A Student Guide to Study Abroad (Chapter 7-10)

A Student Guide to Study Abroad (Chapter 7-10)

Chapter 7

Staying Safe and Healthy While Studying Abroad

By now you should be getting a good idea why studying abroad offers such a tremendous opportunity to grow personally and intellectually, and do so in ways that aren’t possible on your home campus. But perhaps you’re also getting a little scared. You are, after all, venturing into the unknown, and dealing with all the differences you are sure to encounter can be daunting and requires courage. But you’ve already left your campus, family and friends back home, right? So you are brave! Just remember, being brave doesn’t mean being stupid or taking foolish risks. We want you to be adventurous, but we also want you to avoid any serious misadventures.

Safety may not be your biggest worry, and rightfully so. The odds of your having a safe and incident-free study abroad experience are in your favor regardless of where you go. Some destinations, particularly those in Western Europe, may actually be safer than your campus back home. Others, however, particularly those in developing countries with high poverty or unemployment rates, may be less so. But chances are that you will still be safe; you’ll just have to be more circumspect about what you do.

Still, make no mistake about it: there are inherent risks in traveling, studying, working and living abroad, and you have to be prepared for them. Natural disasters, for example, can strike anywhere, and some may be more common in your host country than in the United States. Moreover, their effects can be exacerbated by the inferior infrastructure typically found in poorer countries. Political unrest can also happen, as we have seen recently throughout the Middle East, with the result that Americans overseas can suddenly be cut off from contact with friends and families back home. Things can also go wrong on a personal level, including everything from health problems to financial crises brought about by poor budgeting skills. We’ve addressed predeparture measures to take care of your health and finances in previous chapters. This chapter focuses on staying safe while abroad.

QUICK TIP

Even if you feel completely comfortable with the inherent risks, you still must think about personal safety. Whether you are only staying in one place or planning to travel widely throughout a whole region, make sure you understand the dangers. Plan ahead to avoid them, and know where to turn for help if you need it. Among the best sources of information are:

Best Information Resources

  • The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories and up-to-date information underscoring the importance of remaining vigilant and security- conscious, especially in those countries where extra caution is warranted.
  • The U.S. Department of State also offers safe travel tips-a comprehensive list of action steps to take both before you depart and while traveling.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information on staying healthy while traveling, from lists of required recommendations to tips on food and water safety to reports of sudden outbreaks of disease.
  • Travel guides and books and websites focused on living abroad offer valuable health and safety information, not only about countries or cites in general, but also about specific locations.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws

Once you are actually on foreign soil, you are subject to that country’s laws. To be sure, many of the laws will be similar to the ones you have learned to abide by in the United States. But some will be different (some stricter, others more lenient) and some will apply to situations that you just don’t encounter back home. Pleading ignorance may get you off the hook in some minor cases, but you can’t count on it. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws of the places you plan to visit. In addition to those resources listed in Chapter 5, look for information in your library, from your study abroad program adviser, reputable online resources, travel guides, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the country you’ll be studying in. Talk with recently returned fellow students about any run-ins that they might have encountered and any local laws you should be specifically aware of.

BE ESPECIALLY AWARE UPON ARRIVAL

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the very moment that you arrive in a new country is one of the times when you are at greatest risk of becoming the victim of crime. You may be exhausted and suffering from jetlag. But at the same time, you’re excited about finally being abroad, and that eagerness to engage can blind you to the dangers that may be lying in wait as you emerge from an airport or train station, unfamiliar with your surroundings, carrying all of your valuables, and definitely should follow the “Use Common Sense” tips in this chapter for staying safe the moment you land in your host country, as well as research how to use transportation from the airport.

Get to Know Your New Neighborhood

Always familiarize yourself with your new surroundings as quickly as conveniently possible. For study abroad students, that typically means both the academic campus and the immediate environs of wherever it is that you will be living. When you register with the international student office on campus during your first few days, ask about the safest routes to and from campus, not just the cheapest or most convenient. Ask fellow students, campus security, and your host family, if you have one, about which parts of town are safe and unsafe during the day or night and even days of the week. For more tips, see Chapter 6.

FROM A PARENT

I feel strongly that we weren’t given enough information about the city our daughter was to live in, nor about the university she would attend. She had lived in Washington, DC, at college, so we knew that she would be fine living in an urban setting. We did not know, however, that her house, and all the houses in her middle-class neighborhood, would be surrounded on all sides by a fence that needed to be unlocked to get to the house. Her view from her bedroom window was of graffiti-covered walls. The city was dark with narrow streets, with a bus system that did not have a printed schedule because the buses never stuck to a schedule. To safely take a taxi, she was only to take a red taxi with certain markings on it. This is contrary to information given at her campus orientation to “grab a taxi at the airport.”

Parent.

FROM A STUDENT

When I went to Germany, I really wished that I had found the nearest pharmacy (Apotheke) and the list that each one has of which ones are open for 24 hours on which days. In Berlin, no pharmacies are open 24/7, but a group of them within a neighborhood rotate which days one of them will stay open all night. Not knowing this, I woke up at 2a.m. early in my stay with a terrible flu only to find that the only place I knew of to buy medicine was closed for the next five hours. I certainly wasn’t in Boston anymore with a 24/7 CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, you name it, within walking distance.

Elise Hannon, University of Pittsburgh. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Awarded a Fulbright to Germany.

FROM A STUDENT

I always walk with a purpose, not meandering and wandering distractedly like a sightseer. I pay close attention to my gut feelings and I do let first impressions color my judgment in terms of trusting people.

Shirah Foy, Belmont University. Studied abroad in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Guatemala. Completing graduate studies at Aalto University, Finland.

Getting Lost

It is always unnerving to get lost. But in a completely new place where you don’t know the language very well and you often don’t even know where you are trying to go, it can be downright frightening. Try to avoid getting lost in the first place by doing your research and checking your directions, your routing, or the method of transportation you plan to employ with someone who knows. A good way to get the lay of the land is to just go out exploring, but purposefully and with a map. You can get a great sense of the streets, the neighborhoods, and places of interest without the pressure of actually having to get somewhere new by a certain time.

Invariably, however, you are going to get lost, and probably sooner rather than later, since the longer you are in any one place, the more familiar you will become with it. So don’t panic. Stay calm so as not to arouse the suspicion of those who may be inclined to prey on your vulnerability. If you need directions, don’t ask just anyone. Look for an authority figure first, be it a policeman (or woman), a traffic warden, or a uniformed public servant. Failing that, step into a store, restaurant or hotel and ask for directions. And don’t venture back out again until you are convinced that you have been sent in the right direction and have a tangible landmark to pass in fairly short order to prove it.

Use Common Sense

No matter how well you know the language and your way around, plain old common sense will play a key role in keeping you safe. Ignore these tips at your peril!

  • Protect your valuables. Bring little of any real value with you when you go out and about, and only a copy of your passport photo page-not your passport itself unless the situation requires it. Email yourself a copy of your passport and any other important information, such as credit card numbers and bank accounts, so that if any of them are lost or stolen, you can go online and get a copy. Use a money belt and carry small bills for quick purchases.
  • Be smart with your money. Manage your money, know what things cost, do not wave your money around, and stick to your budget, as running out of cash is risky business.
  • Keep your family/friends apprised of your whereabouts, especially when traveling. If people know generally where you are and when you’re supposed to either arrive at your next destination or return, they can sound the alarm in a much timelier manner.
  • Maintain a low profile. Clothes, mannerisms, language and even guidebooks and maps make you stand out as a nonnative. The more you blend in, the less likely you will be singled out as a target of crime.
  • Don’t walk around at night alone. You may feel safe, and the city or country may be safe, but why court trouble? No place, after all, is safer at night than it is during broad daylight. And there’s always more safety in numbers, especially if you get lost or run into trouble.
  • Don’t take shortcuts, back alleys, or poorly lit streets. Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s better to be late than waylaid. Stick with wide, well-trodden streets that are well lit and well known.
  • Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers as they may be tampered with. If you start to feel unusual or intoxicated, find your friends or official help, such as a police officer, immediately. Since there will be no way of knowing what you’ve been given, you will probably need to go to the hospital.
  • Don’t get drunk. It’s only natural that you are going to want to party with your new friends. Just go easy and don’t lose control. And if the site of your activity is off campus, go with friends.
  • Don’t use drugs. If drugs are illegal, don’t use them-period, even if you are already familiar with them and their effect on you. For starters, some countries’ laws are extremely strict and there will be no way to weasel out of being caught with them. In addition, they may be adulterated or of poor quality. And even where drugs are legal, stay away and stay in control.
  • Practice safe sex. Travel prepared with condoms and don’t take any stupid risks.
  • Don’t allow yourself to get cornered into a situation or location with someone you don’t know well, such as a car, an apartment, or a deserted beach or park.
  • Stay away from high-crime areas. If you’re aware that certain parts of town are unsavory, just stay away from them. If there’s a reason that you really must go there, go with a trusted local friend and only during daylight hours.
  • Be aware of anti-American sentiment. You really can’t do anything about pervasive or persistent anti-American feelings. But you can downplay being conspicuously American. In the old days, this often consisted of wearing a jacket containing an image of the Canadian flag. But it is much wiser just to try to look like you could be from any number of Western nations. Register with the STEP program on the U.S. State Department’s website, and use the buddy system.
  • Pay attention to the news. What you don’t know can hurt you, so keep up with local events. For example, a transportation workers’ strike might leave you stuck somewhere you don’t want to be. Upcoming elections may spark political demonstrations. Or there may be a fresh rash of robberies on certain modes of public transportation in certain areas.
  • Look out for scams. Unfortunately, travelers of all types have fallen victim to common scams designed to get you to part with your money one way or another. Be wary of giving or lending people money, and watch out for any bargain that looks too good to be true-it probably is!

FROM A STUDENT

My first trip alone in China was to visit an orphanage in Qinghai province, a relatively remote region. My first night there, I woke up as someone walked out of my room around 5 a.m. I was still half asleep, confused, and incredibly scared. When I went to call my parents, I realized my phone had been stolen and broke down into tears. My phone wasn’t expensive, but it was my easiest and quickest means of contacting my family. By the time I reached my parents, they reminded me to think about what really matters. I was safe, the staff at the orphanage I was visiting were looking out for me, and I still had my passport. What seemed a big deal at the time seemed a lot smaller even three hours later.

Jeanette Miranda, Brown University. Spent a gap year in China.

I felt someone brush the back pockets of my jeans, but assumed it was my girlfriend who was on the trip with me. I thought nothing of it until I saw that she was standing several feet away from me but also noticed the back of a young woman walking away from my group. Luckily I always keep my wallet in my front pocket and safety pin it closed.

Kenneth Buff, Northern Oklahoma College. Studied abroad in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales.

My group and I traveled to many different types of cities throughout my semester abroad, but safety was always a top priority. We found that downloading an offline map of each city to our phones helped tremendously. Even if we didn’t speak the language, it was much easier to figure out our location and directions with a guide in our hands.

Benjamin Pauke r, George Washington University. Studied abroad in France.

Staying Healthy

Staying healthy while studying abroad should be one of your top priorities. Ending up sick or injured during your overseas stay can have an adverse effect on the amount you learn, how much fun you have, and what you take away from your experience. But it doesn’t have to be that way-with a little bit of planning, you can make time to study, have fun, and stay healthy. A healthy body can help you fight off illnesses and recover faster if you do get sick, so try to stay fit and exercise while abroad, even though it may be harder to follow a structured workout routine.

MAKE SMART CHOICES

  • Make healthy food choices (late nights, sugary snacks, and too much time spent indoors can quickly result in a less than optimal state of health).
  • Take the time to get exercise.
  • Walk or bike as much as you can.
  • Go out dancing!
  • Join an intramural athletic team.
  • Ask around for the best running trails, parks or circuits but be careful: depending on distance and your location, you may encounter less-than-safe neighborhoods.
  • Watch your food portion control.
  • Practice safe sex to protect yourself from STDs.
  • Go easy on alcohol.
  • Find out if water is safe to drink in the countries in which you will be traveling. Where appropriate, only drink from sealed water bottles. Remember that in some countries, ice can also be unsafe, as well as the water you use to brush your teeth.

Staying healthy abroad is not difficult; you have to make smart choices. Find the balance between having a great time, enjoying the foods, seeing the sights, and staying healthy.

