What I think about Travel
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When you travel, you are an ambassador for your culture. While Europeans know the difference between the American political administration that’s been in power for the last eight years, and the American people as a whole you are the ones they actually see. There’s no doubt that Europeans strongly disagree with Bush’s recent politics, but we must do our best in an ever-shrinking world to promote better relations between our two continents.

With our new president at the wheel, Europeans are more plugged into our politics than ever. Don’t be surprised if everyone you meet wants to ask your opinion on various current issues. Keep up on your facts, because they love to go toe to toe when it comes to American politics. Think about even learning a phrase or two in the native language of the country you're in. No matter what side you’re for, you’ll only win respect and a new friend if you’re ready to have fun with the locals.

Be open to new experiences. This may sounds simple and obvious, but I've found during my time abroad, the more flexible you are while traveling, the more fun you'll have. Time and again my most memorable moments aren't ones I could have ever planned, but in stead they've happened to me. Being invited into a family's kitchen one afternoon in Tuscany to share some bruschetta, or getting crazy in some random club in Prague with a couple Chilean friends I met earlier that evening, or sharing a candlelit dinner with a French friend hearing stories from her grandmother about roving bandits that happened in that very countryside house took place because I went with the flow. Live in the moment, and if you're comfortable, never turn an experience down.

Whether you want to admit it or not, drinking is a huge part of the study abroad experience. For many, it’s the first time they’re legally in a bar as the drinking age is down by 16 years of age. While drinking culture varies from country to country, it is across the board, more moderate than the American one. You’ll hardly ever see rowdy drunk Italians or French or Spanish. While this is a generalization, there is some truth in it. The youngsters of these countries always drink in social settings and not to get drunk. I have yet to meet a European who knows the game Beer Pong or the verb “to shotgun” a beer. They may sip a single drink for near three hours. While I’m not going to tell you not to drink how or as much as you want to, I will say you need to be aware of the message you send to our friends overseas when you’re out of control and getting sick on the sidewalk, or causing a scene at the door of a club.

But in the end, don’t listen to me, draw your own conclusions from your own experiences. That’s what life’s all about anyway! Experience opportunities are richer than ever and the closer to the ground you travel, the more fun you’ll have meeting people and getting to know the culture that you’re living in.