Traveling abroad is both exciting and terrifying. Being in another country, another culture… there's no feeling that can compare. The world outside our walls is beautiful and there's so much to take in and to be learned. But living, learning, and loving abroad forces you in situations that are as scary as they are exhilarating. For the first time you're an outsider, unfamiliar with your surroundings, and at the mercy of the majestic country in which you've traveled to.
But that's exactly why we study abroad, because of the beautiful opportunity to be terrified and exhilarated all at the same time. But in order to reap the benefits of studying abroad to the fullest, there are things to take in to consideration.
Here are some things to remember when you're off on your travels:
Make sure you've got a map.
You should get a map—like, yesterday. It's like the first day of your freshman year on campus all over again. Figure out where you're staying, mark it off, while you're at it, mark off all the places you want to go and the places you'll be on a regular basis. If it's online, make it available offline or on paper so that you can access it whether or not you're connected to the Internet.
Figure out how public transportation works.
It's going to be your saving grace, trust me. In Eastern cultures and many large cities, public transportation is pretty much everyone's go-to method of city movement. If there's a season ticket or a long term pass available, get it so you're never stuck in a rut with no money and no way home. Make sure you know the opening hours and which stops take you to your favorite locations too.
Buy an outlet adapter. (If needed.)
It'll surprise you how many people forget that different countries use different outlets. Make sure that you know what the outlets look like wherever you're going. If you're going to need an adapter, make sure you get one before you leave.
Learn the language basics.
As someone who's from a country where English is not the common language, I can tell you that locals are much more hospitable if they feel like you're trying to make an effort to communicate with them. It portrays you as someone who is respectful of their home culture and language. It doesn't even matter if you sound ridiculous; you get major brownie points for trying.
Get HYPE.
Studying abroad, and traveling overseas in general, is an amazing opportunity and you are blessed to be able to have. So get excited! You're going to a new country, surrounding yourself in a culture completely different to your own. Don't let it intimidate you in to staying inside where you feel safe. Be bold and go out and explore this world.
Keep your mind open.
Hand in hand with getting excited, keep your mind open as well. You're traveling to a different country… there are many things that you're going to come across that is going to be very different. But don't let it scare you or hold you back. Try the local food, go to the local events, do the things that you never thought you'd do. You don't want to ignore this opportunity, and you'll regret it later if you can't say you at least tried.
Remember why you're there.
You're studying abroad. Studying abroad. Keep up with your schoolwork.
