T-7 Days

Welcome to my blog, Llévame lejos!  For those of you who don't know me or need a recap, I'm Meg.  This spring semester, I am traveling to Xalapa, México, to study Spanish.  It will be my seventh trip to México, but my first trip on my own and my first reaching beyond the US-Mexican border.  Words cannot describe how excited I am for this adventure!

This is also my first real attempt at blogging... So here's the plan: I'll post every week or so, and if you have any questions for me or suggestions of new things to explore and enjoy in Veracruz, comment away!  I know blogging is typically one-sided, but I'm hoping this can be a bit more interactive.

Now, for the "meat" of this first post.  If you, like me, are interested in studying abroad in order to improve your language skills or to explore a new culture, here are some tips I have learned as I anticipate my trip.

1) The internet is your friend!  There are tons of other blogs and websites offering advice for when to buy plane tickets (think early morning), what to pack to save space, and to answer just about any question you can think of.  Also, if you are buying gear or trying a budget airline, reviews can help you pick the best option for you.
2) Don't underestimate the power of persistence and a smile.  As I have worked with my college's business and financial aid offices, I have learned that politeness - even cultivating a real friendship - can save you a lot of stress.  Don't get me wrong - this hasn't been the easiest process!  But things run much smoother and quicker if the people you are asking for help actually like you.
3) Don't procrastinate!  Find out months in advance if you will need a visa, or if you need to apply for a US passport.  Expediting these things gets very expensive, so save yourself the trouble by starting the process early.  This doesn't necessarily apply to airfare: for some destinations, waiting until 5-6 weeks out will net you the best deal.
4) Details are important, but so is flexibility.  Finding out where you will stay and how you will get there is important, and not something you want to find out last-minute!  However, leaving yourself some space in your budget and schedule to explore places and things your new friends discover is great.  Also, this kind of attitude (hopefully!) makes it easier to cope with unexpected changes if and when they occur.

I think that's it for now!  As I begin this adventure, expect fewer posts with my bizarre excuse for advice and more stories and pictures :)