The time has come to broaden your horizon outside of the United States and across the pond to live and study in another country. Relocating brings the excitement of living like a local, trying new experiences, engaging in different opportunities… provided you approach it the correct way. To make the most out of your stay in a country outside the U.S., you'll need to research and learn how to navigate the country and its people.
Here are our top ten tips for students going abroad.
"When in Rome…"
Do as the Romans do! One common mistake many American students make when studying abroad is doing the same things they do when back home, including creating their own Little America group that limits their exposure to people and experiences outside of the U.S. Living like a local will bring invaluable experience to you personally, academically and professionally. While overseas, try some of these things:
• Indulge in local cuisines.
• Attend a local concert, theatre performance or art exhibit to get a feel of what excites the country's inhabitants.
• Sit outside at a restaurant or café and people watch: take note of their clothes, their customs, and the way they act.
• Interact with locals by joining a club through the school, or applying for an internship.
Embrace Local Laws
A common assumption made by many students living abroad is that the local and country laws don't apply to you - WRONG! The laws of the host country apply to you the minute you cross the border or land in the airport, and you can find yourself in trouble if you don't learn and live by them. It's unfortunate, but in some countries the local authorities are all too happy to make an example of misbehaving foreign students. Some things to remember:
• Read and understand the rules and customs of the country you'll be in. Remember, you're abroad, and might not be able to rely on your parents for help or to bail you out.
• Have emergency contacts and numbers both in the host country and at home in the U.S. with you at all times in case something should happen.
• Stop and think about your actions; if it seems wrong to do it, it probably is.
Culture Shock!
When you arrive in your new surroundings, realize that you may experience some degree of culture shock and homesickness. Perfectly normal! As long as you know that what you're experiencing is totally normal, and that there is the possibility that you'll never have this opportunity again, you'll feel better. To help overcome homesickness:
• Stay in touch with friends and family through communication tools like e-mail, Skype and Facebook. Update them with a blog chronicling your adventures.
Do Your (Relocating) Homework
More homework?! With all the excitement of going to a new country, don't forget to research and carefully prepare your move. By researching and writing down important things, such as where the American Embassy is located, the closest hospital, where you will be living, and more, you will not only better prepare yourself for an emergency, but your family as well. If you happen to be relocating to an English-speaking country, don't just assume that the local people and culture are similar. Here are some additional tips to help you better prepare:
• If you are dependent on things like medication, find out if it's available there. Plan to see your doctor prior to leaving to ensure optimal health and to take care of any needed prescriptions.
• Visit your dentist for a full check-up. Horror stories have been told about locals armed with drills examining your mouth when you have absolutely no idea what is going on. Talk about being in the hot seat!
George Eves is founder of Expatinfodesk.com, a comprehensive and unique online resource for expats and anyone considering international relocation. You can also check out Expat Info Desk on Twitter at: @ExpatInfoDesk or on Facebook at: Facebook.com/ /pages/Expat-Info-Desk.
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