FROM A STUDENT

I was fully expecting to gain weight after five months in Paris with all of the cheese, bread and wine. But I didn’t, and I think it’s because I took full advantage of what was available to me. While living in Paris I went to a market every night on the way home from school and bought fresh, local, unprocessed ingredients to make dinner. It was surprisingly cheap and always delicious. In addition, I walked anywhere and everywhere I could. Not only was it great exercise, but it was also the perfect way to see the city. Gyms are very expensive in Paris; they’re also not as common to the lifestyle as they are in America. I didn’t want to spend an exorbitant amount of money nor did I want to live my life the way I had lived it for 20 years at home, so it was a great compromise for me to walk as exercise. Sure, the metro is convenient, but if you’re constantly underground you never know what you’re missing above ground.

Amy Newman, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in France.

I started taking yoga classes almost four times a week. Beyond giving me an extensive Mandarin vocabulary for body parts, means of breathing and forms of posture, the yoga classes kept me in shape and flexible. In addition, one of my closest friends and I decided to make it a game to try as many new fruits and vegetables as we could. It made staying healthy a novel experience that was part of being in another country.

Jeanette Miranda, Brown University. Spent a gap year in China.

Diet is the most important health factor for me, and since there are fit, active people all over the world, I try to find athletic locals wherever I am.

Shirah Foy, Belmont University. Studied abroad in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Guatemala. Completing graduate studies at Aalto University, Finland.

I frequently went on hiking day trips in the area that helped me to stay active, and I enrolled in yoga classes through the university, which I attended twice a week. Since food in South Africa is relatively inexpensive compared to the U.S., it was easy to find food and cuisines that were affordable, delicious and healthy.

Isabelle Feldhaus, University of Southern California. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in South Africa.

Staying Safe on the Roads

Just as they are here in the United States, motor vehicle accidents-not terrorism, crime, infectious diseases, or plane crashes-are the number one killer of healthy Americans abroad. While many countries’ roadways are actually safer than ours, there can still be accidents. But those in the developing world can be downright dangerous. The reasons for this are many: roads are often poorly maintained, and laws, enforcement and driver training are often weak or nonexistent. Nor are most of the vehicles themselves generally well maintained, meaning that brake failures, steering failures and blowouts are much more common. Vehicles that would be summarily barred from our highways are routinely seen racing down crowded highways abroad.

QUICK TIP

We therefore encourage you not to rent a car unless you really need to. Also take great care when riding as a passenger. Avoid taxis without seatbelts. Only take buses from an established and recommended company. Try to travel during daylight hours and avoid crowded buses and trains. Opt for the safest route, not the cheapest or the fastest. The U.S. Department of State has country-specific traffic safety and road condition information, which is updated roughly twice a year and accessed through a pull-down list on its website. The Association of Safe International Road travel also provides good information. See http://asirt.org.

Train Travel

Trains are the preferred mode of intercity transportation in many parts of the world. Overnight trains, in particular, provide a cheap, convenient and even magical way to take you to faraway destinations. But train quality varies widely around the world. A trip from Calcutta to Varanasi will be quite a different experience than one from Frankfurt to Berlin. Some trains run like clockwork, others are considerably less reliable.

RUNNERS AROUND THE WORLD

Although taking a run is a great way to experience a city, not every culture is accustomed to Americans jogging through their streets. In some, it seems downright strange, and you may be stared at-even stopped if people think you’ve done something wrong or are running for help. If you are a committed runner, it’s a good idea to get the lay of the land from others who’ve gone before you-or even from online running groups. Find out what the running culture is in your host country. If you are a woman, pay attention to what you wear: short running shorts and tank tops may not be acceptable in many countries. You should also vary your running patterns to avoid being targeted.

Many runners enjoy meeting up around the world with like-minded runners through local running clubs. If this is important to you, you may want to locate a local running club in advance using resources such as Run the Planet’s worldwide directory www.runtheplanet.com/resources/clubs. Some students and travelers have connected with local branches of the Hash House Harriers, a loose global network of running clubs. HHH clubs can be a way to meet new friends and see off-the-beaten-track corners of your new location safely. However, students should be aware that some local HHH groups have developed heavy drinking cultures, while others may tolerate levels of sexual pressure/harassment between members that you may find offensive, or have other practices you may just not want to be involved with. As with any social group, you should always test the waters carefully before getting too involved. Never head off anywhere remote alone or with people you have just met.

QUICK TIP

Wherever you travel by train, there are certain basic precepts you should follow. Be sure to keep your ticket and receipt, as these often have to be shown again when leaving the station at your destination. Never leave your bags unattended when you go to the dining car, the restroom, or especially if you step down onto the platform during a stop. If you can, lock your compartment in addition to locking your bags. But carry all valuables with you. If you are travelling in a group, take turns watching your bags. If you’re traveling alone, tie your bag to a post or keep a strap wrapped around you to prevent someone from snatching it while you are reading, napping, or otherwise inattentive.

Being a Woman Abroad

It is an unfortunate and unfair fact of life, but as a woman, you must be even more careful than your male counterparts about your safety while abroad. And this means not taking chances, even ones that you might feel perfectly justified taking on your home campus. Growing up in the U.S. has given you a perspective on gender roles that may be significantly different from those of your host country. In addition, most cultures will have impressions of “what women are like” from your part of the world- impressions acquired mostly through American movies and television shows. We all know how unrealistic those can be, but the foreigners who view them don’t necessarily. So you need to know what those perceptions are and be prepared to encounter them. The most pernicious of these, and the one that you need to be most on guard against, is that American women are typically cheap and easy.Unfortunately, you can find yourself enforcing that stereotype without even meaning to by the way you smile, make eye contact, strike up conversations, or just hang around male students. This is because cultural norms can be deceptively different. What may signify absolutely nothing to you or any other American may speak volumes to people abroad. It’s important to remember that local people will view you through their cultural lenses, not yours. And for women especially, misinterpretations can have unpleasant and even dangerous consequences.

So as much as we appreciate your right to your individuality, it’s important for your safety that you respect the culture of your host country by dressing and behaving appropriately. It’s best to err on the conservative side until you completely understand local norms.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR WOMEN

  • Be aware that in many countries, women do not have equal rights.
  • Don’t be caught by surprise; be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  • Err on the side of caution when it comes to strangers.
  • Always have cash hidden on your person.
  • Be conservative in how you dress, especially at night and when it’s hot outside.
  • Don’t plan to arrive late at night or alone at a place you aren’t already familiar with.
  • Always use the front entrance to your hostel/apartment.
  • Don’t walk alone at night unless it’s absolutely necessary.
  • Use common sense and put safety first.

FROM A STUDENT

Sexual harassment towards women in Egypt was a real challenge. On a daily basis, I had to assert myself on the streets and ignore the sexual comments or refrain from certain conversations. Once I noticed I was being followed, so I stopped my friend and watched the young man hesitate because he did not know what to do. Then he approached me and I kindly asked him what he was doing. After he realized I knew he was following me, he felt embarrassed and left. Sometimes confronting the situation in a respectful manner causes the person to react and leave you alone.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

I think that a good sense of cultural awareness is really important when talking about sexual harassment. What is considered commonplace, expected-and even polite-flirtation in some cultures can be considered flagrant misconduct in others.

Shirah Foy, Belmont University. Studied abroad in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Guatemala. Completing graduate studies at Aalto University, Finland.

FROM A STUDENT

I had not before experienced a sense of my own body’s utility. In Britain and the United States, my mind and the emotional bonds I created with others were highly valued, but my body was consistently and indisputably “without utility.” In Nepal, my hands cooked food, which a man and 12 children ate, swept floors, made beds and fed babies; my arms and legs carried children, water jugs, milk cans, and food staples; and my fingers mended holes in clothing … And so, in the process of cleaning, cooking, and taking care of children in a rural village of Nepal, I have never encountered such discrimination as a woman-and such equality as a young woman with a disability.

Megan Smith, who uses a power wheelchair, Soka University of America. Volunteered abroad in Nepal.

Sexual Advances and Assault

Most women report receiving many more sexual advances while traveling overseas than they do at home. There are many reasons for this, including cultural differences, easier access to alcohol, and a lack of familiarity with support services (locals know that women probably don’t know where to turn for help). For example, some men may think that since you are traveling internationally, you must be strong and confident, and hence “fair game.” Or that since you don’t have a man right there in your life, that you must crave sex. Some may want to take advantage of the fact that you are in a foreign place and hence may not know how to call for help. Or most commonly, they feel they have nothing to lose by trying their luck on the American, since the worst you can say is “no,” and this will involve few if any negative social consequences for them.

Sometimes, unfortunately, it isn’t just an overt advance or proposition. Sometimes a woman drinks too much or someone slips something into her drink. Sometimes a woman accepts a ride or walks off with a new friend, but suddenly finds herself in a deserted place with little chance of being heard if she yells for help. Although these examples are anecdotal, we’ve heard them from hundreds of women who’ve studied and traveled abroad.

In an effort to quantify the number of sexual assaults on American women studying abroad, Middlebury College conducted a study of more than 200 returning study abroad women. The findings are startling: women who had studied abroad were three times as likely to be the victim of an attempted sexual assault and five times more likely to have been raped than women who had remained at home. The vast majority of the offenders were not other college students, but citizens of the country where the women were studying. The report went on to cite cultural differences, weak social networks, and easier access to alcohol as possible contributing factors.

Minimizing the Risks

  • Ask your study abroad program in advance for information. Make sure you ask for country-specific information and statistics on women, gender roles and sexual assault, as well as tips on how to prevent sexual assault and what to do if something happens.
  • Take a self-defense course. Knowing even the first thing about how to defend yourself could make all the difference in the world should you find yourself in an unpleasant situation. A thorough knowledge of self-defense should equip you to protect yourself against all but the most forceful of attempted assaults.
  • Don’t be too carefree. Yes, study abroad is all about trying new foods, meeting new people, exploring and soaking up local culture. But you shouldn’t overdo it or be stupid about it. Keep your safety first and foremost at all times, and if you don’t think you can handle a situation that arises by yourself, call for help.
  • Don’t get drunk. Intoxication and a lack of familiarity with your environment is a dangerous combination. Losing control makes you very vulnerable, and there are people who will take advantage of that.
  • Don’t drink “alone.” If you want to party, implement a buddy system so that one person stays completely sober.
  • Use the same common sense you would in the United States. Don’t get in a car or take a walk with someone you don’t know, and certainly don’t go home with someone you don’t know. If you’re feeling threatened, go with your instincts and find a safe place to call a taxi or speak to a policeman.

If It Happens to You

  • Report the incident. Should a physical assault actually happen, have a friend or campus counselor accompany you to the police station or hospital to report it. You may be asked to give samples and take certain tests. Each country treats assault and rape very differently, so stay as calm as possible, file a report, and contact the U.S. embassy. As the victim of a crime, you will be able to seek help from the U.S. consular office (see below for specifics).
  • Seek out support/counseling. If you do suffer from an assault, ask your local program contact for advice on where and how to get counseling while still in your host country. If they don’t know, ask the U.S. Consular officer for help. Be sure to seek out assistance once you return to your home campus, as well.

FROM A STUDENT

Sexual advances and discrimination against women are both frustrating and offensive, but it’s important to recognize that these behaviors do not represent all Egyptian society. It is easy to generalize or be dismissive; instead, I think it’s more productive to try to understand why and take preventive measures to minimize or avoid it happening to you.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

Traveling with Disabilities

Countries have widely varying accessibility standards and practices for disabled travelers. Some countries have rigorous nondiscrimination laws that help protect travelers with disabilities, others have only minimal laws or none at all. If you have disability-related needs, prepare thoroughly before you go to ensure an accessible, safe and enjoyable time abroad. You should discuss the trip with your doctor and your study abroad adviser to ensure that your needs will be met.

