15 Tips for Studying Abroad
The thought of studying abroad can be both so exciting and a little bit frightening. Moving to a new country where there’s a different culture and maybe even a new language can be scary, but it is so worth it to go and explore another country. We are here to make it easier for you to maximize your time aboard by offering some valuable tips.
1. Do some research beforehand
The best ways to maximize your months abroad is to actually research the country or city that you are going to. By knowing a bit about the place you’re staying in, it won’t seem so overwhelming when you actually get there because you know some things that you might want to explore and see while you are away.
2. Bring something that reminds you of home
Everyone who goes abroad gets homesick at some point, some more than others, but it does happen to everyone. By bringing something that reminds you of home, it will make the transition feel a lot easier and it won’t be so scary when you are missing your home. It can be anything from a candle that reminds you of home, to a picture of you and your friends in your favorite hang-out spot.
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3. Embrace the culture
The easiest and best way to make the transition to a new country as smooth as possible is to really embrace the culture in that country. Go to some local cafes, talk to local people and just try to really get into the culture of that country. You’ll learn so much about others, and most likely also yourself.
4. Make sure you have a great camera
If you don’t want to buy a camera, make sure that the camera on your phone has great quality because trust me when I say that you’ll take thousands of pictures during your time abroad. You’ll want to remember every single moment and having the pictures to look back on in a couple of years will be so incredibly valuable so remember to take as many photos as you can.
5. Learn some common phrases
You might go to a country that speaks a completely different language, or another English speaking country but either way, that specific country will have their own common phrases. There’s literally no better way to impress the locals than by quoting some of their favorite phrases in their native tongue back to them.
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6. Save up a lot of money
This might seem like such a obvious thing, but honestly, you don’t want to go abroad for four months and then not be able afford everything that you want to do. You might want to shop for a whole new wardrobe before you go home, or you might want to go on adventures and go skydiving before you return home, who knows really? Our point is, the more money you have saved up, the more options you’ll have when you want to explore new and exciting things.
7. Write everything down
Even if you’re not that into writing, we definitely recommend writing everything down somewhere. In a journal, or on a blog, or wherever. Because you will forget some things eventually and it’s so refreshing and exciting to go back in your journal and read about all the adventures, the big and the small. Keeping a blog is also a really great way for your family and friends to see what you are up to without you having to individually update them every day.
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8. Get a local phone number and internet plan
You’ll definitely want to get a local phone number with an internet plan as quickly as possible for two main reasons. The first one being that you’ll want to be able to check your messages and make calls within the country without it costing a fortune. And the second one is the most important one, you’ll want to be able to access Google Maps. Honestly, it will be your BEST FRIEND for the first few weeks in your new home before you actually start memorizing the streets and neighborhoods.
9. Bring some of the country’s own currency
You can use your credit card in most countries today but it can always be a good idea to bring some of the countries own currency. In Germany for example, most people use cash which is something that you might not expect so it’s always good to be prepared and bring some cash to whatever country you are studying in.
10. Make sure you actually study, but don’t do it all the time
You’re in a new country, you want to explore and experience everything that the country has to offer that it’s sometimes easy to forget that you’re actually there to study. It’s important to remember to prioritize your school work so that you do not fail any classes, but do not let studying take up all your time. You’re most likely only going to study abroad once in your life so make sure that you experience the country that you are living in.
11. Make some form of budget
We’re not saying budget for every single little thing because you’ll never know exactly every expense that will come up. But a recommendation is definitely to do like a weekly budget for food and stuff like that, because food expenses can get pretty high very quickly.
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12. Bring comfortable shoes
You’ll mostly likely want to pack shoes for every occasion and yes that’s fine, but definitely bring a nice pair of walking/running shoes. You definitely won’t regret this because one of the best ways to explore a new place is by walking, and trust us, you’ll do plenty of that in the beginning. So bring at least one pair of comfortable shoes, you’ll definitely thank us later.’
13. Be smart when you pack
Over-packing is certainly a thing and when you’re leaving for at least four months, it’s almost impossible not to bring to much stuff, and stuff you might not even use. Our recommendation is to make a list of everything that you want to bring and really look through it and see if you actually need everything you wrote down.
14. Try the local cuisine
One of the best experiences about studying abroad is the food. Make sure you try the different dishes that the country is famous for because it is an amazing experience and the locals will love you for trying their favorite foods.
15. Enjoy every moment
This might seem like a cliché, but it is honestly the most important tip we can give you about studying aboard. Enjoy the new experiences, the culture, the people and everything in between. This will be a once in a lifetime adventure and something you’ll remember forever so try and really embrace it and enjoy every single moment.
What do you think about these tips? Are you planning on studying abroad and where would you most want to go? Please let us know in the comments below.
Featured photo source: pinterest.com
