Education doesn't have to be restricted to the classroom. While textbooks get the job done, they definitely don't incite the same intrigue as travelling does. Studying abroad offers the best of both worlds: traditional learning in a university setting, while developing your cultural education, developing your personal growth and of course having fun!
Taking part in a study abroad programme allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and explore a new corner of the world. But while it's important to make the most of travelling and interacting with new people, you also have to keep the practicalities in mind. Having taken part in the Erasmus scheme myself in 2015, I've pulled together three top tips for studying abroad.
Immerse yourself in the culture:
For some students, the cultural norms and pace of life in a new country can be daunting! The thought of having to immediately acclimatise to a foreign environment might seem unachievable, but if you view it as simply getting out of your room and exploring your local area, you'll realise that integrating yourself into a new culture isn't as challenging as it first seems. Actively participating in your new community can be as simple as having a chat with people - invite your neighbours around for a glass (or bottle) of wine or have a conversation with the guy who works at your local supermarket!
Joining a university society, attending community events, and going to the local bars and pubs, are all fun and easy ways to become better acquainted with a new culture. These everyday interactions will help you to understand the way others live and make you feel so much more at home.
Plan in advance:
Finding somewhere to live is arguably the biggest challenge of studying abroad. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of embarking on a new adventure and forget the practicalities, such as setting up a new phone or ensuring that your student visa is valid. It's also not uncommon for students to arrive at their chosen destination without having secured a rental property. The result of this can be weeks of couch surfing, which is not conducive to comfort!
One way to ensure that the rental process runs as smoothly as possible is to plan ahead, using an online rental accommodation site that allows you to view images of the property and connect with the landlord. When I moved to Madrid for a year with the Erasmus scheme, I was lucky enough to move in with a friend, but the majority of students don't have contacts in their new area.
The online rental website, Spotahome, is a good place to start. It saves a great deal of time and expense by removing the need for in-person viewings, as professional photos and descriptions of the property and local area are available online. If you're worried about the language barrier with your prospective landlord, choosing to use a platform like this one which offers support in different languages is definitely a good idea.
Learn a new language:
While it's true that you can get by with English in most countries available on a study abroad programme, learning the local language undeniably transforms the experience (not to mention that it shows respect!). If the language isn't already part of your university degree, you can start learning the basics using a language app such as Duolingo before you set off.
Once you reach your destination, it's important to embrace every opportunity to use, read and listen to your new language. Think of your environment as the classroom, so if you really want to ramp up the learning process, consider living with native speakers. Again, using an online rental platform that promotes flat sharing is an easy way to do this. You can contact your flat mates in advance and explain whether your language skills are basic, intermediate, or advanced; if you're still in the elementary stages, they'll likely be prepared to offer a helping hand!