Thoughts on studying abroad

Next semester, I will be studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain. I am both thrilled and terrified. When I was researching which program to pursue, I came across myriad articles -- both informative and satirical. I thought I would relay some of my experience--so far--in the study-abroad process. Obviously, I have not actually experienced studying abroad yet. However, I have already undergone many of the steps in selecting a program, submitting an application, and following the procedures here at URI. I am still in the midst of all this, and I will be the first to admit that I wish I had gone about it in a more organized fashion. I have already learned a lot during this pre-study-abroad experience. Hopefully the actual experience follows suit. Here's a very informal list of suggestions for someone who would like to study-abroad:

Don't make the same mistakes I did!

If you are like me, you "know" you want to study abroad. You have to; it will enrich your academic life and provide you with an incredible experience. However, make sure that you don't let your inhibitions affect the application process. What I mean is that once it came down to filling out the application, making advising appointments, etc., the reality of studying abroad began to set in for me. I started to get nervous as I came to understand that I would be away from home for over four months. Thus, I would do my homework or chores or anything else before my application. I avoided the application process because what it signified began to terrify me. I started dreading getting the e-mail reminders about deadlines. I got anxiety every time I would make a list that capitalized, "COMPLETE ABROAD APPLICATION!" I can't even explain the things I would do instead of the damn application! (I began to feel sudden urges to clean everything, fold clothes, catch up with old friends...) My point is, don't procrastinate filling out the application and other paperwork. Even if it begins to give you anxiety, if you think you want to study abroad, do the application early. That way, you'll have it done and won't have excess anxiety when you're cramming to finish it!