While finally figuring out your study abroad plans is exciting, there’s also a fair bit of stress as the idea becomes a reality. One of the most common causes of this stress is packing. Whether you’re studying abroad for one month or six months, it can be quite challenging to assess which items you’ll absolutely need and what’s a waste of precious suitcase space. Here are a few must-haves and tips to help you pack for your time studying in a new country.

By: Talia Walters ‘20

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been asked what I plan on doing after graduation almost nonstop since the beginning of my senior year. My answer is always the same – a scoff that’s the mixture between exasperation, terror, and immediate anxiety – which usually prompts a sympathetic laugh in response. We all focus so hard on getting into grad school or making sure we apply to all the right jobs, that no one really stops to realize we don’t have to do those things. No one is forcing us to go to Med School or Law School, and no one is making us get a big person job. If it doesn’t seem right for you to send in application after application, sealing your fate until you retire, then don’t. Nothing bad is going to happen to you. Of course, you still need an answer to that dreaded question. What would you do after graduation if you weren’t doing more school or going straight into the workforce? Well, friend, do I have a list for you! Below, I’ve compiled a few different routes for post-grad life that aren’t just going to grad school or getting a “real” job. They’re all entirely unique options, and maybe you’ll find the one that’s right for you!

Talk ~literally anything but English~ to me ;)

By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22

Fact #1: Only about 20% of the world’s population speaks English.

Fact #2: That means if you only speak English, you can’t speak to 80% of the people on Earth.

Fact #3: It’s a little tricky to treat these people as equals and learn from them if we can’t even talk to them.

Fact #4: That’s an issue.

By: Danielle Collins ‘20

In my opinion, study abroad opportunities are one of the best parts of going to USC. I’m currently studying abroad in Madrid, Spain and absolutely LOVING it! If you’re considering study abroad, it can be daunting to decide where to go. There are so many amazing places to choose from…how can you be sure you pick the right place for you? Read on to find out!

By: Anna Lipscomb ‘19

It’s never too early to start planning for the summer. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few resources and opportunities available to help you.

By: Judy Lee ‘17

As classes start back up, it sucks to tackle jetlag on top of classes. After an 8-hour flight, here are some realizations I’ve had that may help you the next time you have important stuff to do after you land. Sometimes you just gotta: