Studying abroad is one of the greatest opportunities we are blessed with in college. However, the study abroad experience is quite different than a quick touristy trip to the same destination. While not necessarily a guide for everything on your trip, here are some tips that will hopefully help you have the best experience possible (from someone who's been there.)
1. Know your destination.
This one seems obvious, but while you think you may know everything about where you're headed, you can always learn more. For example, you might know the weather of the country, the typical religion, and maybe even the language, but do you know what gestures might offend someone? Or which normal behaviors here are quite the opposite, and maybe even dangerous, there? Look into the culture, not just the place.
2. Try to tone down your American-ness.
Not to say that people in other countries hate Americans, but we can be extremely annoying abroad and have some pretty negative stereotypes. There's nothing wrong with being patriotic, but to best enjoy your time abroad, just tone it down. Don't do anything that screams "American Tourist": speaking loudly in everyday places, wearing offensive shirts, or really anything else that clearly indicates your country of origin. The best way to experience a place is to live like a local, and you can't do that if you're wearing a clear *American Tourist* sign on your back.
3. Find out what the locals wear.
This goes along with not immediately coming off as American, but it's one that can be easy to forget. You want to wear your cutest outfits, trust me I get it, I'm guilty of this too. But even if you research the weather in your country and plan your clothing accordingly, you might not have taken cultural norms into account. For example, even though Italy is extremely hot in the summer, a lot of warm weather styles that are appropriate here in Florida are not there (I found out the hard way and ended up not eating half of what I packed.) Even things like brightly colored hair or tattoos might be uncommon or taboo where you're going, so find out now and plan ahead accordingly.
4. Be aware of your dietary restrictions.
If you're a vegetarian (same), vegan, gluten free, or have any other type of allergies/restrictions with food, know that that might not be widely accepted/the norm where you're going. A lot of traditional cuisines don't fit in with these types of diets, so you'll have to learn how to adapt. Many countries now offer some sort of vegetarian/gluten free dish at most restaurants, but you're probably going to be limited. Just plan ahead so that you don't get there and realize you won't be able to eat anything.
5. Leave room in your suitcase.
Trust me, I know it's tempting to try and pack as much as possible in your limited space suitcase, but leave some room for things you are going to bring back. Even if you're trying to avoid traditional cheesy souvenirs (though there's nothing wrong with those-I personally love them), you're still probably going to buy some sort of gifts for family/friends or clothing/other items for yourself. Pro-tip: either don't pack some of your heavier shoes (they take up the most suitcase space,) or learn how to pack stuff in them. You'll avoid going over the weight limit at the airport check in and have room for souvenirs.
6. Do the touristy stuff, but also the authentic.
A lot of lists like these will suggest you skip the biggest tourist attractions in favor of something more *authentic.* I'm not so pretentious as to deny the appeal of some of the world's greatest monuments, touristic or not. Obviously, if you're in Paris, you want to see the Eiffel tower. Do it! Maybe save some euros and take the stairs if you must climb it, but do it. At the same time, look for things that are outside of the box or just outside of the typical tourist's agenda. There is no shame in enjoying tourist attractions but discover the less obvious local gems as well.
7. Pack a signature scent.
Kind of an odd one, but it works. Before you leave, gather your toiletry essentials (things you would pack anyway), but with things like body wash or even perfume, pick one scent. Packing a bottle of Bath & Body Works body wash, something you would need anyway, but in not whichever one you usually use. Using it so often when abroad (and not so often when you get back) will make you associate that scent with your trip and bring back good memories. I unintentionally did this while studying in France, and now the Twilight Woods scent still brings me back.
8. Don't expect everyone to listen to your stories (but tell them anyway).
Studying abroad is something you'll remember forever. Naturally, when you get back you're going to want to tell everyone everything, but unfortunately, they aren't going to be as excited about your stories as you are. After a while, it just starts to sound like bragging to them, even though you're just trying to convey what a great experience it was/relate with a story from something that happened there. But you know what, screw it, tell your stories. They're important to you and that should be enough for anyone.
9. It's okay to eat at McDonald's/Starbucks.
Your program adviser will probably tell you otherwise, but it's okay to make the occasional trip to American affiliations like McDonald's or Starbucks. Obviously don't eat here every day or you won't see any authentic food, but sometimes these are just the easiest options. AND they do in fact vary country to country, so you're still experiencing the different culture.
10. Make the most of public transportation.
Assuming you're traveling to a place with a solid public transport system and that your program provides the access card for said system (most do), use it. Many of these even let you travel outside the city where you're studying, so use the weekends as a chance to get out of the city (or even country, depending on where you are.) Not having a way to get around is no longer an excuse to not leave your dorm. You're here for a limited amount of time, so use it. And don't worry about the seemingly complicated metro maps and bus routes, you'll get used to it faster than you know.
