#tcobstudyabroad

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

Expert Study Abroad Packing Tips

Make a list.

While it may seem redundant, or you are positive you won’t forget anything, a list can be extremely helpful.  Find one online, make your own, or do both.  You will not regret it when it helps you remember to pack that carry-on toothpaste or extra Ziploc bags.

Pack neutrals, and be ready to mix and match.

If your wardrobe allows it, pack as many neutral or dark colored clothes as you can. This will allow you to mix and match your outfits more often which means you will not need to pack as many clothes or specific outfits.  If you need to pack more formal clothes, try to stick to one or two colored dresses/shirts/skirts so that you can mix and match these as well.

Bring a lot of small accessories.

Never be afraid of packing too many small accessories to help change up your mix and match outfits.  With the right accessories, like necklaces, bracelets, hats, and watches, you will never wear the same outfit twice.  If you find some of your accessories are a bit heavier, like bulky necklaces, you can pack these in your carry-on to avoid an overweight suitcase. Just be aware that these items will weigh down the bag that you are carrying 

Pack smaller yet heavier items in your carry-on if your suitcase will be close to making weight.

Just like with accessories, any smaller items that may add excess weight to your suitcase, like some toiletries, can be packed in your carry-on to save weight.

Roll your clothes.

Instead of folding your clothes, try rolling them next time you travel. This especially helps with bulkier clothes like jeans or outerwear.  Rolling your clothes not only saves space, but also, it can save some clothes from wrinkling.

Be careful in which shoes you pack.

While it is necessary to pack more than one pair of shoes, try not to over-pack on these items. Start by wearing your bulkiest or heaviest shoes while traveling. This will save weight and space in your suitcase.  After that, try to only pack one pair of each style of shoe you will bring: stick to one pair of active shoes, one formal pair, one ‘going out’ pair, and one casual pair.

Wear your heaviest/bulkiest clothes while you travel.

Just like with shoes, wear your heaviest or bulkiest clothes while you travel. This may seem absurd depending on where you are traveling to or from, but it can save so much space in your checked baggage.  Remember that carrying a coat/jacket on a plane does not count as one of your carry-ons.  If they question you, just put the jacket on.

Pack extra Ziploc bags for your flights home or between destinations.

In your carry-on, you are allowed one quart-size Ziploc bag full of four-ounce liquids.  In case one of these liquids explodes or the bag breaks, pack extra, empty Ziploc bags. Packing larger, empty Ziploc bags can be a good idea, too.

Put any liquids in your suitcase inside a bag in case they explode.

Before packing any of your liquid toiletries like shampoo or body wash, put them inside plastic bags to save the rest of your luggage if one of them breaks or explodes.

Put dryer sheets throughout your suitcase to eliminate static electricity and keep your clothes fresher longer.

Place unused dryer sheets throughout your luggage to keep your clothes smelling nice and to eliminate any static electricity.  This little hack can make your outfits last longer, and you won’t have to worry about re-wearing the same shirt a few times.