5 Keys to Getting the Most Out of Study Abroad
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Brendan Roth (he/him) |
Before studying abroad, I was perfectly happy living in my cultural bubble. It was familiar and comfortable. I was not completely ignorant of the rest of the world—I had vacationed in Panamá and even gone on a service trip to Guatemala. But I was still just a tourist goggling at anything foreign to me.
On the flight to my new home in Urbino, Italy, I contemplated what I wanted out of this trip. Of course, I would visit the local restaurants and go sightseeing, but if that’s all I was after, why not just take a vacation there? Surely, I could see more places if I didn’t have to worry about class assignments. And it certainly would have been easier to travel with my family or close friends instead of 30 students I had never met.
The Medici Castle of the Renaissance city of Urbino.
The problem with choosing the familiar is that it keeps you inside the bubble you’re trying to escape. I stepped onto Italian soil, determined to put myself into uncomfortable situations simply because they were new to me. To all those who wish to study abroad, I encourage you to embrace the same challenges I set for myself during my trip:
1) Find Your Own Experiences: You never know what kind of incredible adventures are hiding in the cities you are staying in. Each night I walked the streets of the renaissance city where I lived. One night, I randomly stumbled upon a techno music rave with hundreds of people, only four blocks from my residence. It was a completely novel experience that I only found because I was looking for it. Go looking for your adventure! You will never find it if you don’t search.
A light and techno music show Brendan found on a hidden street in Urbino.
2) Take Chances: To be clear, I am not suggesting you try cliff jumping or going to the shady bar locals warn you about; nothing will ruin your trip more than spending half of it in the hospital. When I first arrived, even something as simple as traveling alone terrified me. I had never so much as taken a public bus, let alone navigated multiple train connections in a station where nobody spoke English. My first trip was not without hiccups either; in fact, it would be fair to call the way there a disaster, but it was a disaster that I survived. I even managed to have one of the best days of my life, as visiting Venice, my destination, was a lifelong dream. I could have easily despaired after I faced adversity and taken the next train back to Urbino. Instead, I gained confidence that regardless of the circumstances, the next trip or the next chance I took would pay off.
A boardwalk outside of Venice, Italy.
3) Learn the Language (as much as you can): I get it; learning a language is hard. I spent many hours on Duolingo but found I had very little to show for it once I attempted to use my new skills in real-life situations. Still, every little bit matters. I can not overstate how appreciative locals can be of a young American like myself for mumbling through the little Italian I learned instead of just pointing. The effort you put in is evident to those you are trying to communicate with; in return for your work, people will treat you with the respect you are attempting to show them.
4) Stay Open-Minded: When your friends invite you on a day trip or to try a dish that seems strange, say yes! If someone tells you the prettiest view is up a steep hill, go climb it! Your new favorite food, best friend, or lifelong love could be around any cafe or lamppost. Be open to the experiences that life presents you, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
5) Take Care of Yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and neglect your mental and physical health. But you can have plenty of fun without running on four hours of sleep and skipping meals to go to bars. Make sure you prioritize rest and nourishment so you can fully enjoy everything the experience has to offer.
Traveling has a unique ability to broaden your horizons, giving you insight into different ways of living. While studying abroad, you will be able to eat and live with those who experience different lives and let you walk in their shoes. Remember, you will get out of the trip what you put into it. Take full advantage of this great opportunity, and you’ll make lifelong memories along the way.
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