Studying abroad was undoubtedly a highlight of my UMass experience. After years of anticipation, I was finally able to make this dream a reality in the spring and summer of my junior year. While my time in Seville and Oxford was equally fulfilling, I realized just how different one study abroad program can be from the next. Based on my first-hand experience, I am going to share some practical advice for those of you who may feel overwhelmed by the process of finding the program that’s right for you.
- Language
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For those eager to improve their abilities in a second language, the setting in which you will be immersed is equally as important as the native language of your host country. For example, I chose to study abroad in Seville with the hopes of practicing my Spanish in a city where English is less widespread. While I was able to practice my Spanish in and around my neighborhood, I found it was easier to interact with locals on visits to larger metropolitan cities. In these settings, my peers, store owners, and restaurant staff appeared more comfortable conversing with non-native speakers in Spanish or responding in English when necessary. Additionally, be sure to do your research and find out if there are other languages and dialects spoken beyond what you have studied. For example, depending on where you are in Spain, natives may speak Basque, Catalan, or Galician.
- Finances
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Studying abroad can be quite expensive, but a little research and planning go a long way in avoiding surprises and uncomfortable situations down the line. The first thing you want to do is start saving as much as you can in preparation for your study abroad program. Next, take the time to reflect on what it is you actually want to spend your money on. While you may be tempted to buy gifts and souvenirs, be sure to set aside money for travel and cultural activities. Ask yourself: is my goal to attend live performances, dine at nice restaurants, explore the nightlife, or travel beyond my host city? In doing so, you can identify your priorities and budget accordingly. Finally, be sure to research the cost of living where you will be staying. If you are planning to study abroad in a notoriously expensive city like London or Tokyo, you may have to operate on a stricter budget or make certain sacrifices with regard to outside travel.
- Academics
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Although you spend a significant amount of time at school, I find that many people put the institution they will be attending as an afterthought in their consideration. Studying abroad is not only the chance to immerse yourself in a new culture but the opportunity to forge academic and professional connections beyond your university. If you are unsure of where you want to study abroad, I encourage you to look into universities that cater to your academic interests and find a program based on that. Over the summer, I was able to spend six weeks studying abroad at Keble College, which is a part of Oxford University. In this case, it was not the city of Oxford itself that intrigued me, but the idea of adopting the tutorial system at one of the world’s leading academic institutions. In the end, studying abroad is equally about embracing your new school as it is about getting to know the city in which it is located.
- Daily life
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Above all else, the goal of studying abroad is to immerse yourself in a brand-new setting. Getting to know the city as a local is incredibly exciting, but also means that your experience will not be as glamorous as if you were visiting on vacation. Thus, I encourage you to think about what your day-to-day life could look like, and what about it excites you. Consider the food you will be eating on a daily basis, the weather, cultural activities, as well as accessibility and transportation. During my time in Seville, I ate dinner far later than I was used to and adjusted to the traditional Andalusian diet consisting of small portions of ham, potatoes, and fried fish. In retrospect, some important questions to consider are: do I have dietary restrictions that aren’t conducive to the authentic cuisine of my host country? Do I enjoy spending my time in nature or exploring a major city? Do I prefer to walk or rely on public transportation? Your future self will thank you for thinking about these questions in order to make sure that you are happy in your home away from home.
Making the most of your study abroad experience requires a significant amount of time, planning, and consideration long before you board the plane. Taking the time to connect with friends who have recently studied abroad, reflecting on what it is you want to get out of this experience, and conducting research beyond the information provided on your school or program’s website will ensure you chose a location well suited to your personal, academic, and professional goals. It will be well worth it, bon voyage!
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