Hello everyone! My name is Emma and I am from Washington. Hope you enjoy the post.

As many of us have probably heard, the studying abroad experience is sort of like the letter, “U”. Like the letter U, when we first arrive, we start at the top. Everything is new and so is everyone that we meet. In our first week or two we are filled with this euphoric feeling because we are finally here, and we’ve made it to campus. Then, that euphoric feeling and sense of “newness,” and “excitement,” can start to fade. Classes have started and we realize that we have homework and classes and tutorials. People get sick and then it seems like everyone is now sick. So, what do we do when we’ve settled into out new lives and homes here?

One: Take a breath and then take another one

            While you may not have totally hit the bottom yet, it is quite normal to feel a decline of excitement or happiness then when you first arrived in Limerick. Remember that other students have felt or are feeling this well. Just take a deep breath and remember that everything will be okay.

            Two: Get up and get out

            Don’t think about home or things you can’t control. Go out go see a movie, go to dinner with your friends, or get on a plane and go to Prague. Take your mind off things that are weighing on you and go out and explore.

            Three: Find a good group of friends

            Some people instantly become friends with the first people they meet, and that’s great. For others, it can take some time. Remember that you don’t have to be friends with the first people you met. So, go out and talk to people you sit next to in class, or the person in front of you in line at Spar, you never know where you are going to find your group.  

            Four:  Try new things

            Want to go kayaking? Want to join the Tea Society? Want to hike up a mountain? Do it, do all of it. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Try things that scare you, that excite you, try it all.

            Five: Have fun

            Just remember that before we even know it, our time here will come to an end. Enjoy this, enjoy every minute of it. So, just remember, try and have fun in each and everything that you do.