  • Research in advance: Learn about the country, the campus or host family, and the city. Ask questions about what services are available. Consider the level of health care available, as well as local transportation needs to and from the airport and luggage assistance. When making reservations, inform the travel agent or carrier about your disability and the equipment that you use, and, if necessary, request that a wheelchair be brought to the gate upon arrival. Ask specifically for any other assistance needed while flying and at the airport. Rules for accommodating passengers with disabilities vary greatly between U.S. carriers and other airlines. Ask that your needs and requests be documented as part of the reservation, and take down the name of the agent.
  • Seek medical advice: Talk to your physician about the activities you have planned and your general physical condition, any immunizations that might be needed, and all medications-prescription and over the counter-that you might need for your trip. Carry a letter from him or her describing your medical condition in full and any prescription medications, including the names of generic alternatives.
  • Bring your medications: If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip, including extra medicine in case you are delayed. Pack your medication in your carry-on bag, since checked baggage is occasionally lost. Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers, not in a pill pack.
  • Bring copies of documentation of immunizations: Take with you proper documentation of immunizations.
  • Get adequate health and evacuation insurance: Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad, including medical evacuation, which is not covered by most domestic policies. Note that U.S. government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
  • Have your medical equipment checked out: Have a comprehensive maintenance check done on any equipment you will be taking with you to ensure that it is in full and proper working order. You may want to research the availability of wheelchair and medical equipment providers in the areas you plan to visit. Plan ahead for electrical devices, plug adapters, and voltage/transformer converters to make sure you can charge and use necessary equipment while abroad.
  • Carry written plans: Carry with you your written itinerary and directions of where you wish to go. These can be shown to people who might be able to help you if you become lost. Another useful tool is a point-and-conversation guide. People with disabilities should plan to learn a few words in the local language in case of emergency, such as “help,” “stop,” and basic vocabulary to describe your disability.

QUICK TIP

Guard Against Pickpockets and Petty Theft

Any crowded place-particularly train and bus stations, subways, markets and other tourist areas-are happy hunting grounds for thieves. This is only to be expected in most developing countries, but it is precisely because it is so expected that it is also implemented by would-be thieves. Pickpockets are rampant all over the world, and it’s usually more than one perpetrator. One person usually jostles you, drops something near you, or distracts you in some way, while the actual pickpocket grabs your wallet, your purse, or some other valuable. Many times the ruse involves a child or a woman with a child, one of whom falls or drops something, or otherwise seems to make a reasonable request of you. While you offer assistance, the woman (or her accomplice) picks your pocket.

Besides being wary of strangers, be sure to secure your personal items. Stow your wallet in an inaccessible place; use clothing with zipped pockets or buttons; stash cash in more than one place on your person; and consider having a dummy wallet, one that’s empty or contains items you don’t need anymore, such as old receipts, expired credit cards, and a few dollars that you can hand over if approached by a thief who demands your money. If you don’t have a fake wallet, use good judgment; give the thief what he or she wants and don’t take chances. Be sure to notice what he or she looks like, what he or she’s wearing, if he or she has a particular accent or distinguishing characteristic so you can report it to the local police.

You’ll also want to guard against theft of your valuables in your dorm, apartment or room. For detailed advice on keeping your personal items safe, check out Chapter 4.

FROM A STUDENT

I had my wallet stolen in Costa Rica because I made a big mistake. There, you pay to ride the bus in cash as you get on. One day, my friends were ahead of me in line to get on the bus when one of them discovered that she did not have enough money. When I saw that, I held my wallet up in the air to signal to her that I would pay for her (and to everyone else that this was my wallet and it had money in it). Of course, someone snatched the wallet from my hand and ran off. Needless to say, we didn’t get to ride the bus that day and had to wait for her host father to pick us up.

Elise Hannon, University of Pittsburgh. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Awarded a Fulbright to Germany.

One afternoon I came back to my dorm from class to find my laptop computer stolen from my desk. Because the two doors leading into my flat and personal room were both locked, it was extremely disconcerting to find that a place that I considered to be personal and safe was not-that someone could come into my locked room without my permission or knowledge. I told my RA, who then reported the incident to the building manager, my program director, and the local police. The program offered a number of services in terms of legal assistance and emotional support. While I never found my laptop, one year later police identified the thief as the building’s maintenance worker.

Isabelle Feldhaus, University of Southern California. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in South Africa.

DEALING WITH ROBBERY

If you discover that you’ve been the victim of a robbery, try to stay calm. Take stock of what was stolen and report any credit/ATM cards to the bank or issuing agent as soon as possible. Hopefully you will have made copies of the card numbers and phone numbers just in case, and perhaps you’ve even set up a system with a family member to do the alerting for you on the ground in the United States. If the robbery is serious, you’ll need to file a police report. Doing so can be a real hassle, but you must do it if your passport has been stolen or if you plan on filing an insurance claim to recover the value of your stolen items. Reporting the theft to police and credit card companies quickly makes it less likely that creditors will hold you responsible for any fraudulent charges made on your stolen cards. If you don’t speak the language well, find someone who does so that you can report what happened accurately and understand what you, as the victim, are supposed to do next. Once you have the police report in hand, make several copies. Call your banks again and offer them a copy of the report and inquire as to whether any charges or withdrawals were made on your accounts. Do all of this as expeditiously as possible, and always within a few days of the incident. Keep copies of all paperwork.

LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORT

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. (You should have taken down the phone numbers for the U.S. embassy and/or consulate nearest your campus, and in those countries in which you’ll be traveling. If not, find them quickly.) You will be directed to the American citizens services unit of the consular section, where someone will walk you through the steps that you will need to take. Be sure to tell them if you are scheduled to leave the country soon so that the normal replacement process can be expedited.

Don’t Break the Law

To keep from breaking the law, you need to know what the law is. Depending on your host country, you could be arrested for possessing prescription drugs; taking photographs of military or government buildings, representatives or activities; trying to buy an antique or take a historic artifact out of the country; taking part in political demonstrations; or driving without the proper license- just to name a few. As previously mentioned, you should have already informed yourself about any unusual or unexpected laws that your host country may have before you arrive. But don’t just stop there, pay attention to practices once you’re on the ground, read the newspaper, and ask friends and campus advisers any questions you may have.

QUICK TIP

By far the most legal trouble that Americans get into overseas comes from getting caught with illegal or controlled drugs. Drug laws vary from country to country, and many take illegal drug possession exceedingly seriously. Many countries have mandatory prison sentences or physical punishment, and a few even impose the death penalty. If you’re caught with drugs in such a country, there’s not much that anyone will be able to do for you.

Although the legal age for consuming alcohol is well below 21 in many countries, this doesn’t give you carte blanche to get drunk and behave in disorderly ways. Just as in the United States, you can get arrested for this. But overseas-and especially in developing countries-it usually results in jail time and not just a fine. Excessive drinking can also endanger your personal safety, eroding your inhibitions and clouding your judgment. Be smart and go easy on the partying while overseas.

If you are arrested and a representative of your overseas university can’t resolve the situation for you, you should expect a visit from a U.S. consular officer. He or she will advise you of what you can expect procedurally, provide a list of attorneys, and call your family to alert them to the situation. The officer can also help to ensure that local laws and internationally accepted standards are followed. This person is not your attorney, however, will not pay any fees, and cannot demand your release. If you are arrested, even under false pretenses, it’s generally serious business.

Emergencies

In the event of an adverse situation affecting U.S. citizens, the embassy will post notices on its website, broadcast information through local media channels, and contact Americans using any known email addresses or phone numbers, or via the STEP program if you’ve registered, as you should have. In the rare case that the situation is potentially life threatening, the embassy will advise all Americans to leave the country, and may possibly be able to offer some assistance to do so. If you are studying in or traveling to a country that is prone to natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions in Indonesia or floods in India, or places where political and social upheaval is commonplace, you should take extra precautions. Go to your local embassy’s website and familiarize yourself with evacuation plans. In most cases, you or your program will need to arrange for commercial transportation. The U.S. consulate generally only arranges chartered transportation in extreme circumstances, and very rarely provides any kind of military evacuation. Depending on the urgency, you may or may not be able to bring all or most of your belongings. But you will always need to bring your passport to identify yourself as an American citizen.

Medical Treatment

Medical practices vary widely in countries around the world, and it’s important that you understand the healthcare system of your host country. You can always check in with the U.S. embassy to inquire about recommended doctors, clinics or hospitals. If you’re given a prescription, be sure to use only reputable, major pharmacies; ask the embassy if you aren’t sure. If you get sick or injured abroad, you may actually receive better care than at home. If you choose to be evacuated out of the country, it will be very expensive.

If you have a preexisting medical condition, secure a letter from your doctor fully describing it and listing all prescription medications you take because of it. All medications should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled, and you should check with the foreign embassy of your host country to make sure any required medications are not illegal.

If you become seriously ill or injured abroad, contact the U.S. embassy for assistance in locating medical services and informing family or friends. Note, however, that most countries require you to pay for such services up front, and frequently in cash. Make sure you know what your insurance covers.

Staying safe abroad can be done, and odds are you will have an incident-free time. Follow the practical tips we’ve provided here and, above all, use common sense.

HOW CAN U.S. CONSULATES AND EMBASSIES HELP?

Although most problems can be solved with the help of campus advisers, medical experts, or the local police, sometimes you may need to get the U.S. embassy or consulate involved. Embassies are located in the capital, while consulates are located in other large cities throughout the country. The number of consulates varies depending on each country; there is no fixed number.

Consular officers can help in the following ways:

  • Replace a stolen passport
  • Contact family, friends, or employers
  • Obtain appropriate medical care
  • Address emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime
  • Explain the local criminal justice process
  • Obtain official police information about your case
  • Connect you to local and U.S. resources intended to assist victims of crime
  • Obtain information about local and U.S. victim compensation programs
  • Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English

What consular officers do not do:

  • Investigate crimes
  • Provide legal advice or represent you in court
  • Serve as official interpreters or translators
  • Pay any legal, medical or other fees for you
Top Tips

Top 10 Tips for Staying Safe While Studying Abroad

  1. Take health and safety precautions before you leave the United States.
  2. Familiarize yourself with local laws and don’t break them.
  3. Practice smart safety always; don’t put yourself in dangerous situations.
  4. Get to know your new neighborhoods and locate the necessities: banks, food stores, hospital, post office, laundry, internet café.
  5. Stay healthy.
  6. Use common sense.
  7. Stay calm and make decisions carefully.
  8. Stay informed about local news.
  9. Guard against petty theft and pickpockets.
  10. If something unfortunate does happen, seek professional guidance and assistance.

Chapter 8

Making the Most of Your Time Abroad

Odds are you’re going to want to thrive during your study abroad experience, not just survive it. To that end, this chapter shares some basic strategies that are viable wherever you go and whatever your study abroad program. Over time, you will also discover strategies unique to you or your situation. Everyone comes back from their time abroad with a slightly different story as to how they made the most of their opportunity to grow emotionally, intellectually, and cross-culturally. Few of them say it was easy. But if you do it right, you’ll have earned the stripes of that “minor in international living” that we mentioned in Chapter 1. You’ll also be ahead of the pack when you start searching for a job after graduation.

Hone Your Cross-Cultural Skills

In addition to being globally savvy, successful internationalists also have the soft skills required to succeed across cultures that employers now seek. These include flexibility, team building and listening. These skills are not unique to those with international experience, and studying abroad is not the same as professional experience. Still, you can hone these skills during your time on the ground, as well as once you’ve returned and are entering the workforce. Take note of your abilities in these areas and try to develop them; they’ll make a positive difference in your study abroad experience and any future travels you may undertake. You can also refer to them to make an impression on potential employers after you’ve returned, whether you’re applying for internships, interviewing for graduate school or fellowships, or looking for a job after graduation. The following was taken from research conducted by Stacie Berdan with more than 200 successful internationalists and featured in the award-winning book, Get Ahead By Going Abroad: A Woman’s Guide to Fast-track Career Success:

  • Adaptability and flexibility count because in a foreign culture, you must be fluid. You must be able to work around situations and find alternative ways of doing things.
  • Excellent communication matters a great deal because you must make yourself understood in another country where you may or may not be fluent in the language. Cultural clues and body language are tricky, and miscommunication is rampant.
  • The ability to build relationships is important in a strange environment because you must be able to create social ties with new friends, traveling companions, and fellow students.
  • Patience and persistence are important, because going with the flow is a good strategy when nothing else works. “Local time” and “local custom” mean different things in every country.
  • Intellectual curiosity drives people like you to learn about the world-its history, geography, literature and economics. Knowledge, in turn, leads you to a better understanding of how to work across cultures. Global thinkers are curious about what makes the world go round.

To a certain degree, these traits are inherent. But they can also be learned. They will help you adjust and succeed while studying abroad. You should be honing all of these skills while abroad.

FROM A STUDENT

Many things helped me integrate into the local Egyptian culture, but the most important of all was empathy. Only by understanding others’ various socioeconomic classes, religions, political views and more could I begin to immerse myself in the culture.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

I learned how to embrace change and difference more readily. During any study abroad experience, it’s easy to adopt an “us vs. them” mentality as a coping and bonding mechanism to your new environment (“us”-the American students; “them”-everyone else). For one, you cope with the different environment and being away from home, and secondly, you bond with fellow Americans by distinguishing your own background from the culture of the host country. Although it seems to be common practice, I’d discourage this. Once you’re studying in a foreign country, you should make it a goal to have as many foreign (if not more) friends as American friends. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable or out of place-that means you’re pushing your own boundaries.

