5 Fun ways to collect memories from your study abroad trip

If you are studying abroad and you have already traveled around the globe, you are probably no stranger to the feeling of having to leave a place before even arriving. It’s as if the phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” becomes your reality when you’re exploring a new country. As nostalgic creatures, we humans tend to hold on to memories so that we can relive experiences over and over again. So here are ways to make your study abroad experience one which you’ll never forget.

1. Writing a journal:
Nothing will remind you more of how you felt and what you thought about in a certain moment, than keeping a daily journal. Whether you jot down your daily activities or choose to reflect on your goals and decisions, writing a diary will allow you to go back and remember situations which you were in.
If you're new to writing and you need a little inspiration to start, there are plenty of ideas on pinterest on how to make your journal fun and exciting. Explore different ways of expressing yourself and get creative.

"Keep a daily diary of your dreams, goals and accomplishments. If your life is worth living, it's worth recording."

A photo posted by Jane Lee (@janethecrazy) on Jul 6, 2016 at 8:17pm PDT

2. Taking photos:

When living abroad, there's probably no better way to let your friends know what you are up to than by sharing a few photos on Facebook or Instagram. Whether you decide to show your photos to the world or keep them private, they are the best way to remind you of sites you’ve visited, people you met and activities you took part in. Choose the medium that you love the most, whether it's with a film camera, Polaroid or a GoPro.

#followmeto Rio with @yourleo. For more photos follow us at Facebook.com/followmeproject

A photo posted by Murad Osmann (@muradosmann) on Aug 6, 2014 at 11:17am PDT

3. Collecting post cards:

It’s always fun to bring home souvenirs from trips around the world. Postcards are especially unique since they allow us to connect to a place through its art. In many art fairs and markets, there’s usually a postcard stand where artists sell their art. Send your family and friends postcards to tell them how you are doing, or collect a few to remind you where you were.

Postcards from 🌎🌍🌏 #travel #travelgram #traveler #postcards #vacay #vacaymode #travellife

A photo posted by @morethanapleasure on Sep 28, 2016 at 6:23am PD

4. Keeping a daily video journal:
Getting a glimpse from your daily life is an amazing way to remember what the atmosphere where you visited, felt like. Apps like 1 second each day let you record a second from your day to put together a video of special events from your trip. At the end of your trip, you'll have a video with your most memorable records.

"There's a lot you can capture in just a second" Check out the NPR's TED RadioHour featuring Cesar Kuriyama as he talks about 1 Second Everything. One of the top podcast's in the world! #1SE #TEDRadioHour #NPR

A photo posted by @1_second_everyday on Aug 22, 2016 at 12:11pm PDT

5. Getting a world map scratch poster:
If you're such a frequent traveler that you can't remember which and how many countries they've been to, a world map scratch poster will help you. It allows you to scratch off the countries which you've visited.

Encore beaucoup à voir. 😏🌍 Et merci à @elisabeth_selles pour le cadeau. ✨ #scratchmap

A photo posted by Anne Sellès (@annslls) on Sep 5, 2015 at 1:53pm PDT

6. Saving wine corks:

As an international student, you'll probably get plenty of chances to go out and party with your friends. Instead of throwing out the cork of the wine bottle that you drank from, keep it as a memory to remind you of your favorite wine in the country you are studying in. Here's a cool example of what you can do with these corks when you get home:

Tired sunflowers. Goodbye summer - hello fall 🍂

A photo posted by KORK (@kork_cph) on Sep 28, 2016 at 6:24am PDT

For more information on studying abroad, contact us: info@gradtrain.com.