This summer, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Paris and Cannes, France, studying Business and Professional Communications and International Leadership. Here are some tips that I learned that you should do before leaving on your journey of a lifetime.
1. Learn as much of the language as you can
I CANNOT stress this enough. If you're planning on studying abroad anywhere in the United Kingdom or Canada, obviously this wouldn't apply to you, but if you're studying anywhere else, start learning the language as soon as possible. As English speakers, we need to remind ourselves that not everyone speaks English in the rest of the world, and even if the native residents can speak English, they'd rather communicate in their own language first. Rosetta Stone is a great way to learn the basics of a new language, but if you're a broke college student like the rest of us, Duolingo is the best option and is easy to download on your phone for free.
While you're in another country and you don't know how to say something, make sure you download Google Translate; it'll be your best friend in these situations.
2. Research, Research, Research!
It is super important to research the country you plan on visiting so you don't experience too much of a culture shock. The best way to do this is to read different travel blogs geared towards your destination. Make sure you read up on the cost of living, so you know how much money to bring, how the natives live, and how to dress while you are abroad.
3. Know what to pack, and pack lightly
If you're like me, I tend to pack a lot of unnecessary garments, like 4 pairs of sweatpants and oversized t-shirts for when I'm lounging around the hotel and seven pairs of shoes that I "think I may wear." I thought I packed relatively light since I only had a checked bag, a carry-on, and a personal bag, but it was a pain having to transport all of that luggage around Paris. The truth is, you won't need any of those because you'll rarely be in your living quarters, and you don't need seven pairs of shoes abroad when you don't even wear that many at home. The best way to pack for your abroad adventure is to coordinate one pair of pants with two shirts, and if you think you may wear something, don't pack it, because you probably won't. Also, give yourself a maximum of three pairs of shoes!
When knowing what to pack, make sure you research how the natives dress because you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb; you'll be targeted more often for pick-pocketing. Because of this, unfortunately, our beloved Nike shorts and oversized t-shirts don't count as "proper attire" in other countries. For most European countries, consider packing your cute fashion-forward outfits and avoid shorts at all costs. For middle eastern countries, dress more conservatively.
4. Buy power adapters and converters
This may or may not be a surprise to you, but different continents emit a different voltage from the outlets their residents use. Small devices like laptops and mobile devices can use the adaptors since they don't use that much power but if you plan on bringing something that uses a little bit more, like a straightener or hair dryer, make sure you invest in a power converter so your device doesn't fry. Both of these can be found in most stores that hold electronics, or online for less than $40.
5. Figure out how you'll keep in contact with your loved ones back home
Studying abroad definitely has its perks, but after a while, you will more than likely get homesick and want to talk with your family and friends back home. You can ask your cell service provider to unlock your phone so you can buy a SIM card in the country you will be going to, in order for you do have local phone service. You can also do what I did and ask your service provider about their international plans.
My international plan was only an added $5 to my phone bill for that month, but the price is different with every cell service provider. If neither of these options is available for you, you can always download WhatsApp which uses your phone's wifi to send and receive texts, calls, photos, videos, and voice messages.
6. Contact your bank
It is absolutely necessary for you to contact your bank before you leave so they don't block your card for security reasons as soon as you try and make a purchase in a different country. Let them know what day you're leaving when you are coming back, and which cards you are bringing with you!
7. Make copies of important documents
Before you leave for your journey abroad, make sure you make a few copies of your important documents like your passport and IDs in case you lose one. Keep one copy at home with your parents, and put a copy in each of your luggage.
