Ok, so it's not really 50. And to be honest, it's not that easy. But let's just say if you can apply for colleges, you can apply for study abroad. One of the reasons I chose to attend Trinity was because of its study abroad program. Or really, lack of a defined study abroad program. Trinity's program is pretty darn cool because they let you choose any other program around the country, or the world, to study with. Does UT have an amazing business program in China? You can go with them. Do you want to study the terrible outbreak of facial tumors in Tasmanian devils in Australia? Go ahead (my friend Carrie just did). Jacobean Shakespeare at the Globe? Check. In fact, that last option is a course I will be studying next semester. How does this all happen? Read on for a crash course in how to go to the destination of your dreams:

You don't even have to know where you want to study when you start searching. At the very least, know where you don't want to study. I had Asia, Africa, and eastern Europe crossed off my list. Think of where you would like to at least visit while you are studying (I knew I wanted to see France and Greece, but not live there for six months). Then think of what really wouldn't be possible with your classes (most people go sometime in their junior year, so you will most likely want to take something that works for your major). I went to the study abroad website, http://www.trinity.edu/departments/study_abroad/ , and checked out the possible programs I could go with. I originally had Chile, Spain, Italy and England on my list. I really liked the idea of going to a non-English speaking country and learning an entirely new culture. I later crossed off Spanish- speaking countries, because I thought I'd go for a whole new language. But then I realized getting closer to the time when I needed to be seriously picking my destination that, hello! I'm a newly declared English major and Drama minor! My favorite things in the world is theatre and literature, so where else in the world would I go but the epicenter of both of these things- London.

Your next step is to visit the Study Abroad office. If you are like me, you probably have a pretty good idea of the places you would like to go. Know when it is that you want to go (fall or spring). Also, if you are like me, you will take one of every relevant-looking brochure for the country you want to go to. These are really helpful. You narrow down what you want, and what you don't. Take classes from the program, or study at a university? Do you want the program to offer trips to other countries or regions? Is airfare included? Most importantly, how much does the trip cost? Your financial aid transfers to your study abroad program, but that you need to work out with your financial aid officer. And above all else, don't forget to talk about all of this with your chief financial aid officer- your parents. I was obsessed with the idea of studying abroad since I got to Trinity. I couldn't wait until I was a Junior. And I made sure my parents knew this. Of course, they had their healthy skepticism. But I was persistant. I made all of the decisions, did all of the applying, and made all of the appointments myself. It showed how much I wanted to this.

You will have several visits with the Study Abroad coordinators, where you pick your program, learn important information, and are guided through the application process. You apply very early and hear back late. It's nerve-racking, but as they tell you (and you will surely ignore this), if everything is in order, you will get in. Heck, you are at Trinity. You can do it.

And here I am, leaving for the airport in exactly, to this hour, in two days, on New Year's Day. I am so incredibly nervous and excited. I've never even been out of the country! So, kind readers, have mercy on me when you hear my first harrowing account of riding the tube, or trying to figure out how to navigate a Greek airport. Be sure to check back on this entry from time to time, I'm sure to update it with more relevant information as I think of it. Wish me luck!