Studying abroad is an experience, which cannot be underestimated. Apart from knowledge, you get a plenty of skills to apply in adult life, learn how to survive in an unfamiliar environment, and get used to a cultural diversity. If you are ready for such an involvement get prepared by reading our article about possible challenges that you will face.
- Mind the time difference.
If you are traveling to a different country you will mostly likely be in a new time zone, which might be inconvenient for you for the first time. You will definitely have sleep deprivation, which might interfere with all other activities that you planned to do. Keep in mind that if you are not used to traveling in various time zones you will need some time to sleep enough and be fit for meeting new people. Also, you should do your best to fall asleep in a plane.
- Keep yourself on a budget.
New culture will, for sure attract you with a plenty of entertainments, new foods and interesting things to buy. Although you may feel like a tourist at the beginning remember that you are there not for having fun only and your budget is limited. Apart from different kinds of attraction, you have to survive in there: rent a place to live, have meals, buy books, pay for transportation etc.
In order to solve this issue, do your best to plan your budget properly before you go so to make sure that you have enough money for the living. The rest can be spent on the amusements, which you prefer.
- Make a list of “to do” things and “to go” places.
Before you go to a different country you should conduct your own research about it and learn not only about expenses of living and your studying program but some cultural points that are interesting for you. Depending on how much free time you will have in there you should make a list with the number of places that you must see. Also, you may include the foods, drinks and activities that you want to try in a new country. This is how you will make sure that you will not miss anything.
Additionally, leave some days to do the exploration. The best discoveries are unplanned.
- Hang out with the local people.
When you are abroad you need a good guide to show you the best places to see, the cheapest shops to buy souvenirs and the tastiest foods to eat. Without doubts, a good guide would be the person who was born in that place and knows a lot about it including history of the city and its legends. However, if you are unable to make friends with somebody local you may communicate with other students – they will share their own experience and will help you with all the questions.
- Save your memories on the photos.
The new experience, new culture and new country will, definitely, leave a plenty of impressions. In order to save them for longer, take a lot of photos of places, other people, foods, interesting things and yourself.