Leah Goodridge, Vassar College. Studied abroad in England.

Every time I took a taxi in Morocco the driver would ask where I was from and when I said from the United States the next question the driver would ask would be “Do you know the first country to recognize the United States?” And I would pretend that I did not know, even though the previous day a different taxi driver had told me the answer, and sure enough I would hear all about how Morocco had been the first country to recognize the United States. It was these kinds of conversations that then turned into more interesting ones about Morocco and Moroccans’ perceptions of the United States. Often times, I was the first person that they had met from the United States who knew Arabic, but more importantly, I was perhaps the first person who had taken the time to hear their perspective and try to understand their point of view.

Eric Fische r, University of San Francisco. Studied abroad as a Boren Fellow in Morocco.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Cultural mistakes and blunders-even humiliating ones-are inevitable. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes to prevent them from happening again. For this, it will help not to take yourself too seriously. It’s okay to occasionally make a fool of yourself and have everyone laugh at you. If you can also laugh at yourself, you’ll be much better off. In addition, laughter can be a great ice breaker, and may help in meeting new people.

FROM A STUDENT

Europeans don’t talk as loudly as Americans. Friends and I were on a train heading to Norwich, England, and we were just conversing when we realized that a whole group of people sitting next to us were staring at us. We thought about why that might be, and when we stopped talking, the train was completely silent. We actually had to watch how loud we were talking throughout the trip because we were usually the loudest everywhere we went!

Ashley Gaona, Oklahoma State University. Studied abroad in England.

I think many cultural mistakes can be avoided just simply by asking.

Kenneth Buff, Northern Oklahoma College. Studied abroad in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales.

I am sure I came across as quite socially awkward in the beginning of my stay, simply because I was raised with so much more of a sense of personal space than the average Costa Rican. I remember one time in particular when I ran into a Costa Rican student from one of my classes while walking around campus. It was only a couple of weeks into the semester, but I knew him enough to at least wave hello. He, however, stopped me and kissed me on the cheek, which I found very strange, and I hope that didn’t show (although I think it did). It turned out all right in the end though, as we later became good friends and were able to laugh about it.

Beth Cubanski, American University. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Don’t Blame the Locals for Your Problems

Hopefully, no one forced you to study abroad. You made the decision yourself. You also chose your destination, so if it’s not everything you hoped-or if it’s different in ways you never expected (and don’t like)-don’t blame your host country, which, after all, has been this way all along. You’ll make much more progress-and save yourself a whole lot of angst-if you accept it for both its beauty and its flaws and find ways to make it work for you. For example, if you keep encountering bathrooms with no toilet tissue, start carrying some with you. If the bus is perpetually making you late for class, take an earlier one.

And remember, just because things aren’t the same as they are back home doesn’t mean they’re inherently wrong or bad. Moreover, you’re not going to get anywhere with the locals by complaining about how inferior their practices are to the way it’s done back in the States. Diplomacy is key. People want you to accept and feel passionately about your new home. If you have questions, be sure to ask them out of curiosity and not arrogant superiority. Most people are willing to answer and to teach you, but not if you have made them feel embarrassed or humiliated.

QUICK TIP

FROM A STUDENT

I was out with friends and decided to meet with a different group of people across town around midnight. I walked a couple kilometers uphill until reaching what I thought was the discoteca where my friends were. The bouncer asked for ten euros to enter, and I then bought a bottle of locally brewed beer (a small one, at that) for what seemed like an inflated price. After a moment I realized the back

hallway did not lead to the dance area, but rather that it was a cave with a dead end. Realizing I had been tricked into paying a cover for a coverless bar (and not the discoteca I had pursued) I went to the back room and started chatting with patrons. Most were college students interested in my nationality, and upon sharing that I was an American the bar erupted in chants of “Obama, Obama” and “U-S-A,” presumably expressing excitement from the recent presidential inauguration. Perhaps it was because of the timing of my trip, but moments like these, where being an American was both a nuisance and a blessing while in a sea of strangers, were not uncommon while I studied in Europe.

Peter D.A. Wood, Oklahoma State University. Studied abroad in Spain.

Plan Your Time

You only have a limited amount of time in your new country, and odds are that it will go by quickly. So manage your time instead of letting it manage you. Naturally, your primary objective is to successfully complete your coursework so as to earn those academic credits. Since few students do study abroad in their freshman year, odds are you are an experienced student with several semesters already under your belt, and have had some experience in doing this. But conditions will be different overseas, some significantly different, such as the lack of a large, central library where you can go to work and study every evening. So make sure that you create an environment in which you can do whatever it is that you will need to.

Next, remind yourself of your study abroad objective, and make a list of the things you need to do in order to meet that goal. The last thing you want to do is to find yourself on your way back to the airport disappointed with yourself for having come up short.

For example, if mastering the language is your top priority, get started right away with the tips listed below. If it’s seeing as much of your host country as possible, start planning out those excursions now. An overall list of “to dos” affixed to your bedroom wall coupled with a day-to-day to do list will help you stay organized and on schedule.

FROM A STUDENT

I wish I spent more time with my host family. I was so caught up in going somewhere new every weekend throughout my short stay in Costa Rica that I never gave myself enough time to really learn about them as people and representatives of their nation and culture. In hindsight, I wish I had thought to remember that I could always vacation in Costa Rica again years down the road, but my host family was the real once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Elise Hannon, University of Pittsburgh. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Awarded a Fulbright to Germany.

Adapt to Prevailing Norms

Succeeding abroad depends largely on your ability to effectively adapt your behavior to the local culture. (The culture, after all, certainly isn’t going to change for you.) Some aspects of any culture, such as etiquette, protocol and deportment, are fundamental and fairly easy to grasp. Being cognizant of them will help you master interpersonal dynamics such as greetings, dress, gift giving, punctuality, body language and table manners. Lying below the surface, however, are more subtle aspects, such as whether a culture is focused on the individual or the collective, the nature and importance of relationships, the role of time, how personal space is viewed, and the role of authority and hierarchy. Without meaning to-and without even knowing it in many cases- you may find yourself inadvertently violating one or more of these more subtle norms. And while the consequences probably won’t be catastrophic, neither will they be beneficial.

FROM A STUDENT

Most people don’t have a real idea of what our lives are like on a normal day and are fascinated by simple things-like having to find a way to pay for college instead of going for free. I also found the mundane things in their lives interesting because they were completely foreign to me.

Kenneth Buff, Northern Oklahoma College. Studied abroad in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales.

The real learning in Morocco took place outside of the classroom. Being immersed in the local life enabled me to develop a much fuller and meaningful perspective on the various issues facing Morocco.

Eric Fische r, University of San Francisco. Studied abroad as a Boren Fellow in Morocco.

Although I’ve always been an early riser and am used to starting my day at 5 or 5:30 a.m., I changed my sleeping schedule during the winter in Finland. It was just so painful to get up 5 hours before the sun. So I’d work until 3 a.m., then go to bed and wake up at 1 a.m. with the “sun”-or at least with the growing reflection of the snow. You have to get used to pep talking yourself every day. And start drinking coffee. Lots of it.

Shirah Foy, Belmont University. Studied abroad in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Guatemala. Completing graduate studies at Aalto University, Finland.

The single best way to prepare yourself for the inevitable differences is to go through specific cross-cultural training. If you aren’t able to, though, read culture shock books or the culture sections of travel books before you arrive. Once you get comfortable on the ground, pay attention and ask if you have questions, preferably of someone who is familiar with both the American and local cultures. An ounce of preventive embarrassment could save you pounds of mortification. For more on culture and cross-cultural training see Chapter 6.

PAY ATTENTION

Taking classes and reading ahead so you arrive knowing something about cultural differences in advance will certainly help you anticipate them. But it won’t guarantee that you will recognize all of them once you arrive. You will still need to pay close attention if you are going to figure out exactly how things are done in your new environment. And don’t rely solely upon your own powers of observation and analysis. If something happens that seems strange or contradictory to you, ask someone to explain it to you, preferably a local friend or veteran expatriate.

In case you remain unsure about a situation, remember the following:

  • Most locals will understand that there is a cultural learning curve.
  • Some misunderstandings are likely to result in humorous situations that may even help break the ice.
  • A cultural faux-pas that seems distressing in the moment may seem like an important turning point in your understanding of the culture later on.
Learn the Language

If you’re going to a country where English is not the first language, you are lucky! You will have the opportunity to either practice a language you’ve already been learning, or start from scratch. If you have the proficiency to do so, take your courses in the local language. This way you can practice in an academic environment and be corrected by knowledgeable professors or fellow students. The same is true if you opt to take academic courses in English, but study language at the university. You will be learning in a structured, academic environment that will enhance your ability to practice on the street, in shops, with friends and/or with your local family.

FROM A STUDENT

Because much of the population in the Western Cape region speaks Afrikaans, I studied this language and incorporated it into my project. My study of Afrikaans involved taking a course that provided a comprehensive overview of the language and enlisting the help of tutors and faculty members from the University of Western Cape. With the help of native speakers, I created an Afrikaans version of my data collection instrument and incorporated it into my study.

Darigg C. Brown, Pennsylvania State University. Studied abroad as a Boren Fellow in South Africa.

Due to my learning disability, I thought I was sure to have problems memorizing, reading and interacting in Spanish. Much to my surprise, I learned much quicker than my peers and realized that I truly am a visual learner. In all honesty, I do not know if I ever would have learned Spanish if I had not gone overseas. Somehow, I found the courage to apply for the exchange program, and as a result of that, I now understand another way of living and being a better and stronger human being.

Kristin Hoobler Morgan, San Francisco State University. Studied abroad in Spain.

I had taken Arabic courses and had learned about economics and the Middle East and North Africa. The Boren Fellowship allowed me to take my Arabic language skills from an intermediate to an advanced proficiency level and to also experience North Africa firsthand in a turbulent period in its history.

Eric Fische r, University of San Francisco. Studied abroad as a Boren Fellow in Morocco.

But what if you won’t be taking any structured language lessons? Should you still try to learn the language and, if so, how? The answer to the first question is an unequivocal “yes.” Regardless of the goals of your study abroad program, trying to speak the local language enhances your cross-cultural integration and makes the experience much more interesting. Moreover, you’ll have easy access to native speakers with whom you can converse, and ample opportunity to improve your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

But convenience itself isn’t going to do the trick. Without sufficient motivation and a structured approach, you may not learn much, and what you do learn might be inaccurate, especially in terms of grammar and pronunciation. It’s important to determine exactly what your language-learning objectives are. Do you want to use your study abroad experience to improve your proficiency, perhaps with the goal of being able to list proficiency in the language on your résumé? Or do you simply want to be able to “function,” i.e., ask for directions, order off a menu, communicate with your friends, and better understand the culture?

If your goal is a higher level of proficiency, you will definitely need to have a structured approach so that you can practice daily and have assistance in improving the accuracy of your communications.

Language Strategies

  • Take a local language class. If you can’t take a class on campus due to scheduling conflicts or possibly because of its price, ask a professor or friend to recommend a class off campus. There are usually plenty to be found in major cities or near universities.
  • Join a language club. Informal groups, most of which are absolutely free, meet in parks, community centers, and faith-based facilities.
  • Use language-learning self-study books, software, and apps. Many people have used the likes of Berlitz, Rosetta Stone, and Praxis Language to increase their knowledge of a foreign language.
  • Enlist a private tutor. One-on-one tutoring can be expensive, but amazingly effective. And sometimes, it can come free-in exchange for one-on-one tutoring in English. Check out bulletin boards, real and virtual, to find potential language study-buddies. Just be careful about safety, as in all situations when meeting strangers.

FROM A STUDENT

I arrived with no knowledge of Egyptian Arabic, yet after five months my knowledge increased by the day to about intermediate level. Every day was a lesson, especially when everything was new. It was challenging to learn to pronounce names and places, but exposure is the best learning tool, not only for language but to become more globally aware.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

I found a language partner, or two or three or four. It took a little bit of courage, but I’d just ask somebody who looked friendly if they wanted to be my language partner. Whether it was on my college campus, in a coffee shop, or just on the subway, I took a chance and asked. The worst that could happen was that they would say no. I ended up meeting a number of people who were hoping to study in the U.S., and even more who wanted to teach Chinese in the U.S. and were delighted for me to be their first student.

