Studying abroad is an unforgettable life experience. My abroad experience was amazing—it challenged me, allowed me to explore new locations and learn more than ever before. While it’s an exciting and new opportunity, it can also be very overwhelming to prepare for your experience in another country. Taking some time to reflect on my abroad experience, I have come up with a list of 11 tips and tricks to make the most of your abroad experience, before you go and while you are there!
Before You Go
Try your best to learn as much of the language as possible! If you are traveling somewhere with a different native language than your own, make an effort to learn a couple of key phrases before you arrive. There are plenty of apps you can download on your phone to practice some basics of the language, and it really helps you practice!
Do some research on the area you are studying! You may want to learn about the best things to do while you are there or things to try. Get an idea of some activities you may be interested in to add to your to-do list.
Pack lightly, but efficiently! Always take into consideration the weather of the location you are studying abroad, in addition to the places you may want to travel on the weekends. Pack a couple of basics that can be versatile, so you don’t overpack. Bring all your essentials and don’t fear you forgot something – you can likely buy it when you arrive in your host country.
Invest in some packing pods! Packing pods/cubes make traveling SO much easier. You can compartmentalize your items to organize your suitcase efficiently and they are a lifesaver for weekend travel!
While You Are There
Document as much as you can! Of course, it is so important to live in the moment and truly ‘soak it all in,’ but you also want to have physical documentation of your memories. Take photos! Take videos! You are going to want something tangible to look back on your experience when it ends. Plus, get photos of yourself IN your locations, this will be more fun when looking back on your memories.
Get to know your host country! I know traveling while already abroad is so much easier than from the US, but remember to take some time to explore the place you will be calling home for the semester. It is the best feeling to feel like you can show people around your host country. Some of my best abroad experiences happened where I studied, rather than where I traveled.
Take advantage of school trips! Center organized weekend trips are SO fun and oftentimes, already a part of your program fee. It is a great perk to get to go places with other people in your study abroad program and make new friends. These trips are oftentimes local, so you get to explore more of your host country in a way you normally wouldn’t.
Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations! If you have a host family, ask them some of the best places they have traveled and why to get some ideas of where you would like to go. It is also a great talking point and can spark some great conversations at the dinner table. If you don’t have a host family, ask staff members at your center or on your program! They are always willing to chat about any questions you may have – whether it be the best place to grab coffee, what to do during free time, the best places for weekend travel or where to buy something – they are experts and have the answers!
Find activities that don’t burst your budget! There are plenty of places around each city that are free or have student discounts. Look into museums, films, hikes, or other outdoor activities that won’t break your piggy bank.
Make friends with people who are not from your home country! It is awesome to say you have friends all over the world. It can be very easy to make friends while you are abroad, just be open and willing to chat! These friends can help you explore your host country from a different perspective.
Collect meaningful souvenirs! It is really cool to have a part of each place you visit. It can be something small, whether that be a keychain or a sweatshirt to jewelry or a poster, whatever it be, it will be something to reflect on once you are back home to have forever. I tried to get one souvenir every place I visited, and I love looking back on my memories when I look at my souvenirs.
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Written by Kaitlin McKoy ’21, School of Information Studies, Syracuse Strasbourg Fall 2019