Once your college experience starts, you might want to look into studying abroad. Or, you could take a side step during your course that allows you to spend a year in new international location. This can be an amazing experience you probably won’t regret. Studying abroad gives you the chance to explore a brand new location, a fascinating fresh culture and meet a whole group of new people. But before you pack your bags, there are a few little tips and helpful pieces of advice that will make this whole new experience more enjoyable.
Related: How to Avoid OverpackingÂ
Learn Some Slang
A lot of people will tell you that before you visit a new country, you should learn the local language. Obviously, this will help you a great deal, but it will also happen naturally. It’s actually kind of cool. If you spend a few months in a new country with a different local language to your native tongue, you’ll absorb it like a sponge. When you return home, you might find yourself dipping in and out of both languages without truly being aware of it.
If you really want to impress the locals though, don’t just learn the language, master the slang. There are lots of ways to do this like watching this cool video of Superman and Simon Pegg explaining British slang:
Get To Grip With The Culture Shift
When you visit a new international location, you’ll find that the culture is different. Peru is nothing like North America, and the UK is nothing like Spain. Visit Australia, and you’ll find people are very relaxed and friendly while England is a little chillier and we’re not talking about the weather. Remember, there will be different laws too.
The classic example is jaywalking. Jaywalking is certainly frowned upon in America, but if you cross a busy street in England, people won’t even blink. Although, you might get a honk of a horn. Speaking to a pedestrian accident lawyer in America is actually quite fascinating because they’ll tell you about traffic laws and issues that probably don’t exist in your home country.
There are little differences to know too. For instance, kissing each cheek is a common greeting in France. Try this in New York and, well…just don’t try this in New York.
Don’t Just Hit The Tourist Traps
You’ll spend your first few weeks in an exciting international location following the crowds to the tourist hot spots. After that though, expand your horizons a little more and find the hidden beauty and wonder that the tourists don’t see.Explore that city like a local. The best way to do this? Make friends with the locals, and they will act as a wonderful personal guide.
Missing Home?
Finally, you might find that on your month, year or four years abroad, you do feel a little homesick. There’s a number of remedies for this particularly with modern tech like webcams on every device. But, it could be your taste buds that are really missing home. That’s why you should find a great restaurant or cafe that specializes in dishes from your home country. Of course, if you’re going to college in Florida, you can always just hit up the Epcot World Showcase. Another thing you could do is taking small things with you that remind you about your home.
I hope these couple tips about studying abroad help you in some way. Don’t hesitate to ask or tp reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat ;). Love you, babes!Â
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