Jeanette Miranda, Brown University. Spent a gap year in China.

I found that the people who I interacted with in Paris were less concerned with the exact grammar of my French, but more with the pronunciation of the language. People really respected the fact that I was trying to improve my accent.

Benjamin Pauke r, George Washington University. Studied abroad in France.

Learn, Practice, and Keep it Up

Before you leave the United States, familiarize yourself with the language.

  • Buy a reputable dual-language traveling dictionary or app.
  • Check out Live Mocha, Hello-Hello, and other similar free online language learning tools to get a feel for the language; download the travel app and sign up for the daily texts and emails.
  • Try to listen to the language on the radio, television, or online to get your ear accustomed to its sounds and intonations.
  • Find written examples of the language online or in the library to get a sense of what it looks like.
  • Learn how to say a few simple greetings and phrases. Something as simple as “I do not speak [language], but I want to learn” can open doors.

Once you’re on the ground:

  • Start paying attention to signs, forms and conversation.
  • Begin utilizing your simple phrases.
  • Make a list of a few new phrases and words you want to learn, and practice them until they come naturally to you.
  • Strike up conversations with locals and practice what you have learned so far.
  • Listen to local radio stations. You’ll only understand a fraction of what they are saying, but before too long you’ll start to be able to pick out a few words and phrases. In the meantime, you’ll become even more familiar with pronunciation and intonation.
  • Listen to songs in the local language.
  • Watch television or go to movies with subtitles.
  • Read newspaper headlines and leads, signs and ads-things with short, terse messages that you either catch or know that you haven’t.
  • Be on the lookout for those items where you can anticipate what is being written, such as food labels, product instructions, and public notices.
  • Take your dictionary or app with you and look up words and phrases (but don’t be too public about it).
  • Ask people how to say something if you’re in a store, on the bus, or on campus.
  • Find friends who are at more or less the same language level as you, and share your weekly learning with them.
  • Check out children’s books, including those whose story lines you already know.
  • Speak with small children, especially those whose language level is low and who won’t make fun of you when you make a mistake.
  • Practice!

Once you return to the United States:

  • Keep it up online, with friends, or via Skype with your friends abroad.
  • Seek out higher level classes at your university. If they don’t offer them, see if you can do advanced independent study.

FROM A STUDENT

I speak French very well, but I would never admit it. Being forced to use my French (successfully) in certain situations made me more comfortable using it when it wasn’t necessary because I knew I was competent enough. My confidence overall increased significantly.

  • Amy Newman, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in France.

FROM AN EDUCATOR

The biggest challenge with learning on the ground is allowing yourself to take risks and jump right in. You don’t need to understand every single word someone is saying-just be patient and every week you will understand more. Realize, too, that native speakers are generally very patient, so just keep trying and don’t revert to English just because they happen to speak it.

Marty Abbott, executive director of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

People can be very friendly to those trying to learn their language, but they may not make the effort to correct you. Or their explanations of why you say something this way may be misleading or erroneous. Or since they don’t speak English, they may misinterpret what it is that you want them to tell you. The greatest barrier to learning a language is overcoming your own fear of making embarrassing mistakes in public.

As your confidence in your language skills grows, you will feel more comfortable spending time doing everyday things such as attending cultural events, going to movies or concerts, or just following the local customs- ordering special items not necessarily on the menu or getting a coffee in the local café.

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

According to the National Survey on Student Engagement 2010 online survey of first and senior year post-secondary students in the United States, about one-quarter of senior college students with disabilities who have taken a foreign language course have also studied abroad.

  • Look for a course structure and instructors with an approach that fits you.
  • With the class instructor, interpreter or note-taker, discuss your goals for the class, how you plan to access the lessons, and what would be helpful for you.
  • Don’t wait too long to approach the class instructor or disability provider if the access solutions aren’t working.
  • Do your part, if needed, in acquiring non-English audio or Braille materials and learning the necessary technology or Braille code to access the foreign language lessons.
  • The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) provides non-English audio and Braille materials produced and offered by NLS, by NLS cooperating libraries, and by other organizations, foreign and domestic.
  • Find sign language dictionaries from the country you are interested in going to if you also want to learn the language of the deaf community.

For more information, look up the “A World Awaits You, Accessing Foreign Languages” or “Foreign Language Learning and Students with Disabilities” tip sheets from MIUSA.

LANGUAGE LEARNING TIPS

  • Invest the time. The more time you spend engaged with the language, the faster you will learn. But be patient: many studies show learners need as many as 50 exposures to a new word in every form (reading, writing, speaking, listening) before it sticks.
  • Focus on “communicative competence.” Don’t just memorize words and set practical phrases. Language communicates, so communicate! Go to restaurants and order off the menu, chat with people you meet on the bus, make inquiries in shops. Let yourself be overwhelmed, then figure it out!
  • Take the initiative. No one can make you learn another language. You have to want to do it. It helps, therefore, to start with or focus on those words and phrases that interest you or pertain to an outside interest that you already have, such as a particular sport, hobby, or intellectual pursuit. Set your own goals and work to achieve them.
  • Combine speaking and writing at the same time. Oral language skills and literacy are interdependent. Speaking helps you discover the proper usage of the words you encounter in print. Print, in turn, exposes you to far more language than you can encounter in social interactions.
  • Enjoy it!
Get to Know People

Living by yourself in another country can be exceedingly lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people. Not knowing anyone is tough enough, but if you can’t even strike up a basic conversation with them, you can soon feel truly isolated. Unless you are lucky enough to have extroverted contacts or neighbors, it will be up to you to do the reaching out. If you’re like most people, you’ll feel anxious about striking up a conversation in a second language with casual acquaintances. But you simply must get to know people, preferably people who have similar interests.

You’ll need them to help you understand tricky cultural situations and deal with any complicated and unforeseen problems that may arise, such as a plumbing problem in your apartment or the best pharmacy to get over-the counter medicine you may need. You’ll also just want to hang out with them.

Americans who take the trouble to learn another language really stand out!

FROM A STUDENT

I had some encounters with British people who I felt were rude, and so I wasn’t very fond of them until I snuck up on them at the pub. Here, they’re some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. They love to talk and will do so on almost any topic you throw their way. It took me a while to reconcile the two personalities that make up the people of England, but once I did I quite liked them and found that their way of interacting is no better or worse than our own.

Kenneth Buff, Northern Oklahoma College. Studied abroad in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales.

Sports generate shared experiences, something to talk about and celebrate together and help to overcome language barriers like nothing else. While playing team sports you hear so much cheering and talking-and lots of words repeated-so you actually pick up the new language faster than you’d expect. When possible, I like to try group classes like aerobics, yoga or Pilates, where I can listen and watch the instructor’s movements.

Shirah Foy, Belmont University. Studied abroad in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Guatemala. Completing graduate studies at Aalto University, Finland.

Finding people from your own or a similar culture is usually easy enough. In fact, you’ll be astonished at how quickly you open up to someone you encounter completely by chance if they happen to speak English, even if that English is spoken with a Scottish, Indian, or even Zambian accent. At least you’ve got language in common, and these people will generally be happy to help you get settled in, show you around, and answer basic “how to” questions. But don’t limit yourself to just those people, as easy as they are to relate to. One of the best things about studying abroad is meeting people from radically different backgrounds and cultures. Perhaps there are certain sports you play or music you like. Find a conversation partner if you want to speak the local language-or even just to help locals practice their English skills. You’d be surprised how many interesting people there are in the world.

FROM A STUDENT

The key to making new friends is to break out of your comfort zone and embrace the awkwardness that might stem from getting to know someone who is different from you.

Taylor Binnix, Elon University. Spent a gap year in Argentina. Studied abroad in Spain.

Leave the Americans behind. When I was with my American classmates, I would not speak Spanish. In order to change this, I had to break away and explore the people and their way of life. Allow yourself to be a part of the culture to give yourself a holistic experience. Don’t be afraid to explore the country (churches, museums, grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, fitness centers, parks, etc.); there is so much more than partying.

Crescendo Smalls, Wagner College. Studied abroad in Spain.

One of the most interesting people that I met during my time in Morocco was a guy named Jaloul. I lived in an apartment near a supermarket one block away. Jaloul was a parking attendant responsible for the block between my apartment and the supermarket and had been working that job for more than 20 years in the same spot. He knew everyone, and he knew that I was new in the neighborhood. He had so many interesting stories! Whenever I had a question about Moroccan culture he always had a brilliant answer. Sometimes, when I would hear someone from the elite Moroccan society say something about some issue, I would ask for Jaloul’s opinion, and he always had a better one. Whether the topic was Moroccan politics, religion, the economy, culture or marriage, it was fascinating to hear the diverse perspectives even within Morocco.

Eric Fische r, University of San Francisco. Studied abroad as a Boren Fellow in Morocco.

FROM A STUDENT

That deaf connection-being able to communicate with deaf people internationally-is special. Learning how to sign in their language was so much easier than learning how to speak or lip-read their languages. We all “get it”: we get the oppression, the frustrating upbringing, feeling like we’re in the minority. That experience gave me a thirst for connecting with deaf people internationally.

Christy Smith, who is deaf, National Te chnical Institute for the Deaf.

Studied abroad in India, Costa Rica.

Friendships Without Borders

As you meet people and make new friends, you may have a sense of a temporary relationship, wondering if you’ll keep in touch. Hopefully you will, because the friends you make, whether they’re fellow Americans abroad, other international students or local students, are an important part of your overall experience in the new culture. You will learn from each other, have formative experiences together, and form bonds that are some of the strongest you’ve made. International experiences tend to bind people together much faster and much more closely because of the intensity of the experience. When your time is coming to an end, be sure you have contact information that is more permanent than a school email address or post office box. You’ll want to be able to reach out years down the road, and it’s so sad to lose touch with a friend. And although social media has made it easier to find people, it’s not as easy on a global scale. Be sure to say your goodbyes properly and slowly; a sudden break can be quite traumatic, and it may be difficult to repair the emotional damage after you’ve left.

FROM A STUDENT

When I met up with new friends, I felt that they took more time to really get to know me. People seemed to invest in personal relationships in a way I never really experienced. For example, after a meal, people remained seated at the table for the sobremesa, an expected time to chat and connect. This is what I miss most about Buenos Aires.

Kim Gordon, University of Pennsylvania. Studied abroad in Argentina.

FROM A STUDENT

Meet people! Be really overly friendly, even if you feel awkward. I am so glad I put myself out there to the other students, and I think I had a much less sheltered experience than some of the other American exchange students because of it.

Beth Cubanski, American University. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

It was very hard to make friends given the circumstances. There was a student in my program who had a diverse background, and she was friendly to me. The other students were not. They seemed to take on the attitude that others had toward me, mostly negative because of my skin color. I found this to be strange. Fortunately, I lived in a house with three French, one Ugandan, one Chinese, and one Austrian. We all became friends and we would often share meals, play games, and shop together. I still keep in touch with them today.

April R. Gillens, North Carolina Agricultural and Te chnical State University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in Ireland.

Limit Your Use of Distracting Technology

In order to truly experience another culture, experts recommend complete immersion-language, living arrangements, food, activities and more. And while you may not feel comfortable with the so-called “deep dive,” neither should you just sit passively on the edge of the pool.

In other words, don’t remain overly connected to home. Yes, you’ll probably be a little homesick and need to call or Skype with your parents and friends. But most new overseas arrivals find that they acclimate faster if they severely limit their contact with their family or friends back on their home campus. The more time you spend interacting with them, the less time you have to spend interacting with those in your new home, the unfortunate result of which is that you will actually end up feeling even more homesick and more lonely.

Unfortunately, current communication technologies, most of which are essentially free, allow you to stay connected to home almost as much as you want. This is not always good, and you should avoid daily use of social media and phone calls. Sure, you may need your Facebook account to catch up with your local friends, but just check it-and that’s it.

FROM A STUDENT

I used as little technology as I could while abroad, because I believe it can hinder a person from being able to live in the moment and truly experience what is around them. I had a basic cell phone that I bought while in Turkey to communicate with my friends there if we had plans to meet up someplace. I used email mostly to keep in touch with friends and family back home. I used Skype to connect with my family when I missed seeing their faces, and also to communicate with my other friends studying abroad whenever we needed to vent about our experiences.

Melissa, Michigan State University. Studied abroad as a Boren Scholar in Turkey.

