This blog includes ten photos, each representing a lesson I learned during my time studying abroad. While some of these lessons might seem obvious at first, I did not fully understand them until I experienced them firsthand. Each lesson came with its own challenges, often teaching me something valuable only after I made a mistake or faced a difficult situation. These lessons shaped my daily life, my mindset, and the person I have become.  

This photo was taken in front of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. What is not seen is that all of us had only slept from 6 am to 9 am that morning. The night before, one of our friends had had his phone stolen, and we spent hours searching and trying to find it. It was a stressful and exhausting experience. Despite this setback, we were determined to make the most of our last day in Barcelona. We pushed through the fatigue, supported each other, and chose to make the most of being in a new place rather than let one bad experience define the trip. 

Lesson: Theft and scams can happen quickly, especially in crowded tourist areas. Carry only what you need, put stuff in hard-to-reach pockets, and stay alert. These precautions can help protect your experience and give you peace of mind while exploring. 

This photo was taken in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The night before this, I was walking around Paris trying to find a hotel for hours because my Airbnb had bed bugs. Exhausted, I ended up missing my alarm the next morning and nearly missed my visit to the Palace of Versailles. But while waiting for the train, I had a quiet moment to enjoy the city and capture this photo. It was a tough start to the day, but I was proud of how I adapted and still found joy in the experience. 

Lesson: Studying abroad can come with unplanned challenges, but resilience, adaptability, and support from fellow travelers can help you turn difficult situations into meaningful memories. Being prepared to face setbacks can empower you to take ownership of your experience abroad. 

Studying abroad pushed me far out of my comfort zone. I had to adapt to new cultures, navigate unfamiliar systems, and often figure things out on my own. I discovered how crucial it is to budget wisely, stay organized, and make time for myself. These are lessons that might seem simple but became real to me only after I neglected them and faced the consequences.  

This photo was taken at midnight at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. Earlier in the day my friends and I walked the entire city of Rome and then walked in again at night. We were able to see everything again in a new light and everything was significantly less crowded.  

Lesson: Try to make time to do activities right when they open or after hours, definitely book ahead when you can. Sometimes the most meaningful moments come when you step away from the crowds and experience things on your own terms. 

This photo was taken at Plage du Ponteil, which was the beach across the street from my apartment. I made sure I took full advantage of all of the things near me, especially the things that I did not normally have access to in the States. For me, this often consisted of eating lunch and even doing my homework on the beach. Over a year later, my friends that I was abroad with, still talk about how they wish they would have taken more advantage of all the things we had access to.  

Lesson: Whether it is a nearby park, cafe, or beach, making sure to get out of your apartment, even for small activities, it can help you feel more connected to the place you are in. Little routines add up to big memories and help you create a lifestyle, not just a trip. 

Some of the lessons I learned had an enormous emotional impact. There were moments of loneliness, homesickness, and even self-doubt. But through those experiences, I became more independent, more resilient, and more self-aware. I learned to value connections with others, even if they were brief, and I came to understand the importance of balancing academic responsibilities while enjoying the moment.  

This photo was taken at Stade Louis II Stadium which is home to the AS Monaco Football team. Being able to experience local traditions is such a unique experience while being abroad.  

Lesson: Be sure to make time for events that are meaningful to the local culture, whether it is a sporting event, a concert, a festival, or any experience that helps you engage more deeply with the community. 

This photo was taken in Old Town Antibes on my second day abroad. I had arrived early in the morning the day before, but I was so intimidated by the unfamiliar surroundings and the language barrier that I stayed inside my apartment all day. I did not eat, and I only left briefly to walk maybe two minutes before turning back. Everything felt overwhelming at first, and I was too scared to venture out. 

Lesson: Adjusting to a new culture can be intimidating, especially when you are alone. However, it is important to not get caught up on the challenges that may lie ahead and instead take a risk and throw yourself into the experience. You do not have to be fearless, you just have to keep going. 

While I am grateful for all that I learned, I also believe that some of the stress and difficulty I experienced could have been avoided. With better preparation and more guidance, I might have navigated certain situations with less frustration. That being said, the hard-earned nature of these lessons is what made them so memorable and meaningful.  

This was taken at Villefranche-sur-Mer in France, just up the coast from the town I was living in. The train ride there only cost 9 euros but on the way back my friends and I got distracted and forgot to buy the train ticket back. This small mistake ended up costing 50 euro each as a fine. 

Lesson: Always make sure to buy tickets when using public transportation, no matter where you are. It is best to be a few euros out instead of over 50 euro out.  

This photo was taken outside of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. I was supposed to check in for my flight back to France, but I forgot, assuming I could do it at the airport like I usually would in the U.S. When I arrived, I found out that I had missed the online check-in window, and I had to pay a 50 euro fee just to print my boarding pass, for a flight that only cost 30 euros in the first place. 

Lesson: Many European airlines have strict online check in rules and extra fees for things that might be free elsewhere. Always give yourself time to learn how different systems operate. It can save you money and a lot of stress. 

This blog is not just a collection of memories but a reflection of personal growth. Each image tells a story about a specific challenge I faced and the lesson that came with it. These moments helped shape not only my study abroad experience but also who I am today. I hope that by sharing these lessons, others who are considering studying abroad can gain insight and avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered, while still embracing all the growth that comes with the journey. 

This photo was taken somewhere along the border of France and Switzerland. My friends and I were visiting Switzerland, but we realized that it was cheaper to stay in France instead. What we did not realize is that transportation between France and Switzerland was difficult. We were sometimes able to take the train but even getting to the train station was hard. This ended in us walking 30 minutes at night across the border to our hotel.  

Lesson: Fully plan out each of your trips to make sure you have access to safe transportation and do not just rely on walking. Though saving money on accommodation can feel like the best choice if it puts your safety in jeopardy then it is not worth it.  

This photo was taken on my last night in Antibes, France. My roommates and I decided to slow down and really savor our final evening together. We watched one of the most beautiful sunsets we had ever seen during our time studying abroad, and it truly felt like the town was saying goodbye to us. In that moment, we realized just how deeply we had connected with this place. 

Lesson: Take time to reflect and appreciate the place that’s been your temporary home. It is easy to get caught up in the logistics of leaving, but making time for a meaningful goodbye helps you process the experience and carry it forward with you.  

This post was written by  Samantha McManus, a CEA CAPA Alumni Ambassador from Colorado School of Mines, who studied abroad in Alicante, Spain.