How Studying Abroad Can Expand Your Travel Opportunities and Open Doors to European Adventures

Marisa never imagined that her study abroad experience would fulfill a lifelong desire to travel. Ending a long-term relationship and making the decision to step outside her comfort zone opened the door to a world of experiences across Europe, sparking the confidence to explore new cultures and landscapes. Now, she's eager to share the lessons she learned and offer practical tips to help others take that leap into European travel, no matter their starting point.

1- Q: Did you have any fears or concerns before you started traveling?

A: By the time I left for my trip, I had thoroughly researched everything and felt well-prepared. The structured nature of the UT Knoxville study abroad program gave me confidence, so any initial fears or concerns had faded by the time I was ready to go.

2 - Q: Was there anything surprising you learned about yourself during your travels?

A. When I set off on this trip, I was a little concerned about constantly being around others, especially with so many group activities planned. I’ve always known I enjoy socializing, but I also need solo time to recharge. To my surprise, I found that I really enjoyed the company of the twenty people on the trip, and we all had a blast participating in the activities together. There was one moment when I started to feel a bit overwhelmed by the non-stop socializing and packed schedule, but I simply took a break, went for a walk, and grabbed a coffee alone. That little reset was all I needed. It reminded me that it's okay to carve out time for myself, even in the midst of a group adventure.

3 - Q: During your study abroad in Sweden, you had the chance to visit four countries—Sweden, Hungary, France, and England. Which place was your favorite?

A: Without a doubt, Budapest, Hungary! It felt so unique, and I was really proud of myself for planning the trip. Our lead instructor encouraged us to explore outside of Sweden on the weekends, so before I even left, I researched where to go. Budapest stood out to me after reading various backpacker forums, which praised its safety and how common English was there.

Originally, it was just me and two other students planning to go, but when a few others heard about the trip, they booked flights and joined us. It turned out to be incredibly affordable! I remember buying a Coke Lite for 100 Hungarian Forints and realizing with a currency converter that it was only about $0.20. We also did a two-hour cruise along the Danube River for just $20 US, which included unlimited drinks.

Another highlight from my study abroad experience was our class trip to the ABBA Museum in Stockholm. I’ve always been a huge fan, especially because of the Mamma Mia! movies, so visiting the museum was a special experience.

4 - Q: Did you encounter any challenges or unexpected situations during your travel?

A: Definitely! One of the biggest challenges was navigating the local transportation system. Our trip leader gave us a quick rundown on how to use the trains and buses and provided us with travel cards. But when it came to meeting at specific locations, it was up to us to figure out how to get there using the train system. There were a couple of times when we found ourselves heading in the wrong direction! Luckily, we just hopped off, turned around, and got back on track.

There was also this one time we decided to try and sit in the first-class section of the train. As we were riding, they announced that ticket checks were about to start. Realizing our mistake, we quickly hopped off the train and reboarded in the correct train car. If anyone had questioned us, we were ready to play the “confused tourist” card!

5 -Q: How did you budget and save for your trip?

A: Since the trip was planned well in advance and we knew the costs for the school program and transportation, I had time to prepare. I started by asking for contributions toward my trip for birthday and Christmas gifts. Since it was part of my education, my family was also supportive and helped cover some of the expenses.

6 - Q: Were there any cultural differences that surprised you?

A: While I wasn't necessarily surprised, our lead travel guide shared some valuable insights about how Americans can sometimes be perceived abroad. She pointed out that we tend to come across as loud and take up more space than is typical in countries like Sweden. She offered great advice on how to blend in better with the local culture. For example, she recommended being mindful of our volume on public transportation, avoiding things like walking three people wide on sidewalks, and not talking on the phone in public. These small adjustments really helped us fit in and respect Swedish customs.

7 - Q: What advice would you give someone hesitant about taking their first trip?

A: If you’re feeling uncertain about taking your first trip, the best advice is to have a solid plan in place. You don’t need to map out every minute of every day, but it’s helpful to know your “must-do” activities and plan the days you'll accomplish those. Leave room for spontaneity—some of the best travel moments come from exploring something unexpected that catches your interest. Being prepared but open to adventure is a great balance that can make your first trip exciting and memorable.

8 - Q. How did you stay connected with friends and family while abroad?

A: During my time in Europe, I made sure to stay in touch with friends and family by utilizing my Verizon phone service. I opted for their international phone plan, which cost around $100 for the month I was traveling. This gave me peace of mind, knowing I could easily call or message whenever I needed to.

9 - Q: Were there any apps or websites that helped during your travels?

A: Absolutely! I used Rome2Rio to easily figure out which trains to take and when, making transportation a breeze. We also relied on Skyscanner to track and find affordable flights, which saved us quite a bit on airfare. Additionally, I used a currency converter app to keep track of exchange rates and ensure I knew exactly how much I was paying in local currencies. These tools were essential for making our trip smoother and more cost-efficient!

10 - Q: Where are your next dream travel destinations?

A: I'm eager to explore Croatia, Italy, and Greece, each offering its own unique charm and culture. Additionally, I’d love to return to Sweden and also to spend more time discovering the city of London. Each of these destinations holds a special allure, promising unforgettable experiences and new adventures.

11 - Q. What are some final memorable moments from your trip?

A: After wrapping up the Study Abroad Program, I met my family in Paris. Navigating the flight to Paris, clearing customs, and catching the train to reunite with them was quite the adventure. During the Parisian stay, we made sure to visit Disneyland Paris, we also decided to take a day trip to London. We found an affordable flight and booked a hop-on, hop-off tour to simplify transportation—making for a fantastic day exploring the city.

Our program was based in Uppsala, Sweden. We had the opportunity to visit a Swedish influencer pop-up shop and immerse ourselves in the local culture. One of my favorite Swedish traditions is "Fika," a daily afternoon break when people gather to enjoy coffee and a sweet treat, whether at schools, offices, or businesses.

On a lighter note, I discovered that Sweden doesn’t carry Diet Coke—Coke Lite just doesn’t compare!

And, of course, my love for waffle makers remains strong—there’s something incredibly comforting about a perfectly crisp waffle!  “Waffle maker is on my ‘Love List’.”

Conclusion: Embracing the mindset of saying "Yes, I will travel" can open doors to incredible experiences and personal growth. With just a little planning and the right technology, even a hesitant traveler can confidently explore the world. Whether it’s booking a flight, finding accommodations, or navigating unfamiliar streets, modern tools make travel more accessible than ever. By taking that first leap and trusting the journey, anyone can discover the joy, connection, and adventure that travel brings. So why wait? Say yes and let the world unfold before you.

Key take-aways from Marisa:

1. You can ask family to support your travel desires by gift cards or money for birthdays or Christmas presents.

2. Europe is so easy to navigate, it was great to be able to visit more than one country on the trip.

You can follow Marisa's adventures on Instagram @marisachapman.