Another aspect of technology that impedes growth is music and movies. Sure, it’s okay to bring some playlists and maybe a movie or two that makes you laugh or comforts you. But you should really try to refrain from bringing your entire music library of thousands of songs and dozens of movies. If these are too easily available, you’re much more likely to be tempted to spend your precious time (especially in the beginning) listening and watching these as opposed to forcing yourself to make new friends, because they are easier and make you feel better. While some will argue that these comforts from home soothe your anxiety and help you settle in better, we respectfully disagree. We believe that the experience of being disconnected, isolated, lonely, and, yes, even temporarily overwhelmed are an important part of your experience that will ultimately lead to personal growth. Adapting to this situation-and you will, because you have to-is what stimulates the treasure trove of transformation, as evidenced by increased tolerance, empathy, perseverance, independence and gratitude.

In short, you chose to study abroad, so study abroad. Leave all but the most essential technological trappings of 21st century American life behind. Find new cultural experiences to play over in your mind and share with friends instead.

FROM A STUDENT

I don’t travel halfway around the world to talk to my American friends on Facebook, and I don’t need a GPS to find my way around Rome. I prefer to wander around the city for as long as it takes so I can find more interesting restaurants, shops and people this way. Plus, it’s just more fun when your path isn’t predefined by an electronic device. I don’t like cell phones either. Not on international trips. If you need to phone home, there are pay phones everywhere. Cell phones are just another distraction. Take the temptation out of your hands; don’t bring it.

Kenneth Buff, Northern Oklahoma College. Studied abroad in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales.

I bought my parents a webcam in preparation for my time abroad, assuming Skype would be the best and cheapest way to communicate. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon how you look at it), the Internet was very unreliable where I was living and making a successful Skype connection was about as rare as winning the lottery. On one hand, it made it very difficult for me to keep in touch with my family. On the other hand, it kept me from spending any significant amount of time on my computer when I could have been embracing my time in Paris otherwise.

Amy Newman, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in France.

Explore Your New Home

Studying abroad invariably brings with it the opportunity to explore a new environment. So be a tourist, whether just in the confines of your host city, country or beyond. There is so much to see and so little time, so take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves, especially at the beginning of your stay when you will probably have more free time and your learning curve will be steepest. Here are some tips on how to do it.

Try Something New Every Few Days

Make it a point to step outside of your comfort zone every few days. For example, try a new restaurant, check out a store you have just walked past before, or visit a neighborhood on the other side of town. These little twists of newness add to your routine of classes and studying, and provide an interesting mix to your days-and, many times, rewarding encounters.

FROM A STUDENT

Keep an open mind. Try things you wouldn’t have tried back home or engage with people with whom you would not likely have engaged back home. You can learn a lot about yourself. I learned that I wasn’t at all a shy person. I also discovered new foods that I liked!

Taure an Barnwell, University of South Florida. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in Japan.

Live like the natives, eat with the natives, and socialize with the natives. It amazed me to see other American students only socializing with other American students. In some cases, I witnessed Americans only eating in a Moroccan McDonald’s. Some students treated their abroad experience like a vacation. In some ways, it is. I traveled almost every weekend and visited nine other countries. But I traveled with Moroccans at the same time. It is so important to truly relax and live in the nation you are studying in. It makes you appreciate other cultures and, by the same token, makes you appreciate your American ways

Mandie Maxwell, Shawnee State University. Studied abroad in Morocco.

Coming from a very “Desperate Housewives-esque” town, I tried to learn everything I could about diversity. By truly immersing myself in different cultures, I learned a lot about myself, as well as the world around me, and that is one thing I would never trade.

Gregory Chocheles, Bryant University. Studied abroad in Spain.

Find Things That Interest You

Whether you’re a sports fanatic, culture buff, or have a particular intellectual interest, seek out those activities or events that you enjoy. You’ll find they may be different-playing soccer instead of basketball, experiencing indigenous art by people you’ve never heard of instead of the masters-but you’ll come away with a broadened perspective. Invariably, you’ll also meet people who share your interests and with whom you can strike up a friendship.

FROM A STUDENT

I spent two semesters studying at Moscow State University (MSU), where I took courses in Russian grammar, phonetics, literature, history, politics, business, mass media and culture. At MSU, I had the opportunity to work with the International Union, a student organization focused on bringing together those interested in foreign cultures and languages. I also competed in the university league of KVN, a Russian comedy game show, where my team made it to the semifinals! I had the chance to do many things, from being in a commercial to teaching English!

Cody White, We st Virginia University. Studied abroad as a Boren Scholar in Russia. Awarded Gilman Scholarship to study in Oman.

Be courageous and take a step out of your comfort zone. It can be awkward; it can be scary. But it is worth it. My friend Shelby and I heard that there was a church youth group in Vladimir, and we decided to visit one night and try to connect with students there. When we first introduced ourselves, we were nervous and unsure of what their reaction would be to a random pair of American girls joining their meeting. But to our delight, the students at the youth group welcomed us with open arms, befriending us and inviting us into their world. If Shelby and I had not taken that first step to ring the church doorbell, we would have forfeited some great relationships.

Hope Johnson, Gordon College. Studied abroad in Russia.

Don’t Forget to See the Sights

In addition to studying and meeting new people, you should take the time to see the local sights, whatever they might be. Whether it’s checking out the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing, exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica, or trying to visit all the museums in Paris, explore your new home. You may not have a chance like this again anytime soon. If you don’t want to act too much like a tourist, you can ask a local friend or host family member to join you-it can give you new perspectives to see the sights through the eyes of a resident.

FROM A STUDENT

While my friends at home had their noses buried in books, I was fortunate enough to be experiencing the world, something very few people get to do in a lifetime, never mind at age 21. It was during this moment, my “aha moment,” that I realized that all of the preparation I had done before I left, the homesickness I had occasionally experienced, and the financial sacrifices I had made to go abroad were all worth it.

Nate Nault, College of the Holy Cross. Studied abroad in Scotland.

Spending postgraduate gap year in China.

I found the Costa Rican travel services to be far more reliable than anything I’ve ever encountered in the U.S. Always carry cash though-you need to find that perfect amount between enough to get you out of a tight spot and not enough to make you a target. I usually carried the Costa Rican equivalent of US$30.

Beth Cubanski, American University. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Relax and Enjoy!

Don’t be so focused on seeing everything that you start feeling like you’re on a forced march. Challenge yourself to see the new, but make sure you see things at a pace that lets you appreciate them, even if not every experience is 100% enjoyable.

FROM A STUDENT

Do as much as possible but be sure to soak it all in. Sometimes just stopping to stare is worth more than running off to the next monument, building or mountain. I’m also a big fan of taking a lazy day. It never fails that at some point in my trips I just feel the need to do nothing for a day. Maybe lounge around the hotel I’m staying at, or maybe a stroll through one of the city parks. I find these days to be some of the most rewarding of my travels, because they often result in unexpected conversations with locals, and they ensure that I’m fully charged for my next adventure out into the city.

Kenneth Buff, Northern Oklahoma College. Studied abroad in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales.

Travel

In addition to shorter explorations of your new city and outlying areas, you should also consider taking far-ranging excursions, assuming that you have both the time and the means to do so. You may choose, for example, to participate in the weekend excursions that are offered in conjunction with your academic program. Or you may decide to travel independently whenever the opportunity presents itself. Or, quite possibly, you may decide to stay on for a few weeks or even months after the academic program is over so you can explore your country or region in much greater depth. Whichever option works for you, go for it. No matter where you go and for how long, your understanding and appreciation of the people and culture will be expanded and your overall experience will be enriched. You’ll also learn a lot about yourself and the big, wide world around you.

While travel and tourism are often valuable, they should not overshadow the actual purpose of studying abroad, which is, of course, studying, as well as living in another culture. We advise that you leave some time for travel, but also leave ample time to explore your host community and spend downtime with fellow students, rather than leaving town every weekend.

FROM A STUDENT

At the beginning of the semester, I went with a service group to La Pampa, Argentina, eight hours from the capital of Buenos Aires. We worked on furnishing the homes of two underprivileged families for a long weekend. It was an amazing opportunity to meet warm, helpful Argentines and to experience a bit of the culture in a different region of Argentina.

Kim Gordon, University of Pennsylvania. Studied abroad in Argentina.

All three of my study abroad trips took place during the school year. One of the tricks we learned was to take extra time after our projects to travel around the area. I was in areas of the world I had not been before, and the extra time provided me with incredible memories. From backpacking down the Moroccan coast to scuba diving in Malaysia, these were experiences that I will always remember.

Garrett Langdon, George Washington University. Studied abroad in Egypt, Sweden, Singapore.

FROM A STUDENT

I went on a weeklong expedition across Morocco, but didn’t tell my parents until after I had come back. Growing up so close to NYC, my parents had been scarred by the 9/ 1 terrorist attacks. I had heard many things about Arab nations through my family, friends and the media, but I felt had to see it for myself. Looking back on that week spent in such a far-off corner of the world, I don’t regret a single moment. The people were incredibly friendly and open to Americans. The landscape was absolutely breathtaking, and, despite one case of food poisoning, the food was delicious. I encountered a strong outreach from people that I’ve always been taught to associate with fear, and for me that was the greatest example of cultural exposure that I had whilst abroad.

Gregory Chocheles, Bryant University. Studied abroad in Spain.

Hostels can be a reliable choice for travelers on a budget, particularly those that are members of the Hosteling International, which has a system of assured standards, or registered with tourist bureaus and evaluated by trustworthy guidebooks. Private hostels can be uneven in quality, so make sure the one you are considering has both a good reputation-the best recommendations are the ones from recent guests-and good security. The front door should lock, your room should lock, and you might even want a locker for your stuff. If not, perhaps there’s a safe in the office where you can leave important documents. In any case, don’t leave valuables in the room, and avoid rooms on the first floor so as to minimize access from the street. When you leave the hostel to explore, take a card with the hostel’s name and address or write it down. Keep it in a safe place.

FROM A STUDENT

I found it really helpful to plan all of my trips in the beginning of the semester. That way you know how much money you have left for everyday activities. The prices of flights and hostels also increase dramatically as your departure date approaches. Additionally, it is easier to budget time to complete schoolwork if you have an idea of when you will be away.

Benjamin Pauke r, George Washington University. Studied abroad in France.

FROM A STUDENT

Hostelworld.com and Airbnb.com were two of my best friends while traveling during my semester abroad. Look at the reviews before you book, but don’t be turned off by a few bad reviews because every traveler has different expectations.

Amy Newman, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in France.

SAFETY WHILE TRAVELING

If and when you travel, follow many of the same smart safety rules listed in Chapter 7, as well as these tips:

  • Do your research on the place you’re visiting.
  • Ask friends and fellow travelers for tips specific to the trip that you are about to take.
  • Buy or borrow an up-to-date guidebook, and check out online sites and updates.
  • Get a map or at least check the place out online.
  • Find out about public transportation.
  • Register with STEP if you’re leaving your host country.
  • Make reservations only through the transportation provider, licensed travel agencies, and reputable hostels and hotels.
  • Create an itinerary with dates, addresses and contact information to share with friends and family.
  • Travel with friends whenever possible. If you can’t, make friends or at least acquaintances en route so as to give the impression that you aren’t traveling alone.
  • Travel as lightly as possible.
  • Bring only those valuables that you will need, and be careful where you show them.
Work or Intern While Abroad

Working or interning while you’re studying abroad has two distinct benefits. First, if you are indeed working, you can earn some extra cash, which will always come in handy. (Never count on working abroad to pay for your studies. It might not happen and then you could be in a world of trouble.)

The other is the local cultural and economic insights that you will inevitably gain, even if you’re only stacking books at a library, selling tickets at a movie theater, or doing basic administrative tasks at an office. Whether you can work or intern depends on the rules of the country and the terms of your visa, and every country is different. The only way to know for sure is to check with your country’s immigration authorities-don’t just rely upon word of mouth. Some student visas, for example, allow work for up to a certain number of hours per week, but only under certain conditions. If you are allowed to work, see if there is a list of job openings posted somewhere on campus. Make sure that any work you undertake does not infringe on your studies, which are still your main priority. Likewise for internships.

QUICK TIP

An internship abroad can be a great résumé booster.

