DO IT – I tried to find a reason to not study abroad and honestly there isn’t one! If money is the problem then study at a Loyola Campus and it is the same price as the campus in Chicago. If time is the issue than study in the summer. I know there might be some issues with study abroad but I recommend it to everyone, it was the best experience I have had in college!

Travel in Small Groups – Everyone wants to have there own experience the problem with this is that when you try to travel in big groups those peoples wishes tend to interfere with your own. The solution to this is easy! You do not need to go to Florence for a weekend with 20 people, while everyone wants to go to the same places they want to see different things and it is very difficult to do a lot of things when waiting on 20 people. The best number is three!

Stick to the Unbeaten Path – There is so many places to see that the tourist books do not talk about and it is up to you to explore and find them. Ask locals, talk to professors, and most importantly do not be afraid of getting lost. These are the things that give the best experiences.

Take the “ON-SITE” Classes – When you study abroad some of the classes will be listed specifically as “on-site”, these are the most important classes to take because not only do you learn the most but you learn in the places you are learning about. I mean seriously who would be better to get a tour of the Vatican from, your professor who has a PHD in Theology, or a tour guide who learned from a manual?

GET UP EARLY – Have you ever wanted to get your own post card pictures? The best time to see a city is when the tourists are not existent. This is why I suggest to everyone that you go out at least once and visit the attractions before everyone else gets up. You will get a completely different experience which cannot be replaced by any others.