Preparing for year-long study abroad in London+trips around Europe

Congratulations! What a wonderful opportunity!

Regarding the language barrier: you should be fine. English is the lingua franca for much of Europe. But it's good to know at least some basic phrases in the language of the coutry you are visiting. Even if you bungle it, it's usually appreciated, especially places where most people don't even try. In some countries, English may not be that widely spoken, but you can still get by with some patience and good will. And it's amazing how helpful strangers can be. I remember standing in front of a metro ticket vending machine (I don't remember where) completely confused by the number of coin slots and buttons with no English instructions. A man, who seemed to be in a hurry, stopped, pointed to the coin in my hand, then to one of the many slots, then to the appropriate button, and then sped away. If he hadn't stopped, I might still be standing there. But that's the point, there's always someone willing to help.

Good luck and have a great time!

Young travelers should find lots of useful information in the LET'S GO series of books on travel. With a backpack, a towel, and a padlock, you can stay at many of the hostels throughout Europe. You'll find people from all countries in hostels, save money, and maybe make new friends. Get a phrase book that includes languages you will be using. It can help a lot. Your English and Spanish will be most useful.

You should absolutely plan on traveling solo! I spent six months studying in Germany when I was 19. I did some trips with friends. I had a huge trip to Greece planned with some friends, but our plans got confused and I ended up traveling on my own through Greece. It gave me the courage to do more solo travel when I found that I wanted to go to some places that others weren't interested in. I encourage you to stay in hostels. You will find new friends.

Also, reach to your friends in the US to see if they have friends in Europed to visit! I visited friends of friends in Greece and a former AFS student in Austria. I also stayed with a friend's friend in Strasbourg.

Have a great year. You'll rememeber it always and what you learn and see and experience will shape who you become.

Pam

My nephew did a long semester in London last year, and did weekends and Easter break trips. He LOVED it. He took a small "school type" backpack ( I don't know the brand) for the weekend trips. Don't worry about the language- pharase books are a good idea. Other students your age will be glad to assist- that's what he found. He mostly stayed in hostles and had a good time meeting people. ENJOY!!!! The travel will be a good part of your "education".

Hello Hameto. I recommend : buy the book "Rick Steves' EUROPE THROUGH THE BACK DOOR" (2009). The first half of the book is how to travel in Europe.
And, buy the book "Rick Steve's ENGLAND 2009".

Hameto,

I travelled around Europe for 7 months with only a backpack, and it was plenty. As I travelled, I shed some of the older worn out clothes and pick up a few new ones. If you're going to be moving around a lot, with luggage in tow, multiple bags are a pain. On the other hand, if you can leave your larger bag at your base location while you travel with the smaller one that could be workable. Can't comment on the specific bag or size you're focusing on.

I agree with others that you should not worry about language barriers - they're fewer and fewer all the time, and Europeans are very helpful as long as you make an effort to meet them part way (and some don't really care about that). No problem travelling solo; great way to meet the local folks, which might prove to be the highlight of your experience.

Have a great time - you're very lucky!