How to Be at Ease in a Foreign Country when Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an amazing experience. It gives students not only greater independence through living in a foreign country, but gives them the chance to acquire a different perspective on themselves and their native country, as well. However, it can be a bit awkward and uncomfortable, especially at first. There are some great things that can be done to make the transition into foreign study easier.

Hit the Books – or the Internet
Do a little bit of research. Even if you are going into a country that speaks your native language, such as Australia or the UK, reading up on your destination can help you enormously. There are many international newspapers online these days, making it as easy as a click of the mouse to research current events in the area that is your destination. You might pick up some travel books, as well, to find out which areas of the city are the best and worst, locate public transportation, activities, and more information that will make it easier on you.

The Logistics of Communication
Staying in touch with friends and family members is extremely important for most students going abroad. While you will certainly make new friends while there, having a way to talk to familiar people will make being homesick less painful. This is something else that the internet has made easy. E-mail and instant messengers are far from the end of it anymore. Using VOIP, you can talk to loved ones face-to-face regularly.

Familiar Items
Whether you have a favorite pillow, stuffed toy, or other comfort object, taking along something familiar can be a great comfort when you feel a wave of homesickness coming on. These are easy to take on a flight and can be crammed quickly into a suitcase without taking up too much room.

Arranging Care Packages
Trying out new foods is a big part of the experience of studying abroad. However, sometimes you just want something that can’t be found in a non-domestic supermarket. Added to this, even the formulations of popular brands are different in many cases in other cases. This can make your peanut butter sandwich or spaghetti and meatballs taste quite different from the way it does when your mom makes it. Taking food along isn’t really an option, since it can pose a problem with security. It’s handy to have someone back home who is willing to send you regular care packages. These can include your favorite domestic foods, but also books and movies that might have come out while you are away or items that you forgot at home.

That Filthy Lucre
Money might seem like the easiest part of studying abroad, but it isn’t always simply. When you will be staying in a foreign country for months, it isn’t really feasible to exchange all the money you will use during that time at the airport. Many credit cards have foreign transaction fees that can be attached to all purchases you make there and you can even find extra charges on your ATM transactions. These typically amount to 2% or 3% and add up fast. If you don’t intend to open a bank account in the country in which you are studying, check with your bank at home. Some have agreements in place with international institutions that allow you to cut those fees a bit.

Studying abroad will be a great memory to look back on when your school career is finished, but the first few days or weeks can be rocky, particularly for someone who has not traveled a great deal. Taking these steps to make your experience go more smoothly from the beginning can make it amazing from first day to last.


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