St. Lawrence’s abroad experiences are very unique compared to most schools in the United States because of the accessibility. Students who travel through St. Lawrence programs often travel with their classmates and friends and work with a St. Lawrence Professor. This makes us readily prepared for the obstacles that will be thrown our way while we are abroad because we have people who come from the same exact place as us to help guide and navigate our way through the host country. However, before embarking on your trip, consider these few tips to make your experience as full and adventurous as possible.
Don’t always navigate using your phone
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We have all become masters at planning since our phones have literally hundreds of apps to help us get through our day. Don’t always rely on Yelp for the best restaurants or clubs, and don’t stare at your google maps when you have plenty of time to get somewhere just to get there faster. Ask people from your host country directions, and ask them for advice! The best experiences you will have are ones that people from your host country introduced you to.
Send postcards
- This will become special down the road. Although it can be a little extra time to send a postcard, that instagram is eventually going to disappear down into old photos. Plus, your grandparents can’t see it! Older people really appreciate handwritten evidence of your journeys. Take the time to make them happy! They would have loved to have the travel privileges we do now.
Wander into the uncomfortable (but not the unsafe)
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In cities things often feel rushed and timely. Don’t let the busyness interfere with your ability to wander. In a foreign country you can learn so much from just observing a different culture. Wander into areas you are unsure about either with friends or alone and get to know the history of such spaces.
Learn the language, and actually try and use it
- Locals love it, and it shows that you’re trying! Plus when you come back it’s impressive to peers that you actually put the extra effort in and have something valuable to take away from your host country
Put snapchat away and take in your surroundings
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You are far away. Your friends and family miss you but please enjoy every second you’re there. The phone is a blessing for us travellers nowadays, but it can also be a curse. Stop yourself from always attaching to the Wifi at places until you absolutely need it and enjoy yourself. Everyone you’re not with wants to see the images you captured of the places you went to, not you latest puppy selfie.
Invite other people from the host country or from other American Universities
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This can be extremely hard and awkward at first. But once you go abroad it’s like a mini intro into adulthood. Go out of your way to meet and bond with other people who aren’t laurentians. You can learn a lot from them and create lasting friendships. There are so many different perspectives than those we get from SLU, and it’s important to find people with no connection to you and learn from them.