The semester may be winding down for some of us. Seniors have purchased their cap and gowns awaiting the day that they can walk across the stage and shake Prez Ono’s hand (& take a selfie- of course). Freshmen are getting ready to pack up their things from their tiny closets (oops I meant dorms). However, some of us, myself included, are getting ready to embark on a completely different journey: study abroad.
Studying abroad is an unbelievably inspirational life experience and I can say this, as somebody who spent this past summer in Guatemala (AMAZING!). This is a time where you create unforgettable moments, form new friendships, experience great memories and have the chance to learn more about who you truly are (as cliché as it sounds-it’s true).
So if you’re interested in this exciting chance to experience what is out there, but aren’t sure where to start, I am going to share some tips that you should definitely keep in mind when studying abroad:
1. Don’t Overpack
This is especially hard for us ladies. We want to pack as many cute and flirty outfits, headbands, jewelry, makeup bags and shoes as possible. The truth is: don’t do it because half the time you don’t wear most of it. My advice is to pack many light, plain and breathable shirts but just a few shorts/pants/jeans because you can always mix and match your shirts with the same pair of jeans or shorts. If you are anything like me and plan to bring souvenirs home for yourself or your friends and family, you are definitely going to need room in your suitcase to fit everything. It is VERY hard to try to fit an massive amount of souvenirs in an already stuffed suitcase. For those who want to pack their favorite shampoo that makes your hair smell like coconuts and flowers, leave it at home too! Many places overseas has grocery stores and places where you can buy things like toothpaste, shampoo, body wash and other toiletries.
2. Try to speak the native language (no matter how stupid you think you sound)
I totally understand the feeling of going to another country and feeling like a complete idiot when trying to ask for directions or where to catch the next bus. You almost always end up playing a hopeless game of charades with some random person. However, the locals really do appreciate it when you at least put forward the effort and speak the native language. They are willing to help you and you end up learning of more common ways to ask for something. This also can make a great story for telling your friends when you return home.
3. Don’t Fall in Love
How many of us dream of having that perfect Lizzie McGuire scene when studying abroad? Well not to be a buzz-kill but don’t study abroad in hopes of falling in love. This may not be the best choice. In a blink of an eye, you will be back on a plane on your way home. You will want to leave with fun memories of hiking ancient ruins and exploring the city’s nightlife, not with the “shoulda, coulda, woulda” sadness because you are leaving your ‘study abroad fling’.
4. Party Hard but Study Harder
Yes, your teachers will say “Don’t let the temptation of partying and drinking until the sun comes up make you forget about the reason you studied abroad in the first place: school.” Sure…that may be true but let’s be honest: you are going to a different country and you want to party, drink and have fun. Just be sure that you always have a friend (or 2) with you and you aren’t drawing too much attention to yourself. Set 9 different alarms for the next morning to get you up for class if you have a late late night.
5. Learn how to Bargain
As I mentioned before, one of the best things about traveling is the shopping! You can find great deals on all most everything but the key to save money is BARGAINING. You have to be able to talk people into giving you that gorgeous necklace you want for $10-20 less. Don’t feel bad, most of the time, local venders and retailers will raise their prices when they know that you are a foreigner. You just have to be stern and persistence with your asking price. If they don’t want to sell you something for the price you want: simply walk away. I guarantee that you can find that exact item for less somewhere else.
6. Be adventurous!
The point of studying abroad is to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Get out there and do the things you would least expect yourself to do! Who knows, you may find your new hobby or favorite dessert? Be open minded. Try new foods, listen to the local music & dance, do some cool adventurous activities like skydiving, or hiking.