As I am currently studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, I have learned a lot of tips and advice that have enhanced my experience. These are five tips that will be extremely useful whether you study abroad or just visit/vacation another country.

1. Making an effort with the local language

While studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, I've learned that there is a huge language barrier in that many locals speak mostly Czech and not English. I took an intensive Czech class for the first week of orientation at NYU Prague, and I was very glad that many small phrases and greetings came in handy. Many locals also respected the effort that many students and tourists put in to learn Czech and try and converse with them.

2. Understanding culture codes

I started to understand that there are many cultural codes that exist in other countries that do not exist in the United States. For example, staring is completely normal in the Czech Republic, while back in the States, it is seen as rude and demeaning. Staring in the Czech Republic is more of an observation than a judgment, and understanding this cultural code is extremely important.

3. Eat local foods

Food. This is probably the most interesting topic as everyone loves food. When studying in a different country, it is really important to both yourself and the locals to try and appreciate their foods. Eating their local food makes you, as tourists, feel extremely welcome and integrated with the whole experience of being in a completely different place.

4. Walk outside of the tourist areas

Studying abroad can make students, such as myself, be only interested in the tourist locations. However, I learned that the locations outside of the tourist attractions were even prettier and better to really learn more about the country and culture. Stepping outside the main tourists spots really gave me fresh air that was extremely needed.

5. Homesickness

Although everyone gets homesick a lot, studying abroad makes you homesick in a way that is different from the normal one. For example, I became homesick in that I craved foods that I could only get in the States, and I missed the weather back home.

Whether you are thinking about studying abroad or just simply vacationing to a different country, these advices and ideas will definitely enhance your experience and make you better with assimilating with the local culture.