Studying abroad. It’s what every student dreams of. We can’t wait to bury our toes in the Australian sand or run our hands along the pyramids in Egypt. If you’re not careful, however, you might find yourself regretting any opportunities you may have missed in your country of choice as you fly back home. Thankfully, we’ve comprised a list of five things you can do to guarantee you make the most of your trip abroad.
1. Hang out with the people in your program
Although it may seem like a daunting task to introduce yourself to people you’ve never met before, just remember that everyone is on the same boat. You’re all about to head off onto the journey of your lifetimes and are looking for someone to share all the amazing—and sometimes terrifying—moments with.
2. Go exploring
No matter where you go, every country has an endless list of unique activities to offer. Bask in the sun of Santorini, listen to the street music in Barcelona, or watch the sun rise over the hills in Dublin. Choose a day to let yourself get lost and explore everything your new home has to offer.
3. Try local foods
Whether it be escargot (snails), nakji (whole, raw octopus), or thousand year old eggs (eggs that have been preserved for several months), local delicacies are always worth trying. Though some may sound scary or unappealing, remember that your trip abroad may be your only chance to try some of these dishes. Who knows, you might even find yourself craving a slice of blood sausage when you get back home.
4. Get out of your comfort zone
Cliff diving in Australia, riding a camel in Morocco, dancing in Rio’s Carnival. No matter what you choose to do abroad, make sure it’s unforgettable. Who knows when you’ll get a chance to travel the world again, so be sure you make the most of your experience while you’re still there.
5. Get to know the locals
Nobody knows a country better than the people who live there. Try befriending some of the locals you meet to get inside tips on where to go to make your experience abroad something you’ll never forget.