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| Study Abroad: Making the Most of It! Posted: 24 Jul 2011 06:11 AM PDT By: Brittany Reed Follow me @brittanyareed You're getting off the plane and before you lies the summer of your dreams… what are you going to do first?! In this post I'll talk about the things you can do to make sure you are milking study abroad for all it's worth. During your trip, you're going to have so many options before you; and since you can't split yourself into seven pieces (who loved the last HP?!?!), I will offer tips that will hopefully help you make the most advantageous decisions. You've decided to study abroad for a reason; perhaps it's about trying something new, independence, learning, or adventure. Whatever the motivation, stick true to your focus when planning your time outside of class. While I was abroad, I had the mentality that I was free to do all the things I've always wanted to do, and be the person I've always wanted to be, without any input from anyone else. It was liberating, however, I wasn't able to do everything I wanted– I ran out of time! So, because I'm a huge dork I will say this– make a list of all the things you really want to accomplish, keeping in mind that some things are more important than others. When you're with a group of people and someone suggests going canoeing through caves, go! But be sure that you strike off the things on your own list too.
They don’t have views like this in Kansas… While you're out conquering the world, remember to monitor your spending. You know how bad being broke sucks at home? It's about 30x worse in other countries. Do all that you can; but don't spend all your money in the first week! It just adds unneeded, unsolicited, and unhappy stress. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a loose budget where you know how much you want to spend on food, shopping, and other activities like museums, shows, and biking through the countryside. I do NOT recommend that you hole yourself in your room the whole time. Adjusting to living away from your friends and family in a foreign country is not an easy thing to do. Isolating yourself will only make the transition more difficult; and, you don't want to miss out on all the happenings around you! Before long you'll be so thoroughly acclimated you'll think it's weird that drive thru's even exist! (well, sort of… )
There are other aspects you might not consider when making the most of your trip: keeping your belongings safe, and preventing homesickness. It's very likely that the locals will be able to spot you out pretty easily as an American tourist (I don't know if it will be the GA bulldogs T-shirt, camera, or how loudly you're speaking English that gives it away, though). When you're out and about, be aware of your surroundings. Stick close to your pack, but if you're a lone wolf, keep your belongings zipped up and close to your person. When you're eating at a restaurant, keep your purse in your lap. Even if you're in an area you frequent, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings; you're pick-pocketed when you're most comfortable and relaxed. By no means am I trying to make you paranoid or saying to be suspicious of everyone around you; I'm just suggesting that you be extra alert. Oh yeah, and by all means, NEVER EVER EVER EVER CARRY YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOU unless you are on your way to or from the airport.
You also want to be careful of where you keep your valuable belongings (computer, camera, jewelry) within your room. I like to keep mine in odd places that aren't obvious. Generally speaking, as long as you don't leave everything lying out, you probably won't need to worry about anything walking out on you. When it comes to borrowing from others and lending out your belongings follow the same rules you did in the dorm or sorority house– be sure to return any borrowed items, and don't be afraid to ask for your own belongings back. How often should you talk to the parents? Everyone's relationship with his or her parents is a little different… I think I skyped with my parents at an average of once every two weeks or so; my boyfriend and I skyped almost every day (unless I was travelling to other places in Italy). I found that emailing was the best way to keep in touch with friends and family. First of all, you don't have to coordinate times to meet or have to deal with the frustration of international Internet connections (honestly, I don't know how they function over there). However, there is something comforting about being able to see your loved ones' faces. Thoughts?I hope I covered everything! Are there any folks out there who have their own advice to offer? Custom Field Photo Credit |
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