If you are reading this post, I think it’s safe to say you like and want to travel. As a college student, it might seem almost impossible to make enough money to see the world, and while mom and dad like to plan the occasional family trip, it's just not the same as traveling without them. School, however, is a different story. Because of academics, I was able to live and study in New York, London and Florence over the last 3 years, and I don't think I'm finished yet...
YOU'RE PAYING FOR AN EDUCATION ANYWAYS
Whether money is taken out of personal pockets or in the form of loans or scholarships, it is funneled into the education system. If you’re going to pay for credits anyways and have the desire to travel, why not just study in a different country? This is probably the most obvious way to get your feet wet if you've never traveled outside of the country before, and are in need of security and guidance. A university provides you with the location(s), classes, medical insurance, group tours, roof over your head, food in your belly, the list goes on and on!
WHY YOUR CONCERNS ARE BULLSH*T
My university doesn't have an abroad program.
My choices of location are limited/ don't interest me. I wish I could study somewhere else.
The classes I need to take aren't offered abroad.
The cost of living in the city I was hoping to study is too expensive. I can't afford it.
Any and all concerns quoted above are normal to have, and frankly are more common than you'd think. I have so many friends that opted out of studying abroad because they thought they had no other options. To quote myself, "If a door is shut: kick it down; look for the key; build another door and walk through it." Okay, so maybe a few other million people have said some variation of that... but you get my point. If you do enough research, make a few phone calls, branch out from your university, think outside the box, you’ll find something that works for you. If there is a will, there is a way.
YOU'RE NOT THE FIRST—MANY HAVE ALREADY DONE IT
I've been fortunate enough to be part of New York University's vast global network—and you can be too. With locations all across 6 continents, NYU offers unparalleled experiences for its own and visiting students (you!) To learn more about each of the locations highlighted above, click here.
While abroad in Florence, I was uncharacteristically surprised to find that many students living and taking classes with me were not only from NYU. My roommate was from Northwestern, two of my new friends were from Stanford, and some classmates were from Columbia and University of St Andrews. If they managed to grab a seat next to this NYU student, I don't see why you can't either.
BOTTOM LINE
Whether you are currently enrolled in a university or are a worried parent fighting with your child's seemingly reckless desire to jump from the nest, know that studying abroad can be the safest and most realistic option for that initial solo travel experience. Not every university provides the resources you'd hope for, but someone out there does, it just requires a little research. While I can't speak for any other university, I've used NYU as a home base in 3 countries for the last three years and recommend looking into it as an option.
To read and see pictures of what the NYU Florence campus looks like, click here.