subject: How to Make the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience [print this page] How to Make the Most of Your Study Abroad Experience
Read - Be sure to read up on your intended destination. A great source of information would be the local newspapers which can help you get acquainted with the general state of affairs in you host country and city. Browse through travel books such as Lonely Planet and highlight key monuments, local sites, and means of transportation, as well as the bad areas to avoid. Look up blogs about student experiences abroad which will enable you to better relate with the locals.
Travel Take some time away from your studies to travel within your host country and visit out of the way towns and festivals. Find out what opportunities there are for cheap travel to enable you to save money with low cost lodging, flights and package travel. Again, budget travel blogs will come in handy here. Go by bus or train which are often the more cost effective options that also enable you to enjoy the most interesting cultural experiences. Overnight transportation also enables you to save on the costs of lodging.
Student Discounts If student discounts are offered in your host country, be sure to take advantage of these. This enables you to save money at tourist attractions, museums, transportation, cinema and shopping outlets. Look for hostels and businesses which offer negotiated discounts for holders of international student cards or ISIC.
Communication Find out the most cost effective way of communicating with family and friends back home, in your host country, as well as the local emergency number. With a computer, some accessories and an internet connection, you will be able to use Skype to make your calls. Look for pay as you go cell phone plans which are normally cheapest to use or more affordable landline rates.
Must-Have Foods If there are certain food items that you absolutely cannot live without, be sure to stock up on them before leaving your country. These will come in handy as comfort food when you are feeling a little homesick.
Money Find out if your bank has any agreements with international banks and affiliates to enable you to cut down on the expenses incurred from bank charges for ATM transaction withdrawals and credit card transaction fees. If not, withdraw a large sum of money each month and live on that. Keep your debit or credit cards safe because these are difficult to quickly replace in the event that they get stolen or lost.
Do as the Romans Do! When abroad, act like a local by immersing yourself in books about the history of the people you are living amongst. Find out what is proper behavior from the locals in terms of tipping, taxi rides, public drinking and dressing. If you play a sport that you love, take your gear along and get involved. This will enable you to meet other students and take a break from your studies. If you are a pro, you could even give lessons or volunteer to coach the youth team or league.
Integrate - Study the local language, live with a local family, join a local club, volunteer or intern with a local organization and travel off the beaten path. This will give you a better idea of how things work in that particular country and give you a deeper understanding of local culture. Remember that such experiences always make for the best travel memories.
