5 Things You Experience When Studying Abroad

Student

Aug 15

Number one thing you should experience in this world is traveling to new places! I got to study abroad to two different places while as an undergraduate student at Austin Peay State University, England and Spain. Both experiences were quite different for me and gave me new insights to bring back in the States. Here are 5 things you experience when studying abroad:

#1 Communication

Depending on the country you will be studying abroad in will determine how you should prepare! For my first study abroad trip, I went to a Spanish speaking country where I only knew a little bit of Spanish. Not being in an English-speaking country was one of the toughest experiences I have gone through, but also one of the most rewarding. It challenged me to look at non-verbal cues to see if I could decipher the message or if I was even speaking the right words. Verbal cues and body languages in Spain are quite different than what Americans are used to, thankfully, our teacher informed us about it!

#2 Cellular Data

Okay, hear me out on this section. I am from a mid-sized town and had never been on my own in a big city abroad until 2018. Heading to a big city abroad can be an obstacle, but it was very enriching. One of the things your teacher or other people will tell you is to pay for data so you can have data connection to travel around. But in all honesty, it depends on your preference. I like to get lost; it allows me to see things I would not have. It allowed me to disconnect myself from social media, and take in the complete abroad experience. If you are worried about getting around the city or staying connected to family, there are tons of options to stay connected without paying for cellular data. If you do decide you want data, check with your carrier services on additional costs.

#3 Exploring Your Horizons

I can not stress this section enough, explore your horizons! Don’t spend the majority of your study abroad experience in your hotel or host family’s house. Get out there and experience new things you have never tried! If you are going to be in another country for a week or even a month, remember you will not experience everything. From personal experience, try not to have a packed schedule to the max. Having a maxed-out schedule could cause you to miss being in the moment. Do what you can and have fun!

#4 Being Responsible

While it is fun to travel and live in another country, it also comes with responsibilities, including transport and living arrangements. My first time being on a plane was during my first trip abroad in Spain. I had to navigate through the airport and security on my own. To get around the city, we used the metro and walked everywhere. Learning how to navigate on the metro can be a little confusing at first, but once you got it, you’ll be going everywhere!

Both of my living arrangements were different on my trips. My first trip I stayed with a host family and the second I stayed in a hotel. If you are staying with a host family, make sure you know the customs of the culture you are going to. For example, while with my host family in Madrid, Spain, my host mom would get offended if I did not eat all of the food that was on my plate. Staying in a hotel in London, England, was different than the states. The hotel I was in was quite small for three people staying in the hotel for more than a week, but you adapt and overcome.

#5 The Other Side of the Fence

While in high school, I worked at McDonald's. This one time working the front lines taking orders for customers, I had a family that was Hispanic and did not speak any English. Me being 16-years-old at the time was a little frustrated because it was rush and there was a massive line in the restaurant, but I tried my best to try and figure out the family’s order. I had no idea if I even put in the right food for them. While in a non-English speaking country, you are going to experience the other side of the fence if you do not know the native language. For example, while in Spain, I went to a shopping center and could not keep up with the employees speaking. I could tell their frustration as they said I did not speak Spanish. For the first time, I felt what it was like to be in someone else's shoes. This is an experience that you will carry back to your country. You will be able to put yourself in someone else's shoes, giving you a sense of empathy when in life if someone does not speak your native language. You learn to be patient and empathize with the person and try to help them.

If you are thinking about studying abroad, I recommend it! I hope these 5 things helps you through your process and good luck!

Samantha Espinoza