Read it out loud. Learn more about www.dadi.com.hk studying abroad. Try reading a local newspaper and read the general state of affairs in the country and the city you are about to visit. Take a guidebook such as Lonely Planet to learn about the main attractions, transport, local attractions, and the good and bad areas of the city. Read Rate Your Study Abroad reviews of your program and other programs in the area, as well as other blogs about the experiences of students abroad.
Visit Glimpse.org, Foreign view and transitions abroad to get first-hand feedback from international students and their experiences abroad. Not only will you be able to communicate better with the locals, expand your own experience through understanding the cultural characteristics of your country, but you will also be more informed than other participants in your studies abroad.
Journey. There is no easier time to travel in your life than when you are young, you have time, you are willing to make extra efforts to save a few dollars, and are adventurous enough to explore cities and distant festivals. If you are in Europe, head to Munich for Okterberfest in autumn, hike through the Alps in October, before ski crowds, high prices and cold, head to the Greek islands in May before the arrival of the crowds and in good weather or to the south of Spain.
in the winter months. Explore low-cost travel options in your area. In the “Useful Links” section of the Rate Your Study Abroad, you can find links to websites and resources for budget airlines, accommodation, travel packages and travel blogs. Keep in mind that most of the world travels by train and bus, which can be both profitable and one of the most exciting cultural events that you will get. There is nothing better than a 10-hour bus ride with family and a family pig or a night train ride to your destination and the cost of accommodation and transportation is all in one package.
Student discounts. Take advantage of discounts for students if they are included in your overseas study program. Depending on the country you are studying in, student discounts can save you money in museums, attractions, transportation, shopping and even in the movies. In addition, many hostels and other businesses have agreed on discounts for holders of international student cards or ISIC, which you must use.
Communication abroad. Learn how to connect with family and friends in the United States, with new friends and residents of your new home, and at your local emergency number (probably not 911). VoIP options, including Skype and Vonage, can be a great cost-effective option for your friends and family in the U.S., as well as other people with an Internet connection. You may have to invest in microphones and speakers for your computer if you don’t have them yet, but these VOIP options are cheap, reliable, and you can call from anywhere while you’re at home.
To keep in touch with local friends, check out the available cellular plans. Some countries do not allow you to subscribe to a monthly cellular plan if you do not have a local bank account, but most countries have cellular data plans that can pay you a little more than the cost of a monthly subscription. Don’t forget to check fixed-line options abroad, both for local (from stationary to stationary and from stationary to mobile), and for international (from stationary to landline and from stationary to landline) calls). Sometimes fixed rates can be reasonable.
American cuisine. If your idea of a comfortable meal is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, chances are you’ll use peanut butter before you leave the United States. Most countries have their own versions of some American products or none at all. You may not realize it until you find yourself abroad, but you will find products without which CAN NOT LIVE and which you will not find anywhere abroad.
The money. One thing you will notice after your first month abroad is the transaction fees abroad that your credit card company charges for all purchases made in another currency, as well as transaction fees for most cash withdrawals. Although the bank does not provide services to pay these commissions, which amount to 2 to 3 percent commission, they can increase rapidly. So if you don’t plan to open a local bank account, see if your U.S. bank has agreements with international banks and affiliates to reduce those costs.
Capital One does not charge a fee for foreign transactions when buying on credit cards, but charges a fee for transactions through ATMs. If your bank has not made special arrangements with a foreign bank, another idea is to withdraw a large amount of cash every month and pass it if necessary. Keep in mind that if your debit or credit card is lost or stolen, it will be difficult to replace it quickly. To learn more about foreign credit cards, check out this NYTimes article here.Do something else.
Many who go abroad, like to spend time with other Americans, hang out until the morning in various bars and dance clubs and speak English while traveling. However, I encourage you to get something out of your comfort zone, whether it’s studying in the local language, living with a host family in a local family, joining a local club or team, playing sports, volunteering or finding an internship on the spot, or just off the beaten track while traveling. Not only will you better understand the cultural nuances and how things work in the country in which you live, but you will also become more resilient and take a different look at the country you are in. Remember that when you return to the United States, you and others will be very impressed and retain the best memories of your integration into the new environment.