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How to fully enjoy your study & stay abroad?

7 WAYS TO FULLY ENJOY YOUR SEMESTER ABROAD

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to explore new places and immerse yourself in new cultures. It’s also a fantastic chance to learn more about yourself, seize new adventures and have new experiences. Here are 7 tips to get the most out of your semester abroad!

1. GET TO KNOW YOUR HOST CITY

Whilst traveling to different places is fun, it’s also worth spending some time getting to know your host city. Not only is it the city you’ll be spending most of your time in, but it will also be a much more memorable and rewarding experience if you do. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the language, the culture, food and to make connections with the locals.

2. KEEP A JOURNAL

Keeping a journal is a fantastic way to document your time and experiences during your study abroad. It will help you to remember specific details and events more clearly in the future, as well as afford you the opportunity to be honest and capture your feelings and emotions more accurately. A journal will allow you to record special moments and memories that you can cherish in years to come. You can also add photographs to your journal or even create a blog to document your time.

3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS

Although it can be intimidating or even frightening to try new things, your time studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity for you to get out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges and experiences.

“Give new experiences and opportunities a go,” suggests David Anderson, a business writer at State of writing and Boom essays. “Try new foods, experiment with different types of clothing or even try new activities you may not have done in the past. Ultimately, it will widen your experience and allow you to have a more fulfilling time.”

4. DO SOME RESEARCH BEFORE TRAVELING

Whilst being spontaneous is fun, it can also be worthwhile to spend some time doing research and planning before you travel. Spend time researching your host city so that you don’t miss out on local celebrations or events. Similarly, if you’re planning on visiting other countries or areas, research alternative travel options or hostels to stay in. A little research can help you to save money, whilst also making sure that you can organize your time more effectively.

5. CREATE A REALISTIC BUDGET

Traveling can be expensive, especially when you are a full-time student. Make sure that you create a realistic budget before traveling abroad. Not only will this help you to ensure you have enough money for all your necessary daily expenses, but it will also help you to set some money aside for trips and spontaneous adventures.

6. TRAVEL ALONE

Whilst traveling with others is fun, taking some time to travel and explore on your own is also important. Although it can be nerve-wracking to travel alone, it also offers you the chance to be more independent and create more meaningful memories.

7. DON’T OVER-PLAN YOUR TRIP

Making plans can be helpful and comforting. Yet, over-planning can mean that you miss out on adventures. Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous and to take the opportunity to have an experience you hadn’t planned for. Over-planning can also lead to unnecessary stress as you try to stick to your timetable. Instead, be flexible and allow yourself some space to readjust your plans and make the most of the surprising opportunities that present themselves.

CONCLUSION

Wherever you go on your study trip abroad, make sure that you maintain a positive and open mindset. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, including taking time to explore safely on your own. Above all, remember that this is a fantastic opportunity to be adventurous and learn more about yourself, as well as your host country.

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What a great opportunity to study abroad!

Studying abroad can be a fun and safe experience but it is important to realize that you are subject to the laws and customs of another country.

  1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
  2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
  3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
  4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
  5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
  6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
  7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
  8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
  9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
  10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.
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Regular Post
Written by Global Studies

How do I prepare for a study abroad trip?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable adventure. Period. But before you can become proficient in the language of your choice, immerse in the local lifestyle, and make memories that will last a lifetime, you need to get ready to travel to another country – and doesn’t just mean getting your passport out and a suitcase ready.

1. Figure out the finances

Before you do anything else, make sure you have enough money to pay for the trip – this also includes the money you’ll spend during your time abroad. (Here are our tips for those of you saving for a gap year experience.) As a rule of thumb, you’ll probably spend more money than you expect. Usually, it’s best to have some cash, in a small denomination, but also a credit card for bigger expenses and longer trips. Inform the credit card company where you’re going and how long you’re staying – that way they won’t block the card once you start your shopping spree.

2. Organize an airport transfer

If you want to make your life easier, let your study abroad adviser organize the transfer from the airport to the residence or the school. If you prefer to find your own driver or take public transport, make sure you research the different options beforehand and download the necessary apps – it will save you a lot of time and energy, especially after a long flight. Once you’re all organized at the destination, remember that you’ll also need a ride to get to the airport before you depart.

3. Cover your insurance needs

Your study abroad adviser will also be a good person to talk to about travel insurance, so take advantage of their knowledge. You should also get in touch with your health insurance provider to see if there’s a special offer that covers you while you’re abroad.

4. Copy important documents

Have digital and paper copies of all of your important documents – passport, insurance, credit card company info – and store them in different places. It’s best to leave a copy at home with your family or friends and have a digital and paper copy with you. The digital version should be somewhere safe but easily accessible, like your email inbox or a cloud server.

5. Research your home away from home

Learning about where you’re going and what you can do and see there is probably the best part about preparing for the trip. You can either buy travel guides or just google away to see what your new home away from home has to offer (we have a lot of travel content you can explore as well). Even though it will be much more fun to look at in real life, getting an overview ahead of time can help you plan any trips and excursions to make the most of your time abroad. Don’t forget to read up on any customs, habits and traditions that will help you feel like a local in no time.

6. Pack (duh!)

First, check the weight and size restrictions of the airline you’re flying with. Then, read our blog posts to make packing a walk in the park. Essentials, an adapter, and a change of clothes are best put in the carry-on bag, in case your luggage is delayed. If you stay in a place for more than a few days, buy toiletries at the destination and only bring travel-size containers for the first shower after you land. Once it’s all packed up, make sure you put a name tag on everything.

7. Pick up a few words in the local language

Since you’re reading this on our blog, it’s probably safe to assume that you’re going to learn a language abroad. But why not prepare a little bit before? Traveling will become much easier if you’re used to the sound of the new language and even know a few sentences in the local language. (Long flights are a perfect way to brush up on some basic vocabulary.)

8. Get any necessary prescriptions

If you regularly take prescription medication or use contact lenses, make sure you either have enough for the whole trip or a prescription that you can fill abroad. (Check with your insurance about the coverage.)

9. Write down important numbers

In the age of mobile phones, we hardly remember any phone numbers – or passwords for that matter. If you go abroad, you might have to get a new phone or log into a computer at school: Make sure you memorize or just write down a few important phone numbers and passwords (or hints to passwords), so you can call and log in without panicking.

10. Figure out the cell phone plan

Depending on how long you’re going to be abroad, it’s worth getting a SIM card at your destination. Before you depart, check with your cell phone provider about roaming costs and data plans, so you won’t get a huge phone bill after you return. You can get (free) Wi-Fi in a lot of places – like the school, your residence, and possibly even public places – but it might be nice to also have a way to be reachable when you’re not near a hotspot.

11. Say hi to your host family

If you’re going to live with a host family or roommates and you have their contact information:  Introduce yourself before you depart! They’ll probably be as curious about you as you are about them, so saying hi will be a nice gesture. Everyone loves presents, so why not score some more brownie points and bring them a little souvenir, which will also act as the perfect ice breaker, from your home country?

12. Be excited

There are so many things to think of and do before you go study abroad, especially if it’s your first trip. But no matter how many times you repack your suitcase, don’t forget to be excited about the unforgettable adventure you’re about to embark on – this is precisely what happy dances were invented for!

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