Sweden - Lund

As I wait in the LAX International Lounge for my delayed flight, it has given me time to look back at the last one year at Pepperdine and to think about what lies ahead on my adventure. It should be interesting to say the least since Sweden would have been the last place accessible to my otherwise straight-jacketed life. 

Here are few of the things that worked for me to prepare for an exchange semester abroad.

Working out and then trying to stick to a time-line. The school will provide the initial framework but quite a bit of the research will go in by you. From getting the papers ready (insurance, bank statements, etc.) to buying tickets and arranging for accommodation requires a lot of careful execution. 

Be prepared for the roadblocks. There will be some and they will be unique but things have a way of working out. 

Get your credit cards opened so that they are not blocked if you use them for the second time outside the country. 

Get your phone unlocked so that you can put another sim card in it.

Plan on buying what you would need the most and try to travel light. Since Scandinavia is relatively expensive, have generals with you if you are traveling there. 

Connect with people over Facebook. And if possible try to attend the orientation week as it helps a lot to make friends.

Be open to new experiences and people while traveling.

Will update more in the coming next few months.