Preparing for a Year Abroad

When it comes to preparing for a year abroad there can be a lot to think about. There are so many moving parts and “what ifs” that it can become overwhelming to even think about the future, so as someone who is also struggling, here are 3 ways I am getting ready for going on program. My name is Mackenzie and I'm moving to Germany this August. 

1. ) Semi Spring Cleaning

It’s no surprise that we as consumers own a lot of trinkets, knick-knacks, and straight-up junk. I have found that simply getting rid of things that no longer serve me has helped me clear my mind, while also providing me with a clean, organized place to pack for next year. Every weekend I choose a new space in my room, house, or even mind to go through and process. Whether it be finally folding the pile of clothes that sits in my room, or having conversations with my sister that I've been meaning to for a while, I make it a goal to improve upon my life in some way. Another strategy that I found to help with these tasks is “To-do” lists. They provide me with a visual overview of my goals for the day and help keep me on track. *bonus points if it has check boxes!*

2.) Practice, Practice, Practice!

With new opportunities come new challenges! This is exactly the case with going abroad for a year and learning a new language. As with everything, practice is vital, so, if you, like me, have chosen the self-study route then I would suggest three strategies to help: 

• Flashcards

• Slideshows

• Sayings

I am a huge advocate for flashcards and have been since I was in kindergarten. They’re an easy and quick way to practice vocab words and test your knowledge. Just remember to always quiz yourself on the English words and then write them in German. Slideshows are also awesome for this same reason. They help your brain make connections to pictures, making it easy to recall exact objects and words. 

Finally, let’s talk about sayings! I love making up little rhymes in my head to help me remember vocab words and grammar rules. For example, “Gestern habe ich einen Western gesehen” (yesterday I saw a Western).  I made this one up last year to help me remember the word “gestern”, or yesterday. I still use it to this day, and it has even changed over this time, most notably becoming entirely German. I use it as a marker of how much time has passed, and to show me how far I have come in just a few months. If you choose this approach then I suggest keeping a list of all your sayings, as it can be nice to look back on them from time to time and refresh your memory. 

3.) Making the Most of the Little Things!

In life, we can get so caught up in the big details that we forget the small everyday ones, like how your dad likes his coffee with 2 sugars and one cream, or how your sister has a habit of leaving hair ties everywhere. Which is why it is so important to make the most of the little things! Cherish the memories you have, make the most of the time you have, and above all live without regrets. Sign up for that play, go do your school’s talent show! We only have so much time, so make the most of it! Plus, I’ve heard it’s good practice for Germany. 

It can be stressful to plan for a year abroad, but the best way to avoid further stress down the road is to prepare now, so get to it!