One of the most common work opportunities available to Americans studying overseas is teaching English to locals. And in many countries, you won’t even need a work permit, but you might need a certificate, so check into it. Teaching English, however, is not just a matter of having someone write or speak to you and then correcting all their mistakes. You must know the underlying grammatical rules and be able to explain them cogently. Before you decide to don your professorial cap, you will need to ask around for others’ opinions on the pros and cons of teaching. You might love it or hate it, depending on your personality.

FROM A STUDENT

Fortunately, my study abroad program encouraged and facilitated students getting volunteer positions. The volunteer schedules were very accommodating and flexible, as supervisors were very understanding of students’ schedules. This made volunteering fun, manageable, and a valuable component of my study abroad experience.

Isabelle Feldhaus, University of Southern California. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in South Africa.

As part of Northeastern’s international business program, I studied at ICADE in Madrid for seven months, followed by an internship that I had to apply for in-country. At the time, the economy in Spain was in bad shape. It took roughly 35 applications and six months for me to land a job, not uncommon among my fellow classmates. Although it was extremely difficult to be unemployed while some of my friends had begun to work, I couldn’t lose confidence in myself. If you plan to work abroad, you must remain confident during the process no matter how difficult it may be.

Daniel Schlemovitz, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in Spain.

I sought to improve my language skills outside of the classroom. I befriended Turkish students at the university and joined different clubs. I even found an internship with a local English-language newspaper. Even though the newspaper was published in English, everyone spoke Turkish in the office, and I was able to improve both my listening and speaking skills. My internship exposed me to the daily political, economic and social issues happening in and around Turkey, and it was a great way to stay informed.

Melissa, Michigan State University. Studied abroad as a Boren Scholar in Turkey.

Interning Without Studying

There’s always the option to travel abroad solely for the sake of an internship. As there is often no tuition to be paid, it costs far less than studying abroad, and you have the opportunity to gain real-life work experience without also having to accommodate a potentially demanding academic schedule, especially since your internship is likely to occupy prime daytime working hours. In some ways, just interning can also be more rewarding in the long term: you learn business techniques of companies outside of the United States, immerse yourself in the culture, improve your language skills, and gain a potentially valuable employment reference for your résumé. Whether it’s a summer or a semester, there are generally plenty of real-life work opportunities available out there. As compared with studying abroad, internships and short-term jobs offer:

  • Real work experience, often in a low-stakes, low-pressure (and yes, fairly low-pay) environment. This lets you make inevitable “global newbie” mistakes with little pressure. Having real work experience on your résumé also gives you a leg up upon graduation, moving on from that low-pay, entry- level job-or moving up and making it a springboard to a real career.
  • Global experience for generally less money than study abroad programs cost. In many cases, the travel reimbursements and living stipends that internships and short-term jobs offer will let you break even and maybe even come home with a little left in your pocket, rather than a mountain of debt.
  • The opportunity to stand out as a self-starter and a go-getter, able to think and work independently from a young age, as opposed to depending on nicely organized study abroad programs.

FROM A STUDENT

I spent the past fall semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and had a wonderful experience. I left with a strong conviction that I would like to engage professionally in Latin America. Since then, I was offered an unpaid summer internship at the small branch of environmentally focused company TerraCycle in Buenos Aires. The primary mission of TerraCycle is environmental (eliminating the idea of waste through innovative collection and recycling programs), its secondary mission is social (donating funds to nonprofits and schools in the communities where people collect waste through TerraCycle), and only its third goal is financial (making a profit so that it can reinvest funds in the company to make even more environmental and social impact). I feel passionate about this opportunity, but I am not sure I can afford it, so I started looking for funding. I met with an engineering adviser in my academic department who told me that if I present my internship as a research opportunity and bring back deliverables that I could use for an independent study, I can get funding through the school! I am happy about that prospect.

Kim Gordon, University of Pennsylvania. Studied abroad in Argentina.

Don’t count on getting a professional job later with any overseas business you intern with, but don’t be surprised either if it ends up opening some unanticipated doors.

TIPS FOR PURSUING AN INTERNSHIP

  • Consider going through an agency. Unless you happen to know, meet or be introduced to someone whose organization can take you on for a meaningful internship directly, you may well be better able to find reputable and rewarding internships-not just gofer work-going through an agency. Agencies can also help arrange internships relevant to your field of study.
  • Talk with your career-services office or academic department. Don’t underestimate the connections your university may have with the private sector. Many universities have global internship directories to assist students in finding internships abroad, both paid and unpaid in a multitude of sectors.
  • Consider the benefits of various employers. A large multinational company may offer an impressive name on your résumé and networking benefits, but probably not much real work experience. A small, local company will probably give you more hands-on opportunities and responsibilities, but is less likely to translate into a networking opportunity.
  • Knowthatqualificationsmatter.If you have some background in a business-related field, you certainly have an edge. Being able to communicate in a second language gives you even more of an edge.

U.S. Taxes and Local Taxes

Living or working outside the United States does not absolve you of your responsibility to file all relevant taxes, and you must include whatever income you earned working overseas. However, you may also be entitled to certain deductions, exclusions and credits under U.S. law, as well as international tax treaties and conventions between the U.S. and foreign countries. For more information, go to www.irs.gov. In addition to paying U.S. taxes, you may also be responsible for paying local taxes in your host country. Be sure to do your research and find out the process for reporting and paying.

Volunteering

If the cost of a formal study abroad program is just too expensive, but you still want the experience of living overseas, consider volunteering. Unless the volunteer program covers living expenses, you will still be responsible for those. But you won’t have to pay tuition and you will still be getting exposure to a culture and usually plenty of opportunities to practice a foreign language. Programs in developing countries typically involve the lowest on-the-ground costs, but getting there can be quite expensive.

FROM A STUDENT

The week after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I gave away everything in my apartment and moved to a Buddhist monastery near Mt. Everest where I would spend the summer teaching English as a volunteer in Nepal’s Himalayan region. After six years of nonstop travel and a grueling workload during my bachelor’s studies, I knew that I wouldn’t benefit from further education (i.e., the master’s program I’d been admitted to) unless I was afforded some serious rest and reflection. My life had been moving along at full speed for years with no break; I was so busy doing that I never had time for thinking. I wanted to go somewhere peaceful, somewhere thought provoking, somewhere that I could live simply, that had a strong sense of community, and where I could contribute in a meaningful way. The monastery fit all of these criteria perfectly. I read some articles about Nepal’s history and studied the Nepali language for a few weeks in preparation.

Shirah Foy, Belmont University. Studied abroad in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Guatemala. Completing graduate studies at Aalto University, Finland.

 

Top 10 Tips for Making the Most of Your Time Abroad
  1. Hone your cross-cultural skills.
  2. Learn from your mistakes.
  3. Adapt to prevailing norms.
  4. Make an effort to get to know people.
  5. Plan your time.
  6. Pay attention.
  7. Learn the language.
  8. Limit your use of distracting technology.
  9. Explore people, places and culture.
  10. Step it up a notch by working or interning.

 

Chapter 9

Transitioning Back to Life in the States

Alas, it’s time to go home. Whether it’s only been a few weeks or a whole year, your study abroad experience probably just flew by, and you’re wondering where the time went. Undoubtedly, there are things that you still want to do and see, and perhaps you’ve already extended your visit. Or maybe you are ready to go home. When it’s finally time to return home, most people feel a combination of excitement and nervousness: excitement because you’re going home to see your family, friends, and catch up on all the things that you’ve missed. But you’re probably also feeling a twinge, if not more, of nervousness. You may be worried about how you will reintegrate with your friends, who’ve gone on with their lives while you’ve been away. Perhaps there’s a club or team that you’ve been absent from, and you’re not sure that you will be able to just slide back in smoothly. Or maybe you left a boyfriend or girlfriend behind, and you’re concerned about what is going to happen next.

This chapter takes you through the various feelings you may have, as well as the steps that you can take to constructively ease back into your life in the United States. Above all, however, be sure to keep three things in mind. One, you are in charge: some people may offer help, and others’ words and actions may have an impact on you, but you are ultimately in charge. It is, after all, your life and your emotions. Two, it’s going to take time: you just cannot rush some things, and reintegration is one of them. Generally speaking, the longer you’ve been away, the more difficult it will be for you to readjust and the longer it will take. But it will happen. Three, don’t let the return to familiar surroundings be the end to your international experience. Work at figuring out how best to make your study abroad experience become part of the new you moving forward into the rest of your life.

FROM A STUDENT

It was very difficult for me to think an eye-opening chapter of my life was closing. I did not feel it was an adequate amount of time (five months in college) for me to really understand the Egyptian society and Arab region. I needed more time.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

I almost felt that while I was abroad, my life was on hold for a year. Coming back to the United States, I was immediately swamped with the stresses of getting credits transferred effectively, graduating and beginning to think about my plans for life after college.

Melissa, Michigan State University. Studied abroad as a Boren Scholar in Turkey.

Coming home from an experience like study abroad, you realize that the day-to-day activities that you were concerned with in the past seem trivial. It no longer worries me to make a call to a potential employer, because for four months I struggled speaking another language to complete strangers who judged every word. You will find that your self-confidence and your vocabulary will have increased dramatically.

Benjamin Pauke r, George Washington University. Studied abroad in France.

Learn to Tell a Good Story

We all enjoy a good story, whether it’s a movie, a novel, or something a friend is sharing with us. Science shows us, in fact, that our brain reacts differently to stories than it does to straightforward facts. A good story enables the listener to actively participate in the events of the story by activating the appropriate region of the brain. For example, when a story involves foods or sounds, our sensory cortex lights up-it’s engaged in the story-enabling the listener to more fully participate.

QUICK TIP

Listeners typically remember the openings and closings of stories best, so be sure to make them worth remembering.

Therefore, the better that you are able to tell a good story (or two or three) about your time abroad-stories that capture your experience in a simple, engaging, yet dynamic way-the better you will be able to connect with your audience, be they friends, family, roommates or potential employers. You can relate your study abroad experiences to your audience, bringing your time abroad into the conversation, but in an interesting meaningful way.

So how do you tell a good story? Here are a few basic tips.

  • Keep it simple. As much as we might be inclined to believe that greater complexity and more details make for a better story, it’s just not true. Simple stories are more likely to stick because they’re easier to process. Use short sentences and reduce the number of adjectives, adverbs and complicated nouns.
  • Use rhetorical devices and emotion. Don’t just recite a story, tell a story! Emotions motivate us, so engage your listeners by using inflection, varying your pace, and pausing for effect. Use your hands, your face, and your body for extra emphasis, as well as language that is heartfelt and emotional.
  • Bring it to life. Make your story more engaging by capturing events using sensory language-what you saw, how it sounded, what it tasted like, and what it felt like, emotionally or physically.
  • Don’t be trite. Some phrases have been so overused that we effectively don’t hear them anymore. This is especially true in telling study abroad stories. For example, “I had the best time of my life!” or “I can’t even begin to explain how great it was!” Choose your words carefully, using language that reflects your special journey.
  • Have a sound structure. Your stories should have a strong opening that clearly establishes the setting and necessary background information; a concise but compelling narrative, preferably one that includes a protagonist and antagonist (which are not always people); and ends with a definite resolution, preferably one that involves a lesson learned. Don’t go off on tangents or you risk losing your audience.
  • Make it relevant. Although your story is probably all about you, avoid telling it that way. You must find ways to bring your audience in so that they can relate to what you’re telling them. Tailoring your story so it touches on common ground with your listener will help you make that connection.
  • Stick to the facts. Most listeners can tell when you’re exaggerating or embellishing, so don’t risk losing them-and your credibility-by doing so. If you find that your facts just aren’t compelling enough without embellishment, it’s time to get a new story.

Learning how to tell a good story-and practicing that story-will also make you feel good about sharing your time abroad. As a result, the likelihood of your freezing up and not knowing what to say when people ask “So how was your time abroad?” is significantly reduced if not actually eliminated altogether. In time you may well develop a small repertoire of stories: short ones, longer ones, ones that deal with a variety of aspects of your time abroad so that you can respond appropriately to various audiences and situations. You will have to decide which one to tell, but you will need to be prepared to tell all of them. As you prepare for interviews, make sure you have a few study abroad stories that you can relate to the job, your soft skills or qualifications, your cross-cultural competency and experience, and simply who you are as an interesting, global thinker.

Recognize that You’ve Changed

There’s no denying that living in another country, especially one in which another language is spoken, changes you. How widespread and deep those changes are depends on who you are, how comfortable you felt overseas, and how long and how deep your cultural immersion was. It may be confined to just a few superficial tastes or mannerisms, or it may cut to the bedrock of your core beliefs. But make no mistake-one way or another, your head will forever be screwed on differently.

