9 Tips To Make Studying Abroad Easy | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

9 Tips to Have an Amazing Study Abroad Experience

Studying abroad is what you make it!

119
9 Tips to Have an Amazing Study Abroad Experience
Jazmin Moore

Currently, I am studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic for two months and I am having the time of my life here. However, sitting in my room not going exploring Prague is not the reason for that.

1. Don't be in your room for anything besides sleeping

The biggest mistake that people make when studying abroad is staying inside of their rooms and expecting to have something pop up for them to have fun. It is important to be outside of your room as much as possible whether that be just going on a walk, or actually going out to a bar. You can explore different sites or people watch at a park. The country your in is most likely going to be completely different than the country that you are from.

2. Go on tours

It is kind of sad when you walk around and look at all of the statues, churches, architecture, and old buildings and have no idea what any of the history is or what the story is behind it. Even if you don't like history, some of the things you learn are so cool and you'll never have guessed it on your own.

3. Immerse yourself into the culture

To get the full experience, you should go and do what the people in your country do. Go outside of the tourist area and see what's around. Eat the food, go to the local bars, or go on a walk to places where there are just regular people who live there. You'll learn so much more and experience so much more doing this.

4. Stay away from your country's restaurants

In Prague I have seen T.G.I. Fridays, McDonalds, Starbucks and even KFC. It is crazy how much of America's restaurants are starting to lurk into these places. Instead of going to places like this because you know you like it, try all of the country's food. Instead of going to a Starbucks, go to a local coffee shop. See what food is similar and different to what you usually eat at home. You don't want to go and not try anything new. What is the point in that?

5. Try to learn the basic words of the language

Everyone in America expects everyone to come in to speak English, and expect for people outside of America to speak English, too. For once, try to learn their language. People actually appreciate the attempt and will help you. You will learn words as you are in your study abroad place, but you should try learning words like "hello", "thank you", "goodbye", "bathroom" or others so that you come prepared. It ends up being fun and maybe you'll have a good story about completely butchering a word.

6. Respect everyone

Don't be that person that doesn't listen to any of the social norms or the rules that are in that country. It is important to try to respect the culture and that way people don't hate you and judge your whole country based off of your bad actions. For example, Prague has a social norm of not getting excessively drunk, or looking like it. People find it embarrassing and shameful so, respecting that is important.

7. Make friends with the locals

The locals will show you around and tell you the best local bars or restaurants! You will get to experience your country as a local instead of a tourist. The people I have met in Prague tell me all the events going on and the new hip thing which is nice for when I have nothing to do! It's given me an experience I wouldn't have gotten without knowing them.

8. Travel

While you're in your country, if possible, travel to another country for the weekend. It is easier to take a quick bus than book a whole other trip. Being in Europe, it is super easy and inexpensive to travel for the most part.

9. Be open minded

Being close-minded will only cause you to miss the whole point of studying abroad. Learning the history, the culture, the food, the people and everything you can is what it is all about! Comparing it to your country or not trying new things will only stop you from having the best experience you can!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

661
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

424
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199419
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20403
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments