Few experiences offer as many learning opportunities as a study abroad experience. However, if you close your eyes, you will see that those weeks and months pass by as quickly as sand in an hourglass. The best solution? Think about and organize your time with these ten ways to make the most of your language study abroad experience.
1. GET ORGANIZED BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Dealing with last-minute paperwork is the ultimate headache! Before you leave, ask your advisor, professors, or previous students who have been abroad about the steps you need to take during the preparation phase. Important things to consider include health insurance, budgeting, organizing your accommodation, weather, and airport transfers.
2. SET GOALS
Whether you want to master a foreign language, pursue a new major, or earn your dream degree, don’t take your studies lightly, as they are the main reason for your time abroad. That doesn’t mean there are distractions—in fact, you’ll probably have tons of them—but remember that your program is, first and foremost, about learning important skills for your future career.
3. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN LOCAL CULTURE
In addition to learning the local language, successful students abroad absorb as much of their soon-to-be-adopted culture as possible before they even board a plane. Find books, movies, foods, and music that will inspire you. Research prominent writers, singers, athletes, or actors from that culture and read up on current events. This way, you’ll already feel connected to your new host country, not to mention have a good grasp of a few conversation topics.
4. KEEP AN OPEN MIND
This is a piece of advice that gets thrown around a lot, and for good reason: it’s essential! Don’t arrive in your adopted country with a head full of stereotypes. Instead, open your eyes, relax, and soak up the local culture – you’ll likely find that many of your preconceptions about life abroad were unfounded. Resist the urge to think or say, “Well, in my country, they do things differently,” and instead, jump into the adventure.
5. ASK THE RESIDENTS
Whenever you are unsure about how to behave in a new situation, look around you: the locals will be your best guides! As soon as you arrive, it is wise to ask your host family or teachers about the customs and unspoken rules of their culture and, without a doubt, to continue to do so throughout your stay.
6. LEARN NEW THINGS
Sure, you may have gone to Barcelona to study Spanish for a semester or to San Diego to improve your English—but don’t close yourself off to other experiences. Maybe you’ll be invited to a salsa dance party, a cooking class, or a hike in a world-famous national park. By experimenting with new things, you’ll come back with a diverse and unexpected set of skills.
7. MANAGE YOUR (POTENTIAL) HOMESICKNESS
Hiding or ignoring these feelings will only make them worse. Instead, avoid moments of nostalgia by staying in regular contact with family and friends. Call, write, chat, and check each other’s blogs to keep up with their lives and share all the latest in yours. Don’t forget about your new friends and new surroundings, though – there’s so much to discover; plus, keeping busy is a great way to cope with nostalgia. Bonus: missing your familiar surroundings usually doesn’t last forever, and when you return, you may even feel “homesick” for your adopted country!
8. WATCH YOUR WALLET
As tempting as it may be, resist the initial urge to blow your budget and spend it on gorgeous trinkets, traditional crafts, or eating out. Remember, you’ll be spending several months in your new destination, and therefore saving up your nest egg. To keep your budget in check, use your time to discover the best places to eat and shop. Avoid paying for extra services and transportation by asking your teachers or hosts about local prices. Our top tip? If your visa conditions allow, get a part-time job. Not only will you increase your income, but you’ll also quadruple your language skills!
9. EXPAND YOUR SOCIAL CIRCLE
After class, don’t just seek out the company of other international students; instead, make an effort to make friends with locals as well. Having at least one local friend will open doors not only to better understand your adopted culture, but also to receive invitations to special events, sports matches, and traditional festivals.
10. STUDY!
Don’t lose sight of the primary purpose of your time abroad. There will be times when you’re overwhelmed with work, homesick, or simply don’t feel like studying at all. However, dive head first into your books! Although it may sound cliché, this experience abroad is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and if you make the most of your time, you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come.