Have you heard, did you know, I studied abroad this past year and it was one of the most magical things ever. While I was thinking about this year and the times I went to a new city, saw amazing sites, met awesome people, laughed too loudly in public, fell dramatically in front of strangers, and learned a new fun fact about a new culture, I remembered how before I began this study abroad experience I knew almost nothing. Why would I? It's not like I had ever travelled thoroughly throughout the US or had much experience prior to any of this, and I know so many people come this Fall and Spring will be in my same position. So here are a few tips for people studying abroad:
1. Look Up Phone Plans
Weigh the pros and cons of getting a SIM card while you're abroad or adding an international plan to your pre-exisitng account at home. If you're going to be away for a whole year it may be easier to buy a SIM card in your host country and sign up for a pay as you go plan, because those can be pretty cheap.
2. Exchange Enough Money For At Least A Cab Ride
You never know how well or poorly your airport pick-up will go when you land in your temporary home, so make sure you exchange enough money for at least one cab ride in case everything goes wrong. And no matter what, make sure you do not exchange in the airport because that can be quite pricey.
3. HostelWorld, Goeuro.co.uk And Skyscanner Are Your New Best Friends.
These are for are perfect for booking accommodation and for choosing flights, trains, buses, or driving routes to new cities. If you're feeling super adventurous type in 'Anywhere' and see where the wind (and your wallet) will take you.
4. Hand Write Directions
Sometimes Googlemaps won't work in other countries because you won't have data, or because your technology will die, so handwrite out the directions to your hostel from the airport in a small journal along with any hot spots the interweb told you to hit up. This will make you look like less of a tourist and will help you to remember where you're actually going.
5. If A Restaurant Has Pictures, Run!
These are tourist traps. Locals don't need to see photographs of what they're eating so why should you? Unless you're getting McDonalds while abroad (which totally normal) there is no need for a photographed menu.
6. Don't Pack Liquids When You Leave Home
You'll think, 'But I love this shampoo!!', I'm telling you, that lavender honey scrub is not worth the weight in your suitcase. Other countries aren't other worlds, there will be other shampoos, I promise.
7. Check In Once A Week
Whether you're texting, skyping, emailing, FaceTiming, or sending mail by carrier pigeon, make sure you talk to your family to see what's going on with their lives and to tell them you're alive (they will worry).
8. Open Up A Bank Account*
*Only if you're there for more than six months. Some programs actually require this because your host university will give you stipends once a month or semester. This comes in handing when you need to ask family for more money.
9. Go With Comfort
You'll be packing your bag for a weekend trip in Edinburgh and you'll say, "Should I bring those really cute shoes or should I wear boots?" And it has to be said: always go with comfort. You will be walking so much, it's better to wear sneakers looking like a soccer parent than to wear those awesome shows with blisters that are about to bleed. I promise, there will come a day when you return to this cities looking fabulous, but for now, today is not that day.
10. Go On A Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are the greatest thing invented by fellow travelers. They're filled with information, tips, potential friends, and they'll help you get a handle on the city. At the end of the walking tour, tip the guide as much as you can spare and ask them where their favorite restaurant is - this will help you avoid tourist traps.
11. Take A Break From Technology
Sanpchat and Instagram are awesome, but sometimes you need to put the phone down, take out the headphones, and just experience your new surroundings.
12. Go To The Museum
Even if you aren't a museum person, I promise you actually secretly are. If a national museum is ever free, go to it. You'll find out so much about the history and people that you just couldn't get from a book.
13. Ask The Bartender For Advice
It doesn't have to be life advice, but when it comes to your drink bartenders know what they're doing. If you're new to drinking, or even if you're not, ask them what ale or cider or spirit they suggest and try to go with that suggestion, 9/10 times you won't regret it.
14. Learn The Language Basics
Before traveling to a new countries, for a visit or for study, make sure you know the bare minimum of the language. Know how to say: hello, goodbye, thank you, please, where is the bathroom, how much is this, do you speak english, and where is 'your hostel name'.
15. Don't Feel Pressured
There will be moments when your homesick or just not enjoying yourself and you'll feel bad because you'll feel like everyone is watching you, expecting you to have the time of your life. This will pass. The point is, you should be traveling and doing what you want for yourself and for no one else.
