So, you want to study abroad!
You have overheard the older kids on your floor talking about their wild party night in Tel Aviv or visiting all of the museums in Paris. Maybe you were intrigued to learn about someone's experience staying on a moringa farm in Ghana or building brick ovens by hand in rural Ecuador. You saw a promotional email for Doctors Without Borders or your school's international start-up program. By whatever means, you discovered that going to another country has been a defining event in someone's college experience and you would like the same for yourself.
Well, whether or not you've gotten into the program or been awarded the grant you were hoping for, if you already know the country you are looking to visit or you are still perusing travel blogs, there are some things to put on your To Do list before you get that passport stamped:
1. Eat the street food.
Some people may tell you to avoid street food or small, family-owned restaurants, but do not listen to them! Your taste buds will thank you so so much for the authentic, delicious food from whichever country you’re visiting. Granted, if there are rats and roaches scurrying around on your plate that weren’t intended for eating, I’d be cautious and maybe skip that stall.
2. Get a little bit lost.
What better way to find all of the cool places you (and maybe the locals, too) had no idea existed?! Pick a (relatively safe) destination wherever you are and just go explore! You’ll probably find a bus station or at least a shop owner who knows the area well, so don’t get too paranoid if you get a little lost. I want to make sure there is a lot of emphasis on "little" here. Exploring is great, but being able to get back safely to tell your story is even better.
3. Make friends with the locals.
Some of the coolest people I have ever met were the people I met briefly while abroad. I became friends with people in my lab who plan on soon visiting my school. I became friends with a random person I met at a music festival, and now I get to see all about her beachy adventures in Seychelles an Australia on Instagram. Meeting locals will help you find the good stuff — the food you really want, the awesome places to go, other awesome people to meet. This is how you’ll learn the most about the place you are visiting and really immerse yourself in a new culture.
4. Save up money to spend it traveling. (If you can or want to. If you can’t afford it or don’t have the travel bug, don’t.)
Everyone has priorities. For me, traveling the world and getting to meet the awesome people and cultures that are out there is a high priority. While working in Singapore, I used the money I made each week to travel around Southeast Asia, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you are not into traveling or can't afford it, wait until you are. There are probably few things scarier than being stuck in another country with no money.
5. Celebrate the local holidays.
While I was in Singapore, the SEA games were happening! Countries across Southeast Asia sent their best athletes to Singapore to compete in all sorts of sports, from basketball and soccer to ones I had never heard of, like sepak takraw and petanque. As an athlete myself, it was amazing to go to the venues and see all of the people get so excited about sports. We also helped celebrate Singapore’s 50th Birthday and spent Ramadaan at local Bazaars and celebratory events. Even if you aren’t of the local faith, you can still have fun celebrating with the people you meet!
6. Stay away from airport souvenir shops.
Buying from street vendors is so much better than buying things from airport shops. It’s practically a rule of thumb for airports to take all of your money with last-minute souvenirs. If you must take this route, go for a postcard or a magnet. Otherwise, the greatest thing I found was this app that changes your own photos into postcards and sends them for you. It’s a great way to make small, personalized gifts for friends and family and to let them know you’re safe without having to hold on to pounds and pounds of extra items to bring home or send more money to send.
7. Master (or at least battle) with public transportation.
Try it! It is a great way to meet locals and feel like you are really in the city. Public transportation systems are often convenient and cheap, so both your watch and wallet will thank you. But be careful! By the end of your study abroad or side trip, you may think you know what you are doing — and then find yourself on the opposite side of the city from your destination. It’s an experience to tell your friends and kids and grand kids someday.
8. Stay in hostels.
No, not like the movie "Hostel." I was initially scared to stay in a hostel because I had no idea they were anything but places people went to die in horror movies. But after staying in one, I can say that hostels are super affordable and clean enough to spend several nights in. They are utilized mainly by backpackers, so they often have ways to ensure the safety of your important documents (...which I should have utilized in Vietnam, where someone attempted to steal my purse.
9. Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone.
But also don’t pressure anyone to do things they don’t want to do, and don’t judge anyone for doing crazy things just because you don’t want to.Trying new things may not be something you are entirely comfortable with doing. If that’s the case, take baby steps. Go a different route on your way back to your hostel and see a new part of town. Order something different from a place you trust to make safe food.
Still, never judge anyone you are with for being more adventurous and willing to try new things. Everyone is different and does things differently. Even if they get sick, don't blame them for their taste for adventure. If you are traveling with someone, you stick by their side no matter what.
10. Take note of cultural customs and safety precautions.
Every culture is different. Even within one country, there are stark regional disparities. There are also subtle, but very very important ones. Make sure to look up or ask about customs before visiting somewhere. You won’t want to offend anyone or put yourself in danger unnecessarily.
11. Learn at least one phrase.
By no means must you be fluent in the native language to work or study in another country. The locals will understand that you are there to learn. But it's always fun to learn new phrases and words! My friends and I bonded with one of our cab drivers in Cebu, Philippines by asking him how to say short phrases like “How much does this cost?” “That’s too much,” or “Thank you,” just to be polite and avoid being ripped off at night markets. Protect yourself with language!
12. Most of all, open your eyes to all the cool things around you.
The world is a wonderful place filled with incredible people and places! Go out and experience it!
Studying abroad is one of the most amazing opportunities that comes with the college experience. This is a pivotal time in your life when you are first stepping out into adulthood and forming your own opinions while being exposed to a melting pot of cultures. Take advantage of it, and take it to the extreme by learning about the entire world, not just those around you at school!
Oh, the places you’ll go!
