Tasha’s Top 16 Suggestions:
“How to Have a Successful Study Abroad Experience”


• “When in Rome do as the Romans do.” Pay close attention to how people dress, eat, dance, study, and socialize, and give it a try, too! Listen to their popular music, eat their traditional foods, adapt to their schedule (ex. Spanish folks sleep late, take a midday nap, and stay up late), dress appropriately (as judged by the nationals), etc.


• Be a participant as often as possible, and an observer always. When people are dancing, singing, eating, talking, etc., try to participate in the event. While you are participating, keep your eyes, ears, mind, heart and nose open and receptive! This is how you truly learn about a country and its people.


• Remember that all cultural norms and customs have a history and a reason behind them. Although their ways may seem odd or conflict with your political, social, moral or even spiritual beliefs, remember that these customs and norms are not arbitrary. Try to take yourself out of the discomfort you may feel by researching the history and logic behind their actions. This will help to distance you from the discomfort you feel, and will also further your understanding of the host country and its people.


• Maintain a sense of humor. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself and some of the situations you may find yourself in. Have fun! And remember that if nationals laugh at something you say or do, they’re probably laughing with you and not at you.


• Be realistic; allow yourself to make mistakes and to fail. You will not learn a language without stumbling over your words and putting yourself out there! No one will hand you fluency in a foreign language on a silver platter.


• Try to be as optimistic as possible and don’t criticize the host country when conversing with nationals. Remember: They are your hosts and you are their guest.


Top


• Anticipate moments of psychological and social disorientation, frustration and disappointment. Also anticipate that you may experience strong feelings of homesickness. This is the infamous “culture shock” that everyone talks about. It’s normal, and it will pass. Just ride the wave as best you can.


• When in unfamiliar surroundings, keep your wits about you. Alcohol and drugs greatly impede your ability to make rational choices, and can muffle that inner voice we refer to as “intuition.”


• Don’t make school your only or your lowest priority. You are certainly going abroad to study (hence the term “Study Abroad”) and to succeed academically, however, you are also going abroad in order to learn a language and a culture. True fluency in a language and acculturation will not occur in the classroom, so get out there and explore!


• Do whatever you can to meet and befriend nationals of the host country. Play sports (soccer is a hit in most countries), join a dance class, play music with nationals (if you are able), join study groups, form/ join language exchanges, join clubs, invite new friends over for dinner, live with nationals if possible, etc.


• Remember, there is usually a difference/separation between the government of a country and the people who live there. Not everyone in America agrees with or supports every move our government makes.... the same is true all over the world.


• Learn all that you can about American foreign policy, history and national current events prior to going abroad. Nine times out of ten, the people you meet abroad will be better schooled on these things than you are.


Top


• Learn all that you can about the host country, its culture, history, politics, language and literature prior to going. This will help to alleviate some of the culture shock you will experience, and will help you to connect with nationals more easily.


• Try to accept criticism with dignity. Explain the history and reasons behind America’s norm, custom or political agenda that is being criticized (if possible), and strive to show with your actions and behavior what Americans are truly like.


• Re-use before you recycle. Be kind to your planet and the host country’s place on it. Remember that all un-recycled plastic, paper & glass go into the host country’s landfills, and water is a finite resource the world over. Show respect for your hosts’ country by re-using plastic and class containers whenever possible and keep those showers short!


*Ideas taken from NAFSA’s Guidebookfor Study Abroad Advisers, Rotary International’s Guidebook for Ambassadorial Scholars, and Tasha Dev’s personal and professional experiences abroad, and experience working with international and American students who have had highly successful and meaningful experiences while studying abroad.