This is for the lucky ones out there whose study abroad experiences are still ahead of them. I wish someone had pulled me aside before I boarded the plane and given me a heads-up about a few things. So in the spirit of sharing information, just think of me as your friendly, virtual study abroad advisor.
Your roommates might not end up being your BFFs : You’re in a new place, where even simple things like reading a bus schedule or ordering a pizza require concentration (and sometimes a foreign language). It’s natural to want to really connect with your roommates. But keep in mind, these are (in most cases) people you were randomly placed with. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be besties, or even have anything in common. Instead of forcing something if the interest (or shared interests) aren’t there, sometimes the best outcome is to try to be respectful, considerate strangers who happen to live together. Just because you share a bathroom doesn’t mean you have to hang out with each other 24/7.
Get out of your neighborhood: For the first couple of weeks, I only traveled the well-worn route from flat to school. If I thought of going anywhere else, anywhere new, I’d have to recruit a few friends to tag along. I was terrified of getting lost, of wandering into some back alley and getting knifed by thugs (I watch A LOT of Law and Order) or of getting into a situation I couldn’t control. Those last two are valid things to think about; you want to be aware of your surroundings at all times, everywhere. But I wish I would’ve loosened up a bit sooner and realized that a tube station or bus was never very far away, and the likelihood of getting accosted in the middle of the afternoon, surrounded by tourists in Westminster Abbey, was fairly slim.
Don’t forget to be a tourist: Yes, the amazing thing is that you’re living (and grocery shopping, doing laundry, and (maybe) cleaning your flat) in a foreign country. You’ll start feeling like a local in no time. But don’t forget to see some of the major sights. I still get a little sheepish when I have to admit that I never visited Buckingham Palace, or the National Portrait Gallery, or the British Library (jeez, what did I do there?). You’re in the unique position of being a resident and a tourist; embrace both.
Remember, you are (technically) there to study: Not to get all “mom” on you, but there is the little matter of classes you’ll be attending and homework you should be doing. My program was great; there were no classes on Friday so every weekend was a long weekend, perfect for country hopping and exploring. But there will be work to do, so keep one eye on your passport and one eye on your GPA.
All you former-and-current students abroad, any tips for study abroad newbies?
Image by Stuart Miles via freedigitalphoto.net
I studied in Scotland last semester and had the time of my life. Take advantage of every opportunity to travel and make as many friends as possible from all parts of the world. Traveling can be pricey, so check websites like Ryannair and Easyjet for cheap flights and you can sometimes negotiate with tour sites if you go in a large group. And take pictures ALL OF THE TIME! Even if you’re just hanging out in the dorms or kitchen, take pictures! And I highly recommend staying for the year if your program (and your savings account) allows it. Four months was way too short for me and my biggest regret was not staying for the year.
Great blog post!! Also check http://www.mytab.co/blog for $$ saving tips from students who are now on study abroad and managed to keep their wallet in check. Really inspiring students who are truly maximizing their time overseas – and yes, acting like tourists (because it’s so much fun!)
I’m abroad in Spain – the scariest thing was arriving and having to launch into making friends, finding a flat and starting a new job all in a foreign language. A friend told me “say yes to everything”. I reckon this has been the motto of my year so far – I’ve been on trips with people I would never have met to places I would never have gone. I’ve eaten weird food, I’ve seen weird things and I’ve stayed out all night dressed as a flamingo. Say yes to everything (within reason of course!) and you will have the time of your life, and experience things you didn’t ever think you would.
Don’t forget to hang with the locals and try to skip only associating with students from your native country. Find the local pubs or bars, not the tourist hot spots, so that you can experience the culture and become a part of it. While I was on study abroad, I skipped nearly every American movie in the theaters and chose to watch as many foreign films as possible. I was in London and had access to films from all over the world, which served as yet another way to learn about and experience other cultures.
Another thing I noticed immediately among my classmates was the attitude, “We have 4 months here!” This was always the excuse when they wanted to be lazy and not explore. Being lazy is good sometimes, but as I always responded, “Yes, we ONLY have 4 months.” So make the most of every moment. The more you do, the more it will impact your life! And the more fun you’re going to have!
Good article! I studied abroad in Barcelona for 9 mos when I was in college and it was the best time of my life! I would also add that traveling around the area is really important as is taking part in local traditions and festivals. And don’t be afraid to make friends with local people. I have some great friends that I still keep in touch with from BCN. It was a little intimidating at first to get outside my comfort zone, especially because of the language barrier, but it was well worth it.
Also, always try to keep the mindset that your time is limited in this awesome place so relish every moment! Even on those days when you just want to veg inside, get out anyway! Go veg in a park or local hangout. You’ll never regret that you did! Oh, another thing, don’t be afraid to travel alone. I spent a week on my own over a break and it was the most amazing experience. I have some wonderful stories and memories from venturing out on my own!
Love this! I’d also like to add that as good as it sounds, don’t join in any protests or anything that might resemble a demonstration. This is important if you are in the country on a Visa, since you might be breaking local laws (or the police might think you are), and can be kicked out of the country and your study abroad program. My home University had a policy that if you were removed from your program or left without permission, you could be kicked out of school, period.
Thanks so much for the tips! I’ll be studying in Mexico in a little over a year, and I’m super excited.
This article is so well-timed! I was just accepted to a program in Lancaster yesterday, and I’ll hopefully be accepted to a summer program in Lincoln, so all the excitement and the fear about studying abroad is very fresh. Great advice!
Great article! I’m actually studying in London this summer in July, and I’m super pumped, so I was excited to see this come across my feed!
Be willing to try the food, even if you’re picky I studied abroad in Japan and South Korea with a large group of Americans, and it was always embarrassing to see how many in our group weren’t willing (and were rude!) about the food. Just try it!
GREAT article Stephanie! I studied abroad in London too, at Kingston Uni, and it was the most amazing experience of my life! You pretty much hit the nail on the head haha, especially with studying. Don’t let it come back to bite you in your last week there (like me)!
My advice always was to get out on the weekends. Living overseas gives students like us the opportunity to literally spend a weekend in a new COUNTRY. That’s bananas!! Don’t forget to take advantage of that and don’t worry about being broke. It happens to the best of us. Oh! And when you’re being a tourist take pictures of yourself in front of monuments! You can always google Big Ben to see what it looks like, you want to be able to show off!
I also always tell people that the first night of my study abroad experience was the scariest and loneliest night of my life. I was in a whole new country surrounded where I literally knew no one and of course my crazy mind thought I would be stuck like that for the next half a year. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much for so long. But this just made me completely 100 percent desperate to meet new people IMMEDIATELY, and by the end of that week I had developed bonds with friends I didn’t know I could develop. I always say the friendships I had during my trip abroad were much more like family, because you need them when times are tough and time zones make it difficult to call home. Embrace the scary parts of study abroad and use them to make your trip all the more wonderful!!!
P.S. If you can’t tell I loved my time abroad, so I love rambling about it!