1. You are supposed to be uncomfortable.
The only way to really immerse yourself in a new culture is by making yourself uncomfortable. It’s how we learn. If we don’t seek change, we’ll never see new places, meet new people, or learn new things about who we are.
2. Try new foods.
Don't let the appearance of certain foods freak you out. If it seems obscure and you don’t like the look of it, just try it. You never know how delicious something may be.
3. Get lost.
We all get lost. We look for things and they aren’t there. In the 21st century, we’ve come to rely on GPSs and apps that help direct us to our destinations. When you are in a foreign country, and you don’t have cell phone service, you just have to feel your way out. Ask for directions, even if you are speaking a new language and have no idea what you’re saying. It’s scary, but it’s rewarding when you actually find your way.
4. Take chances.
Take so many chances that people start to wonder if you are still alive. If you are lucky enough to go abroad, be smart enough to take risks. Sky dive, bungee jump, zip line, ride horses, go scuba diving, do whatever; as long as you are taking chances, you won’t regret a single moment that you lived.
5. Put down the phone.
We rely on our phones too much. Put down your phone and look at your surroundings. The world is always changing; your Instagram feed can wait. You don’t need to be in constant contact with the people you're not with. Go out there and do things!
6. Go with the flow.
If things are not working out your way, and you’re late to something because you just can’t find it, calm down and realize that it’s going to be okay. Stressing out about things that we cannot control is pointless.
7. Take pictures.
Take pictures of everything and everyone. You won’t remember every detail about your experience, but photographs can bring back a million memories. You will be glad you have them.
8. The world keeps turning.
It sucks when you see all of your friends together in a Snapchat story on a Saturday night, but it’s important to remember where you are and why you’re there. People will hang out without you, they will make memories that you’re not part of and sometimes you will be forgotten, but you have the world at your fingertips, and there’s no better feeling than that.
9. It’s okay to be homesick.
Admitting that you are homesick does not make you inferior. The truth is, everyone gets homesick. It’s abnormal to leave somewhere for an extended period of time and not miss home at all. A quick call home can help fill this void, so do it as often as you need to.
10. You are lucky.
Not every person has the opportunity to go abroad, so if you do consider yourself lucky. The fact that you are receiving an education that emphasizes the importance of a global outlook on life makes you better off in the long run. Thank the people that got you there, and never let them forget how important that they are to you.
11. Time goes by too fast.
I know it’s a corny saying, but time really does fly when you’re having fun. Take every day as if it is your last. Go to as many new places as you possibly can, and embrace every second that your time has to give because before you know it, you’ll be on your way back home.
