I recently went for a study abroad to Aruba as a part of my
study. The school year in Aruba starts in mid-August and therefore, I decided
that I wanted to combine it with a two month vacation. Simply because who would
not want to spend an extra two months in the Caribbean.
My adventure started in late March, when I found out that I
got placed to Aruba. I applied as a joke because the demand for Aruba is quite
high. My university usually only sent one student. Well, imagine how surprised
I was when I received the decision email. Luckily, my girlfriend is from Aruba
(yes, that is the main reason why I applied to go there) and she
enthusiastically jumped on the opportunity to help me set everything up. She
was so wonderful; she helped me find a studio, gather everything that I needed
and made plans for our summer together in her home country.
This experience was probably one of the things that I will
look back to for many years. Study abroad or exchanges are common these days
and there are many things that seem scary when you are about to go on one.
Therefore I created a short list of things that I learned on my study abroad to
help anyone who needs a little push.
It’s good to go somewhere unknown.
We all travel and go places and we have a favorite place to
go. We’ve all become very comfortable in our own country and city and made many
friends that make us feel home. This seems to be scary to leave. But what
people don’t tell you is that the only thing that is scary about going is the
preparation phase. The research, the packing, the planning and what-not. Once
you get one that plane, everything will become so real. Once you step your foot
in the new country, you will change your mind. Meeting new people, creating new
memories and making a different place your home is truly one of the best
opportunities.
Make friends outside of your circles.
Sure, you are already out of your comfort zone by being in
another country. But you cannot just stick to the people who you can easily
connect with. I mean – don’t only make friends in your class/school. Reach out
to other people, go join clubs or do team activities. The best people one can
meet are people that do not fall into the same category. Talk to that quiet
dude or to that strange looking girl, I assure you that they are the greatest
people.
Don’t just google, ask locals for recommendations.
Google has become the best place to ask your questions.
However, if you are visiting another country, chances are that Google will
recommend the touristy options. For example, if you try to Google Aruba and
things to do there, you will get a bunch of tours that everyone else goes to.
This ties together with making local friends – ask around for local
recommendations. I bet you that they will tell you insights on where the locals
go and where you can find the best food.
Make sure you know how to get places.
Many countries have functional and reliable public
transport. Aruba unfortunately is not one of those countries. Wherever you are
going, first find out if there is public transport or if you have to find
another option. Some countries are very bike friendly or some place you just
might have to rent or buy a car. Unfortunate, buy totally doable.
Lastly, go to the beach as much as possible.
You may not end up as close to the beach as I was but if you
have a beach nearby, go as much as possible! Especially if you normally live in
a rainy country like the Netherlands where everyone is so sun deprived, they
have to take vitamins to stay happy. Luckily, that’s why you have the
opportunity to go to a very sunny place. If you don't have a beach nearby,
enjoy every single moment anyway. Now that you have read my tips, are you still considering going?
If you are not sure, take my word – GO. You will never be
able to have the same opportunity to go to another country and experience the
local culture without having to have a job. Also, no one will ever take that
experience from you and that is priceless.
Want more advice or a chat about it? Don’t hesitate to
message me here.
About Adela
Hi, My Name is Hafeez. I am a webdesigner, blogspot developer and UI designer. I am a certified Themeforest top contributor and popular at JavaScript engineers. We have a team of professinal programmers, developers work together and make unique blogger templates.
