Everyone always told me I had to study abroad in college. They told me it was an “invaluable” experience, that it would “change” my perspective on the world and “open” my eyes to a new culture. Those people were one hundred percent right. After giving in to the pressure, I too joined the thousands of American college students who embark on a study abroad experience with the hopes of coming back a new, cultured, and open-minded human being. Along the way, I came to realize that there were a few milestones that every European bound American college student had to hit while they were on their adventure to the other side of the world.

1. Learn to navigate public transportation. When we turn 16 in America we usually get a license and a car. But then we go to Europe and suddenly we’re stranded on a tram, gripping our backpack tightly to our chest as we watch out for pickpocketers. Next thing we know we’re lost on the outskirts of the city where no one speaks a word of English. But we pull ourselves together, gather our senses and navigate a transit schedule. With great success we eventually make it back to our home base, where we celebrate because a 25 minute walk took us 2 hours by vehicle, but is successful simply because we made it all by ourselves.

2. Drink before you turn 21. This is the item on the study abroad to-do list that creates the stereotype of the stupid, loud American. Young adults just a year or two shy of 21 are able to purchase cocktails and six packs without worrying about using a fake ID or sneaking in the back door. Not only that, but some countries even let you drink out in public. Drinking beer while you get lost on public transportation or walk 4 miles to a club, what could be better than that?

3. Smoke pot in Amsterdam. It’s legal and it seems even the most drug resistant of Americans can’t deny the tempting allure of smoking marijuana without restriction inside of a coffee shop. Even non-smokers make Holland a necessary part of their European itinerary.

4. Sleep in a hostel with strangers. Oftentimes these are people who would probably make you fear for your life if you were in the states. It might be a group of rowdy Australians or a lone stranger who keeps to himself. They might smell like they haven’t showered in 2 months or maybe they are a couple who doesn’t think twice about hooking up in the bunk right above you. Needless to say, no one leaves a hostel without a story to tell.

5. Sign up for a pub crawl. Only 20 Euros and you get the opportunity to bar hop with a tour guide all night long. If you spent a semester studying abroad in Europe, chances are at least once you were talked into one of these by a very friendly spokesperson who preys on American tourists in piazzas and at monuments. They offer you a colorful brochure and the promise that they are the only people who can really show you a good time tonight. The pub crawl is a fantastic chance to meet other English speaking tourists who are interested in blacking out and getting the free souvenir t-shirt.

6. Fall in love with a foreigner. Whether it be for a night or a semester, chances are some foreigner will catch your eye. Everyone expects you to fall in love or lust during your time abroad. You never know who will catch your eye, it could be a tour guide from down under or a cheesy Italian with a rose.

7. Find American food to console you. It could be Starbuck’s in Germany or a McDonald’s in Rome. Perhaps chicken wings at Hooter’s in Switzerland or a cheeseburger at Hard Rock Café. There are just times when a Panini won’t cut it or you would do anything for a scoop of Jif peanut butter. Those are desperate times, thank goodness for globalization.

8. Experience reverse culture shock. As much as we may be ready to come back home, a part of us will always long for the European lifestyle. We come home and realize, that maybe America isn’t the omnipotent know-it-all trendsetter we thought it was. Maybe we shouldn’t supersize our fries or wear gym clothes to work. There might be something to say about portion control and style. Not to mention a reliance on more traditional ways and the humbling experience of being the minority.

Every American college student should study abroad – it is an invaluable experience that will change their perspective on the world and open their eyes to a new culture.