You’re almost there. Just think: in a matter of days, weeks or months, you’ll be on your way to your destination, where you’ll no doubt have the time of your life. To help make a smooth transition, it’s best to do a little preparation and research about your destination before you arrive.
If you don’t know where to start, you’re in luck. Read on for some great advice from the study abroad experts at CEA on finding information about your new city, as well as study abroad packing suggestions, preparation tips and more.
Part One: Researching your Destination
Read the Newspaper –
Many of the larger newspapers across the U.S. and Canada provide travel sections in their papers, oftentimes in the Sunday edition. Keep an eye out for features on your destination, as well as surrounding areas where you might travel while abroad.
In addition, many overseas newspapers are online, enabling you to see the daily happenings right where you’ll be studying. Advisors we’ve talked to recommend reading them at least three to four weeks prior to departure. For a list of local papers in your destination, check out these sources:
www.pressdisplay.com
www.onlinenewspapers.com
Listen to the Sounds of your Destination
Oh, the wonders of the Internet – not only can you read up on the latest news from your destination, but now you can hear their local radio stations as well. Search www.radio-locator.com for listings of stations around the world.
Take an Interactive Stroll through the Streets of Europe
Had enough of seeing just pictures of your study abroad destination? Well, we can’t make your departure date any sooner, but we can show you a cool tool that’s definitely better than any still photo. Check out the links below for interactive maps of France and Spain, and you can stroll through the streets of Paris, Nice, Madrid, Barcelona and more. Simply choose a starting point and “stroll” down the city streets, choosing the direction you’d like to go.
France: http://photos.pagesjaunes.fr/
Spain: http://fotos.qdq.com/
Take a Look at the School You’ll be Attending
Besides doing a little research on the city you’ll be living in, it’s also a great idea to check out the school you’ll be attending. Our CEA onsite staff will be very familiar with your new school and the available opportunities, but you may also want to check in with your new school’s International Studies department. Oftentimes they provide help centers, tutors and events just for study abroad students. It’s also a good idea to visit your school’s Web site to find events, sports and social activities where you can interact with the host country students.
Learn the Taboos before it’s too Late
Did you know that in Greece, waving your hand as the American gesture of “hello” may get you in serious trouble? Similarly, a wink, thumb’s up, point of a finger or even an eyebrow raise could mean a symbol of good luck in one place, yet an obscene gesture in another. The best way to prevent such a mistake? Read up on various do’s and don’ts around the world in one of these books:
Do’s and Taboos Around the World by Robert E. Axtell
Do’s and Don’ts Around the World by Gladson I. Nwanna, Ph.D.
Part Two: Study Abroad Packing Suggestions
Packing Essentials: Toothbrush, Clean Underwear and a Good Guidebook
It’s true – a good guidebook is one of the most important study abroad packing suggestions we can give you. Although guidebooks are usually for tourists, until you’re comfortable with your surroundings, your CEA onsite director and a guidebook could prove to be your two best friends. Plus, these books may point out hidden treasures you might not otherwise find.
Leave it Behind: They do Have Peanut Butter in Europe
We know you’ll be giving up some of your favorites from home when you leave, but don’t think you’ll have to live without them all.
Our CEA onsite staff tells stories of students who bring peanut butter, detergents, shampoos and various everyday items with them when they leave for their study abroad. Don’t bother! There are plenty of markets and grocery stores abroad. Trust us, they have plenty of peanut butter and soap, so pack light and save room for souvenirs.
Acquire a Pocket-Sized Friend
Even if you’re well-versed in a foreign language, you’ll probably find yourself at sea for the first few days, with locals speaking faster than you’re used to and using unfamiliar dialects and accents. You might even wonder if you’re hearing a brand-new language all together. But relax! Just grab a pocket-size translation book to help you along, and you’ll pick it up in no time. As an added tip, look for a book with a guide to local slang – it’ll help you understand those confusing idioms and abbreviations.
Check Out Online Travel Sites
Most students find that while they’re studying abroad, they’re eager to explore nearby cities and countries. CEA onsite staff will often have best suggestions for sources of travel (cheapest, quickest, safest, etc.), but you’ll also want to look into online travel sites to find nearby destinations and research trips that can be taken in a weekend. For some great travel ideas while you’re studying abroad, check out www.studenttraveler.com.
For more great travel tips, advice and other information for study abroad students – visit CEA today, and apply now for your study abroad.
