Tayla and classmates at the Cliffs of Moher
You’ve likely heard it before: “Studying abroad will change your life.” However, I vividly remember spending the first two years of my college experience debating whether studying abroad would be the right move for me. This would be my first time independently traveling—let alone my first time out of the country—and the longest time I had spent away from home. Despite my nerves, I applied to study abroad through the Ross Global Initiatives Office at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
When I set off for the semester-long exchange in Paris, it became clear that I had made the right decision. My initial anxieties were precisely why every day overseas became an opportunity for growth, connection, and discovery. Studying abroad wasn’t just an academic adventure, but a chance to become a more confident, adaptable, and globally-minded version of myself. My college experience was unequivocally improved by stretching beyond my comfort zone in Michigan. Looking back almost a year later, I cannot imagine my time in college without having made the jump to go somewhere new.
Eiffel Tower
CHOOSING WHERE TO STUDY
When studying abroad through Ross, students have a unique opportunity: BBA students have a block in their junior winter semester, with no required courses, allowing them to study abroad if they choose. In addition, the in-house Global Initiatives Office streamlines the process, making it possible for BBA students to study abroad directly through Ross, eliminating the need for a third-party, study-abroad company. Ross partners with 40+ top-ranked universities across the globe, offering the opportunity for Michigan Ross students to travel to a partner school for a semester.
The application process requires students to rank their top eight preferred universities, with a wide range of information made available to students to help them make the best decision. Some of this information included: the average cost of living, each university’s distance to the next largest city, cultural norms of each host country, and course lists for each university. Choosing the “right” destination can feel daunting, but the key is to think deeply about what you want out of your time abroad.
I recall having my sights set on Australia in my freshman year—picturing myself scuba diving and exploring the immense natural beauty it offers. Through conversations with mentors, friends, and family, however, I realized that I was more drawn to Europe—as I had come to understand that the ability to travel through different countries with ease was something I deeply prioritized. I ranked universities in Spain, France, and the Czech Republic—wanting to be somewhere that was not only centrally located but also affordable. For me, the university’s “prestige” was not something I weighted heavily, as I knew the education would be comparable across all my options.
Once I was matched with Paris, it stood out for its vibrant city life, rich history, and proximity to other countries—serving as a gateway to the rest of Europe. Here’s my advice: If you’re considering your options, think about your goals first: Are you looking for a big city or a quieter town? How much do you value travel flexibility? What culture do you want to immerse yourself? It should be a decision made purely for yourself and based on what you want out of the experience—if you follow that, you can’t go wrong.
Tayla at the Hall of Mirrors
TURNING CONCERNS INTO CONFIDENCE
When I first told my parents I wanted to spend a semester abroad, their reactions were mixed. They were excited for me, but also understandably hesitant. Questions started flying: “Is it safe? How will you manage everything on your own? Where will you live? What if something goes wrong?” Their concerns were all valid, and addressing them took time, research, and open communication. The Ross Global Initiatives office describes the semester exchange program as an “independent” journey—which furthered the importance of being organized and approaching the topic in a way that showcased the learning opportunities and benefits of such an experience.
Some of the most effective and nerve-easing things I did throughout the process were starting preparation early and involving my parents in the entire process. From the moment I began researching study abroad programs, I made sure to involve my parents in the process. Sharing details about how Ross’ Global Initiatives office supports students—helping with everything from course selection to housing recommendations—showed them that I wasn’t diving into this unprepared. I walked them through my choice of ESSEC International Business School and explained how it fit into my academic and career goals. When it came to securing housing, I researched safe neighborhoods in Paris and consulted former students who had been through the program. Each step helped build their confidence that I would be well-supported and safe.
In addition, it’s important to highlight the growth opportunities available through the experience of studying abroad in another country. What ultimately helped shift their perspective was explaining how this experience would prepare me for the real world. Studying abroad wasn’t just an academic opportunity—it was a chance to build independence, resilience, and cultural intelligence. I reminded them that I’d be managing everything on my own: budgeting, cooking, traveling, and navigating a foreign city. These skills are hard to teach in a classroom, and the confidence that comes from learning them firsthand is unmatched.
Adjusting to life in a new country can be exhilarating, but culture shock is real. It doesn’t always feel like “culture shock” in the traditional way we learn about it in classes. For me, it felt like my typical daily activities were a bit more nerve-wracking, like ordering food, navigating public transportation, or even finding items in the grocery store. Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to say there’s an easier way to combat it, the best solution is to face it head-on. I found myself easing into the change at first, going to restaurants in more heavily tourist-dominated areas that I knew could most likely speak English, or taking extra-long in the grocery store to avoid asking for help. However, looking back, doing that only made the transition harder— if I had been more confident going in and simply “leaping,” I would have had an easier and faster transition.
FINANCING YOUR SEMESTER ABROAD
One of the most important—and most stressful—aspects of preparing for abroad is budgeting. Costs can add up quickly—especially if you are planning to travel while you’re abroad—so it’s important to have a plan before getting on your flight.
The most beneficial thing I did was to create a budget sheet to keep track of my typical spending and to know what is coming in, and going out, of my bank account. For me, this was easiest to create in an Excel document, which I have included a template for here. Making a note to update this weekly will be optimal to make sure you are almost “hyper-aware” of how much you are spending and where you need to be conscious.
To access Tayla’s overseas study abroad budget spreadsheet, click here.
Here are some other tips I have for you before and during abroad are the following:
1. Apply for Scholarships and Grants: Many universities, including here at Ross, offer scholarships specifically for studying abroad. I made an effort to apply to as many as I was eligible for beginning as soon as I learned I was accepted into the abroad program. Big or small, these additional funds can help offset some of the major costs like your round-trip flight, your rent, or even school supplies.
2. Living Like a Local: To save money when in your home country, cook meals at home instead of dining out. In my case, especially in Europe, Parisian markets were a great place to buy fresh produce and baked goods at a reasonable price, and cooking became a fun part of my weekly routine. In addition, try to find housing either on-campus at your host school or in an area more affordable in the city—specifically somewhere that might offer short-term leases.
3. Tourist Discounts: Student discounts are everywhere while abroad! From student discounts on transportation to museum passes, there are many ways to save. Many students invest in an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which offers discounts at countless locations. In addition, many tourist attractions accept your home university’s student ID (in my case, my Michigan student ID) for free or discounted admission.
