Before leaving for London for my five-week study abroad program, I wasn’t really sure what I would be getting myself into. Like most people, I thought my “study” abroad experience would really just be an excuse to have fun, eat nice food, and drink high-end foreign wine. I realistically did not foresee much studying or substantial learning in my near future, and I was more than OK with it.
However, after being here for a few weeks, I’ve learned that studying abroad teaches you something you can’t learn from a textbook or in a classroom: It’s given me more than enough of an understanding of the way the world works, a handful of valuable skills, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Living in a foreign country is definitely different from visiting one, and though the experience has been incredible so far, it has come with its own set of challenges and obstacles.
1. How to overcome the language barrier.
Though this clearly isn’t an issue for me in London, I have traveled to other countries in Europe while I’ve been here where it has been significantly more difficult. Looking up a few key phrases ahead of time is pretty helpful, and can get you decently far. The locals, however, can spot a tourist when they see one, so pointing and gesticulating are pretty much what it comes down to. Though locals pretty much anywhere hate Americans, if you make somewhat of an attempt to speak their language and to observe their customs, it seems to go a long way.
2. How to navigate without data.
In the States I definitely take WiFi for granted. If it’s there—great— if not— I can always just eat up some data to figure out where I’m going. For most travelers (if you don’t have a European number or a data plan), this isn’t really the case. Finding your way around, therefore, is a little more complicated. Directions often have to be figured out beforehand, and paper maps are definitely helpful.
3. How to crisis manage.
While you’re abroad, something will inevitably go wrong. Whether it’s small scale (blowing out an electronic device with the wrong adapter) or big scale (getting your passport stolen), it’s nearly impossible to prevent such a crisis from happening. Instead, learning how to crisis manage is the best way to keep your life on track. There’s almost always something you can do or someone you can ask to make a temporary fix. Overcoming such challenges teaches you how to keep a level head and remain calm in pressure situations.
4. Street smarts.
Being abroad definitely gives you some street smarts. Don’t get me wrong, at home, especially in cities like West Philadelphia, it’s easy to get yourself in a hairy situation; but being abroad, where you don’t know where you’re going, how to speak the language, or what cultural norms to observe, getting yourself into a potentially dangerous situation is a lot easier. Being in a foreign country has definitely taught me to be much more aware. The way you hold yourself, what you wear, and how you speak can either betray you as an easy target, or make you fit in. Learning to observe and mimic, therefore, is a great way to protect yourself from finding yourself in such a situation.
5. How to advocate for yourself.
It’s pretty easy to tell when someone doesn’t fit in. Even in the U.S., I can pick out tourists pretty easily. The same goes for Europe, and you often stick out like a sore thumb. People might try to take advantage of you— whether it’s cutting you in line, trying to deny you from a club, or cheating you out of some money. Learning how to stick up for yourself, therefore, is a necessary skill.
6. How to beat a hangover.
A big part of being abroad is exploring the nightlife. But you have to find a balance, since every day counts. Making a quick turn around is so important, so finding your hangover-cure ritual or routine makes all the difference.
7. How to be self-reliant and proactive.
Though five weeks, a semester, or however long you’re there for, seems like a long time, time flies incredibly fast. There is so much to do, and never enough time to do it all. Making a plan therefore is crucial. You have to be a doer while abroad, and be OK doing things by yourself. I’ve been trying to do at least one cool thing a day, and it’s honestly harder than it sounds. Making a bucket list and planing out the logistics is a must.
