Ever since I was a kid, I have always had the itch to travel the world. God made it, I should at least have the decency to see it, right? I mean I've seen a few things in the United States, and my first step outside the country was this last spring break when I went on a cruise to the Bahamas. Cruises don't exactly count, though, because you’re constantly surrounded by Americans and American ideals. I want to REALLY see the world as it was meant to be seen- be immersed in a culture different from my own. Last week, I finally had my chance with study abroad; here’s what I learned.
1. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT go to a foreign country without knowing the language
You would think this is a given, but it’s really not. The United States is such a melting pot so there is almost ALWAYS someone who speaks a foreign language. Coming here as a tourist from another country isn’t so bad because we accommodate for the most part. I went to the Dominican Republic- and there was no accommodation. It was Spanish or nada. And it was terrifying, to be perfectly honest. I have never felt more vulnerable in my entire life. I had no idea what anyone was saying to me, ever. Now, I am not saying to be completely fluent- although that would help and it would be completely awesome. I am just saying, take a small course, watch some movies in the language, something to make you feel more comfortable because I am telling you- it’s awful not knowing.
2. Embrace the differences- don’t run from them
Other cultures are so completely different from the American culture. That sounds like such a simple thing that everyone should know- except you don’t know until you really know. For instance: In DR, people are really forward. A lot of people here in the US would probably call it rude. They stare, they cat-call, they say things that aren’t necessarily the sweetest. It was shocking to me to hear some of the things I heard and to see the way people acted. After I sat down and thought about it, though, I realized that isn’t something I should judge them for because it’s just the way they are. It’s the way they were raised. It’s all they ever see. They are not trying to make me uncomfortable, they are just being who they are. For me, it was still a little weird and it took some adjusting, but that it because of me and my culture.
3. EAT THE FOOD- at least try it
Again, another cultural thing. You may go somewhere and they may set something in front of you that looks disgusting. Just eat it. You may be surprised- either pleasantly or unpleasantly. Think about it, though, do you really want to leave a place without having tried ANYTHING different? Why did you even go? Step out of your food comfort zone and try something new, and you may find yourself looking for a new recipe to bring back home.
4. Be safe
It is absolutely imperative to be safe when you’re traveling. Especially if you’re a girl. Especially if you’re a white girl traveling to a mostly dark skinned culture- you stick out like a sore thumb. You are fresh meat. People notice you so easily, and when they notice, they do not stop noticing. Just always have a buddy with you no matter where you are going. That’s just safety 101. Even if you feel comfortable where you are, just do not go out alone. Just don’t.
5. When you learn something, don’t forget it
You go somewhere, you make profound discoveries, you learn so much, you embrace the culture and become a part of it, then you come back to the states and go right back to being the same person you were before. Don’t do that. Do not forget. Remember how it felt when you were standing there unable to communicate with someone next time you run into a tourist in your home state. Remember what it felt like to be in a hospital with no AC next time you complain about it being too hot or too cold. Remember how scary it felt when you first stepped out onto the street in a new place when “the new kid” comes to town. Remember the moment you decided you were going to serve others in need. Remember how the mountains looked against the clear blue ocean. Remember the people, remember the moments, and let them shape you into someone new.
I LOVED my first step into the world. It’s like I dipped my toe into the pool and finally made the choice to jump. I cannot wait to jump again. So, if you ever fee hesitant about traveling- don’t. Just make the choice, and go.
