Heading out into the world on a study abroad journey is incredibly exciting! But it can be a daunting task to know what to bring or what to keep in mind in traveling to a different country. Here are some of the tips and tricks of how to be prepared when traveling, as well as how to make the most of your adventures:
Obtain the foreign currency from your local bank before you leave.
This is a good trick, especially if the currency conversion is in your favor. It is wise to have a small stack of the local currency when you arrive, in case you need to purchase a train ticket or take a cab before you can find an ATM.
Bring a rain jacket even if the chance of rain is slim.
Never leave on any sort of trip without a rain jacket. On every trip I’ve ever been on, no matter the environment or temperature, my rain jacket has come in handy each and every time. Weather can be unpredictable, so always plan for the unexpected downpour.
Make two copies of your passport, leave one at home and carry the other with you.
Cross your fingers you’ll never have to use either copy. The last thing you want to have happen is to have your passport stolen or lose it. But, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Having a copy of the document will expedite the process of getting you a new passport.
Photographs are the cheapest souvenirs. For those of you who know me personally, you know that taking photos isn’t something I need to be reminded about. You’ll thank yourself later for documenting your trip, and they are the best souvenirs for the memories. Plus, you’ve got to be able to select your best shots to upload onto social media. How else are people going to know what an amazing time you’re having?
Don’t be afraid of the local transportation.
Embrace traffic, whatever that may mean, because even though it may be outside of what you’re used to, it’s bound to be a great experience. Half of the fun is getting lost, so hop on and enjoy the ride! It’s all about the journey, not the destination.
Bring a large scarf of shawl.
These have a variety of uses. Besides the uses that they are designed for, they can come in handy when you want to enter a church or other religious building, but your shoulders are uncovered or you are wearing shorts. A large scarf of shawl can be worn over your shoulders, or across your hips to make a skirt.
Bring an extra bag.
Don’t kid yourself that you’ll have enough room for all the shopping you’ve done throughout your study abroad, and that everything will magically fit back into the luggage you brought. Always pack a lightweight extra bag with you inside your suitcase in case you run out of room, or have an existing bag break or malfunction. A cloth or canvas bag rolls up nicely and the bag itself hardly weighs anything at all.
Read reviews of programs and places.
Even if you have your heart set on traveling with a specific program or visiting a certain area, it is wise to look up fellow traveler reviews and comments. Nothing is better than direct feedback, no matter how beautiful the brochure or the photos are. Finding someone who is an alumni of the program, or someone who has visited where you’d like to go, are wonderful resources.
Ziploc Bags and Other Little Things
You can never have enough Ziploc bags, which I have found out time after time. Finding small items that you need can be hard when you’re not in America. Whether it’s extra Ziploc bags–I promise they come in handy–or your specific type of chap stick (s/o to my fav Burt’s Bees), random things like these may seem small and insignificant at home, but abroad they are extremely useful.
Be a traveler, not a tourist.
Much can be said about this point. Search for meaningful experiences, don’t just skim the surface and call it good. Make conscious efforts to get to know the culture, people, surroundings, history, language, etc. At the end of your journey, you will head back home having had significant experiences and memories that you made the effort to seek out. Traveling is not about being comfortable, it’s about exploring and being an adventurer. You’ll want to return home feeling confident that you made the effort to immerse yourself in your experience.
Studying abroad, or traveling in general, can be one of the best experiences you have while in college. What you learn through traveling cannot be taught in a classroom, and each study abroad experience is different from the next. There are many study abroad programs that exist, helping you in your search for the one that’s right for you. Use the list above to help feel ready and prepared beforehand, while making the most out of your experiences!