust/McGee German Culture and Work Experience Scholarship Fund, and CEBS Passport to the World Scholarship. 
I recommend using the free app called Duolingo. Even though English is the most spoken language globally, knowing just a few words and phrases will make it easier to get around. It also shows respect for different cultures. 
When I went to Spain last summer, I always made an effort to speak in Spanish. While most of the time, the person would recognize that I was not a native Spanish speaker and would speak to me in English, they appreciated the attempt rather than assuming they would communicate with me in my first language.  
All of the items mentioned below are on my Traveling Abroad Essentials list on Amazon! 
    • Packing cubes or travel vacuum seal bags: These are so helpful for staying organized and saving space! I am a notorious over-packer but these allowed me to bring everything I wanted for my one-month trip.
    • Power adapter: This one is easily forgotten about, but so important! The power plugs in other countries are not compatible with the ones in the U.S. 
    • Fanny pack: When traveling, wearing a fanny pack is the best way to keep your essentials secure and close at hand. Luckily, they are now trendy to wear as a crossbody! 
    • Wallet with a keychain: I recommend using the keychain to hook your wallet to the inside of your fanny pack. This will help prevent someone from pickpocketing your wallet. 
    • Portable charger: This is pretty self-explanatory. You don't wanna find yourself with a dead phone battery while traveling abroad. 
    • Airtag: If you are taking a checked bag, this is the perfect device to track your luggage. 
    • Compression socks: These are a must-have!! They are designed to improve circulation and reduce swelling in your legs. Initially, I thought these were intended for older individuals who were vulnerable to blood clots. However, after experiencing swollen and sore legs following my flight to Spain last year, I decided to give them a try. To my surprise, after wearing them during my 7-hour flight to Germany, my legs felt fantastic and I was able to explore the city with ease! 

    • Wanderlog: This app helps to plan and organize your trip! Whether you're an avid planner or just want a convenient place to keep all your reservations, this app is for every kind of traveler. It also has a feature for group travel planning so everyone can collaborate in real-time. 
    • Google Translate: My favorite thing about this app is the feature of translating text on any image. This was helpful when reading a menu at a restaurant. 
    • Google Maps: You can download a map and use it offline. While I did have an international phone plan when I went to Spain, there were some areas where I did not have service. Since I downloaded the map of the area I was staying in, I was still able to use Google Maps to navigate my way around. 
    • Too Good To Go: This is an environmentally friendly app that aims to reduce food waste. They partner with restaurants and allow you to purchase their unsold food at a discounted price. I used this in Amsterdam and got 4 pastries that were originally about €5 each for the price of one! 
    • When booking your flight, pay attention to the layover duration. I suggest opting for a layover of at least three hours when traveling abroad to allow ample time for clearing customs and passing through security.