Studying abroad allows students to further their education while learning about another culture in the process. If you have plans to study abroad or are considering studying abroad, you’re going to want to make the most out of your experience. Living in a different country (even if temporarily) is so incredible. There are so many things to do and places to see, and if you do the right things to prepare, you’re going to have the time of your life. Ready to start planning your trip to study abroad? Here are nine tips to make the most of your time:
Prepare For Your Stay
When studying abroad, the first thing you need to do is prepare for your stay. You have to prepare all the essential items you’ll need since you’ll probably live in a new country for several months. Thus, you need to be thoughtful with what you pack.
Aside from that, there are several administrative processes that you have to go through. That’s because you’ll live in another country for a long time. Therefore, you have to make sure that you’ve gone through the entire process before you go.
Set Goals for Yourself
Just because you’ve already confirmed that you’ll be studying abroad doesn’t mean that you can be lenient. To maximize your international studies, you need to set out a plan to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself.
Consider sticking to a few small goals or one larger goal so that you don’t burn yourself out. A few examples of what you could aim for would be to learn a new language, or maybe you want to network with people who work in your chosen career field.
Keep Yourself Busy
You’re rarely going to have the chance to live in a new country like you would with your study abroad arrangement. Thus, even if you’re not a social butterfly, you should get out there and keep yourself busy in any way that you can. That way, you won’t miss out on anything and get to come home with all sorts of new experiences.
Get to know more people and try new things that you wouldn’t be able to back home. Keeping yourself busy will help you make the most memories while you’re studying abroad. Don’t be shy and try not to stay in your living arrangement too often.
Make the Most of Your Studies
If you want to feel the impact of your study abroad even when you come back, then there’s nothing else to it other than working hard. Make an effort, especially since you might not get the same type of education when you come home.
Live Like a Local
Studying abroad is about living in a new country for an extended period – it’s a whole lot different than traveling for pleasure! Therefore, you should use this opportunity to live more like a local instead of like a tourist. Visit lesser-known attractions and restaurants, and avoid crowded tourist areas. Take this time to truly immerse yourself and live like you’re a local.
Make Friends with Local People
One way you can live more like a local is by making friends with some of the locals. You might already have locals in your study abroad arrangement, but you can also try to make your friends while you’re there. When you make friends with locals, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what the culture is like. You also might even be able to get to meet some life-long friends!
Create a Bucket List
Aside from setting goals, you should also create a bucket list of things you want to do during your stay. These should be items that don’t necessarily have anything to do with your studies. It can be about simply experiencing all the best and most unique attractions and restaurants that your destination has to offer. This way, creating an itinerary of what to do during your free time can be more manageable.
Try to Do More Internships
There are plenty of summer programs for high school students out there, and each can bring a different experience. Don’t think you only need to do one internship or study abroad program because there’s no harm in doing as many as you can. There are only benefits to gain from trying more internships or summer programs.
If you do internships or summer programs in different countries, you get to explore other parts of the world. At the same time, you learn various aspects of work, giving you a better idea of what career path to take.
Stay Safe
When studying abroad (or traveling in an unfamiliar place in general), you’ll want to ensure that you have safety protocols ready in case of an emergency. Write down important numbers and have a contact person in case you need them in times of distress. It may also be wise to purchase travel insurance and always be wary of pickpockets while in public areas.
Studying abroad is an opportunity that few people have – make the most of it! Be active, open, and accessible. That way, you can come back home more knowledgeable and be full of pleasant memories.
