Studying abroad is the optimum opportunity available to college students. The chance to explore different parts of the world and experience a variety of cultures is an excellent way to learn outside the normal classroom environment. Not to mention, it's a blast! The place you'll live, places you'll visit, people you'll meet, and lessons you'll learn will become invaluable to your future and provide you with some of the best memories of your undergraduate career. With that being said, we're still Americans. No matter how hard we try to understand or mimic the culture, part of what makes us who we are is our American upbringing. Here are five challenges that come with crossing the pond from the United States and entering a new country for a semester.
1. You don't speak the language
As if getting lost in a foreign city wasn't easy enough, you can't even read the signs in order to try and find your way (unless you're studying in the U.K., of course). Learning the basics of the native language is just as important as studying for upcoming midterms in order to navigate city streets, ordering from cafes, or just asking the locals for help in your new environment. It's pretty cool to show off your skills abroad and then add "bilingual" to your resumé when you return.
2. And when you attempt to speak in the native tongue, locals respond In English
Nothing makes you feel more American than attempting the local language and getting an immediate reply in perfect English. Is it that obvious you're an American? Do you really appear that out of place? Even though it can be disheartening and slightly embarrassing when the locals reject your efforts with the native jargon, don't give up on it! Continuing to respond in the local language in real world situations is the best way to practice and eventually sound as if you're a local, too.
3. You're missing out on your favorite TV shows or sporting events from home
Even during a thrilling semester abroad, everyone gets a little homesick. Those feelings of missing the familiarities of America seem especially prominent when you're scrolling through your News Feed trying to stay caught up with an American television series or sports team. Streaming isn't really an option (unless you're willing to stay up until 5 a.m.), and the choices on Netflix aren't always what you're looking for. Although getting updates and recaps online isn't as exciting as watching live TV, remember that you're studying abroad! Watching an hour-long episode of TV or a three-hour sporting event seems like such a waste of time when there are endless opportunities to explore a new country.
4. Tourist taxes are a real thing
Technically speaking, you're not a tourist. You have a permanent residence in your new home away from home for entire semester. Even so, your American accent and tendencies to speak in English will give store owners the impression that you are just another vacationer looking for cheap souvenirs and somewhat authentic foods. Believe it or not, most shops and restaurants jack up their prices for non-locals seeing as they are already planning to spend a fair amount of money and aren't aware of what average prices are like in a new country. Good strategies to avoid tourist taxes include dressing in a less American fashion so as not to appear like the typical tourist, as well as choosing local shops and cafes instead of the large tourist-geared locations that are looking to make some extra cash from naive travelers.
5. You are the target of every con vendor and pickpocket on the street
The rumors about pick pockets and fraudulent street vendors are extremely true, and they target those who are clearly from outside the country. Beware of your surroundings at all times when out and about in the cities because pickpockets are always on the lookout for confused-looking or unaware individuals near major tourist attractions. Avoid certain booths and street vendors that are near the big tourist sites, especially since many of them are selling products illegally. Buying from these con vendors could result in you getting ripped off -- or potentially arrested -- if you're not careful.
