What You May Not Know About Studying Abroad
You probably know your communication will be limited, but you may not know how limited.
When you travel out of the country, you are probably aware of the extreme data/messaging/calling rates for international phone plans. If you do not want to spend an outrageous amount of money on your phone just be aware you will only have the chance to communicate with your friends and family whenever you catch someone’s wifi. While your friends and family are probably aware as well about your future lack of communication, make sure they understand there will be days, maybe even a couple in a row, where it is almost impossible to talk to them. Everyone wants to keep his or her friends and family in the loop when it comes to international travel, but taking a break from a cell phone can be a blessing, too.
Currency works differently everywhere.
This sounds like an obvious one; every country uses a different currency. Of course, right? Well, this is true, but some countries ‘illegally’ use a second type of currency. For example, Argentina uses a ‘blue currency’ rate meaning they will accept American Dollars instead of Argentine Pesos, usually with a better rate for the American Dollar. Do a bit of research on the country you will be traveling within to find any extra currency tips.
You will instantly become close with your roommate because they may be the only person who can completely understand what you are saying.
Get to know your roommate. Becoming close with your roommate can benefit you both for many reasons. Your roommate may know the language while you do not: this is a huge plus! Also, while we never want it to happen, you may become homesick. If this happens and you are close with your roommate, you know you’ll have someone to talk to.
You will learn things beyond what a classroom can teach you.
Visiting companies or horseback riding up a mountainside, you never know what you will take back from an experience. Many people will vouch that they learned more about the world and themselves while abroad than they have in a classroom. Take in as many experiences as you can, and grow as a person.
You will want to travel on the weekends. Allow yourself to splurge a bit while abroad because who knows if you’ll be back.
Unfortunately, for many people, studying abroad is one of the only times they will have the chance to leave the country or go to a specific country. This especially holds true for European travel because travel within Europe is extremely cheap, but when you have free days on your study abroad, take advantage of them. Travel to as many places as you can. This is one aspect of studying abroad that you can splurge on without feeling guilty.
Check out some more interesting information at these sites:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/dianabruk/things-you-shouldnt-do-in-foreign-countries#.adzA23oPm
http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/5-learned-traveling
and many more!
