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T Minus 9 Days

We've hit the single digits in our countdown, folks! The pressure is on. There's packing to do and people to see and prescriptions to fill. Time is flying.

My life, at this point, is boiling down to lists. Lists of all the events and appointments I have before I leave; of things that somehow remain to be done even after months of paperwork and planning; and of things I want to see, eat, and do in the nine weeks I have in Spain.

Here's what I've learned in the last minute scramble so far:

When you call the number on the back of your credit/debit card to let them know you're going abroad, don't try to figure out the menu they cycle you through.

The automated voice doesn't offer to let you speak to a representative and has no option for going abroad. Instead, it's easier to give the robot the information it wants (generally, your name and card number) and then yell, "I WANT TO SPEAK TO A REPRESENTATIVE," right over its instructions. Other information you'll need includes the last four digits of your social security number, the address with which your cards are associated, the cards' secuirty codes and expiration dates, your dates of travel, and a list of all the countries you expect to visit. If you need any help while abroad, there should be an international help number on the back of your card(s). I highly recommend making two photocopies of your cards- one to leave with your parents and one to take with you- in case of emergency.

Nine days out is still plenty early to fill your prescriptions for 90 days.

Despite what your study abroad advisor will have you believe, the world will not end if it's nine days out and you're still trying to explain to your insurance company that you need your prescriptions filled for ninety days. Getting prescriptions filled just isn't that difficult. But to reduce the stress that comes with preparing to study abroad, I probably would start trying to communicate with your insurance company earlier. Remember that while abroad, you'll want to keep your prescriptions in their original containers that identify the drug, its dosage, and you as the taker.

Sometimes, you just book the bigger room.

My parents are religious followers of our great travel guide, Rick Steves (pronounced, in our house, as "Ricky Stevies" as homage to my parents' first trip to Italy). So naturally, I had to find a hostel recommended by Ricky for my first night in Spain since my dorm room won't yet be available. I chose the Hostal Opera Ramblas based on location and Ricky's descriptions. I was all set when I discovered that there were no single bed rooms available for my night as a homeless foreigner. Unfortunate, but alright. I looked at several other Ricky-Stevies-approved hostels, most of which were more expensive and further away from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, where I'll be taking classes. After several unsuccessful attempts to book a room for just one night, we decided it was easier to just book a double room in the Hostal Opera Ramblas. As a bonus, we used Ricky's discount code (operaramblas) to get 10% off the room!

Your list of things to do (both before you go and while abroad) will probably grow even as you complete things. And that's okay.

You have nine whole weeks to prepare for; you're going to have a lot to do to get ready! But you only have nine weeks there; you're going to have a lot to do in a short amount of time! On both sides, there is so much to do. Don't stress yourself out if your lists seem only to keep growing. At the same time, don't be afraid to listen politely to what others insist must be done and then choose for yourself what is most important.

That's about it for now. This week brings dinners with grandparents, dentist appointments, and some light shopping. I'll start packing soon, so expect another update in a couple days! :D

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