FROM A STUDENT

My lifestyle in Argentina was neither all better nor all worse than my lifestyle in the U.S., just different. I loved the constant challenge of better integrating myself at my school, with new friends, or in my host mother’s house. Given the immersive nature of my program, I took pride in the little things: I ordered the sandwich I wanted this time; the lady at the bakery knows my name; I had great conversation with someone today. Life is too easy now that I am back in the U.S. I know my way around campus, and I do not feel the need to study any maps before leaving its premises. I can, however, appreciate some of the opportunities my university offers students. The amount of resources I have in the U.S. (dining, academics or transportation) was something I did not always enjoy abroad.

Kim Gordon, University of Pennsylvania. Studied abroad in Argentina.

My time abroad influenced how I feel as a black American. The black race has many nationalities, as does the white race. I have learned that race is not so important compared to nationality. In my time abroad I have experienced the complexities of being black in a predominantly white country, however, being identified as American seemed to shed light on my “blackness,”which I do not believe is dark but apparently that’s the feeling that some others had toward me. I am aware of negative stereotypes that are as associated with African- Americans and even the black race in general, here and in other parts of the world. I have witnessed people of different races behaving very timidly toward me, and whenever I am ostracized, I typically think it’s because of my race. However, it seems that people’s actions toward me became more positive when they learned that I am American.

April R. Gillens, North Carolina Agricultural and Te chnical State University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in Ireland.

To be sure, each person’s experience is going to be unique, even if they attended the very same program at the very same time. And that is because each of us is unique. But there will also be much common ground since we are all human beings undergoing formative life experiences. But don’t just sit back and let the process play itself out however it will. It’s important for you to understand how you’ve changed and how you can make the most of it, especially after graduation as you enter the workforce. You will likely find many ways that you have grown as a result of studying abroad.

PERSONAL GROWTH

  • A greater sense of independence
  • Better communication skills
  • An enhanced ability to build relationships
  • Increased adaptability
  • A greater acceptance of diversity
  • Increased patience
  • Improved diplomatic skills
  • Strengthened or reinforced core values

And because you’ve changed, your relationships with other people will invariable change as well. You may think your friends and family have done most of the changing, but odds are it’s probably you. In order to fit back in, you are going to have to come to grips with this. But remember: you will be reengaging with friends and family as the new you, not the old one.

FROM A STUDENT

Study abroad has made me more gregarious and willing to explore different cultures. It has had more direct influence on my personal life than my career. I can see the value in how it helped me relate to and communicate better with others, because I deal with a variety of people in my work.

April R. Gillens, North Carolina Agricultural and Te chnical State University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in Ireland.

I was able to completely let myself go and dive into my experience living abroad, something not many people have the opportunity to do. Not only did I experience studying and working in Spain, traveling across Europe, and building a network of friends in and outside of school, but I did it by myself. I was given a great deal of responsibility, which allowed me to grow independently.

Daniel Schlemovitz, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in Spain.

I found the greatest benefit from studying abroad to be personal independence and courage. Having moved to Spain, traveled to two continents, and reestablished a personal network of friends and family in a foreign environment, I’ve really grown as a person. I didn’t notice my walls breaking down when I was abroad, but coming back to the United States I can see a clear difference in myself. I’m no longer afraid to take chances in life, and I try to live out each day to the fullest.

Gregory Chocheles, Bryant University. Studied abroad in Spain.

Prepare for Reverse Culture Shock

Many returning students find that they suffer from reverse culture shock. This comes because you expect things to just be the same as they were before you left. But they won’t be because you have grown accustomed to dealing with everyday things in a different way in your new environment. Readjusting will require using the same skills and approach that you had to use to adjust when you landed overseas. You can do it, and you will. But it takes time. Here are some of the problems you may encounter:

Other Peoples’ Lack of Interest

While you were abroad, you probably did some amazing things, saw some fantastic sights, and had some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. So your return should be a media event, complete with microphones and TV coverage, right? Well, don’t count on it. Sure, plenty of people will want to know how your study abroad trip went, and they will no doubt ask you, especially at first. And you will get an opportunity to share your adventures and regale people with your stories. But you will probably soon discover that many of your listeners are just being polite. Instead of peppering you with dozens of questions-some of which you have probably anticipated and even have prepared answers for- you’ll find most of them asking just a few superficial ones before moving on to last week’s football game, the new transfer, the antics of this or that Greek house, and the new menu at the dining hall. You’ll be floored and will probably find it depressing that even those you considered your good friends aren’t anywhere near as excited as you are about your dream-fulfilling and life-changing experiences. Don’t worry. Both your feelings and your friends’ behavior are completely normal.

FROM A STUDENT

My culture shock was worse coming home. I grew so accustomed to Madrid and my surroundings there; it felt like home. I realize I was so much happier there because of the fantastic things I was experiencing, but I found people in the U.S. to be less friendly. I also noticed the obesity, which caught me off guard. I was unsure when I would see my friends again and knew people would be less interested in my experiences.

Daniel Schlemovitz, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in Spain.

The hardest thing for me about readjusting was when my friends and family weren’t as passionate about Russia as I was. After returning, it has always been difficult for me to gauge just how much I should include “Russia” in the conversation. A friend and I jokingly call it the “Russia is my boyfriend syndrome.” After spending time in a foreign country, your experiences become part of your identity, and it is easy to fall into relating anything and everything to your time there. Unfortunately, too much “abroad talk” can inadvertently get on your friends’ and family’s nerves. I’ve found that the most helpful thing in readjusting is staying connected with friends from your group. They are going through the same thing as you are and will gladly sing that folk song that you learned in class or reminisce for the thousandth time about the time you adventured to the countryside with your foreign friends.

Hope Johnson, Gordon College. Studied abroad in Russia.

Reverse culture shock seems like one of those “things that will never happen to me.” The truth is: reverse culture shock is just an idea, until you go through it. You will never know what it is like to permanently view your own culture with new eyes, lenses tinted the color of a foreign country, until you experience it firsthand.

Taylor Binnix, Elon University. Spent a gap year in Argentina. Studied abroad in Spain.

You Miss the Buzz of Being Abroad

Just being in a foreign environment is inherently stimulating. And the more foreign it is in relationship to your home environment, the more stimulating it inevitably is. So it is hardly surprising that once the spigot of constant stimulation is turned off, daily life can seem downright dull and mundane. You might, for example, miss the food carts and the sack of avocadoes you used to buy each week. Or the pleasure of stopping by your favorite café to have an espresso and chat about your day with your international friends. Or perhaps you long for the thrill of being able to hop on a train or bus to take a weekend trip somewhere exciting you’ve never been. Once you’re back home, these and dozens of other regular opportunities like them are just no longer available. As a result, your life appears to be significantly less interesting and you long for the buzz and intensity of life abroad.

FROM A STUDENT

Using certain Arabic words became natural, as I was beginning to think in the language. I picked up several cultural habits, such as using words such as “la2” (meaning “no”) or “InshaAllah” (meaning “Lord willing” or “if God permits”) for every action, planned or not, that was yet to occur in the future. In Spanish I often say “primero dios” or “ojalá,” which means the same thing, but in English this is not used as part of common conversation. Having to adjust small linguistic habits to conversation once back home was a challenge.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar, Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

You’re Disenchanted with American Things

When you first arrived in your host country, you were probably surprised by a variety of things. For example, the public transportation system may have been excellent, or the size of the house your host parents lived in was very small. The cleanliness, or lack thereof, of the streets may have struck you. The same may happen upon your return to the U.S., albeit to a lesser degree, since there will not be the element of surprise. For example, you may be appalled by the way people act or dress. Or you may find the size of box stores to be overwhelming or food portions wasteful. You may find the jokes people tell to be offensive. You may notice there’s a whole lot less diversity in your group of friends than you realized. You may search in vain for a great shepherd’s pie, pad Thai, or arroz con pollo, only to be disappointed by “Americanized versions” that don’t taste anywhere near as good. Conversely, you may think how very lucky you are not only to have had the experience you did, but to appreciate all over again the life you lead in America.

FROM A STUDENT

It was strange to study abroad in a country where it’s not common to wear shorts, short dresses, or sleeveless tops in the streets, and on the flip side, return to the U.S., where the consciousness of clothing-in terms of showing skin-is not as important. I found a balance for myself between what I felt was socially acceptable and how I wanted to feel. You may have to renegotiate certain social norms or recreate certain habits.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

You Have Less Independence

You’ve also probably grown accustomed to having either a great deal more independence or being essentially on your own. Using a foreign currency, communicating in a different language, meeting new people, solving problems that arise without much cultural context-all of these things have resulted in a sense of freedom, improved self-confidence, and, most likely, a desire to continue with a similar level of independence. It may be hard to return to campus where most everything you do seems to be a scripted routine requiring only that you follow the herd down its well-trodden path.

Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock

Experts agree that reverse culture shock is actually more difficult to get through than traditional outbound culture shock. This is because with reverse culture shock, you feel out of place in your own country, and that sensation is generally more fundamentally disorienting than feeling out of place overseas, where you are, in fact, out of place. As with traditional culture shock outlined in Chapter 6, reverse culture shock progresses in three distinct stages. First, everything feels grand as you’re swept up in the euphoria of just being back home. But gradually this turns into frustration, depression, confusion and even anger as you find yourself getting irritated with people or things because of difference. Then comes the recovery stage, in which equilibrium is eventually restored. You adjust to living stateside again by finding your new niche and learning how to integrate your study abroad experience into your ongoing life. You are able to move on as a wiser person.

The best way to deal with reverse culture shock is to follow the advice in this chapter, succinctly listed in this list of 10 tips:

REVERSE CULTURE SHOCK: 10TIPS

  • Learn to tell a good story.
  • Prepare to experience culture shock.
  • Recognize that you’ve changed.
  • Keep in touch with your overseas friends.
  • Seek out others who have recently returned.
  • Listen to others and relate your stories to them.
  • Seek out authentic international culture at home.
  • Look at photos and videos, every now and then.
  • Plan to go abroad again.
  • Put your international experience to work.

FROM A STUDENT

After three times studying in Russia, I’ve learned that reverse culture shock comes at unexpected times and in surprising ways.

Hope Johnson, Gordon College. Studied abroad in Russia.

My most painful memories of culture shock were not abroad, but at home. After returning home from the Czech Republic, I went through a hard case of reverse culture shock. I went from living in an exciting place where I learned something every day and was challenged, to a small, familiar town in South Carolina. I had changed, and everyone around me had not. My interest, goals and outlook were different from those around me. I was depressed-a driving factor in applying to live abroad again. And so when it came time to return to the U.S. after my year in Slovakia, I was determined to have a plan to help counteract the reverse culture shock and depression I felt before. Moving to Washington, DC (a cosmopolitan city with more like-minded people), helped with the reverse culture shock. Living abroad and returning can be challenging, but it can still be worth it. It was through these experiences that I really discovered my values and priorities. For example, I feel closer to my family through these experiences, and I understand better what I need to be fulfilled. Living abroad can be a lonely undertaking, but also rewarding in the relationships one builds. I can say I know who I am through this experience.

Anna Lippard, Coker College. Studied abroad in Italy, Czech Republic.

Awarded a Fulbright to Slovakia.

Keep in Touch with Friends, Old and New

Friends rank among life’s greatest treasures. Just because you went abroad for a period of time doesn’t mean that you lost your old friends. And now that you’re back, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch with the new friends you made while abroad. Both sets of friends are part of your life and will prove to be important elements of easing back in.

For those friends you left on campus, appreciate that their lives went on without you, even though you may not think those lives were as exciting as yours. They’re still your friends. You may notice that they seem different, even if you kept in close contact by Skype or email. As noted above, this probably has more to do with how you have changed as a result of the things you’ve experienced. But that doesn’t mean that they haven’t also changed as the result of some new circumstances in their own lives. They may have a new love interest, have taken on a leadership role on campus, or even come back from their own study abroad experience somewhere else. Work at reconnecting by sharing stories and listening to each other. If you both work at it and are sincerely interested in maintaining your friendship, you’ll get through any initial awkwardness and both benefit from your different experiences. If one or even both of you doesn’t make an effort to reconnect, however, that friendship may well fizzle out. Just accept that and move on.

QUICK TIP

Recognize the changes in you, but appreciate that your friends and family may have gone through their own changes. Respect them, show interest, and exchange stories to reestablish relationships.

For the new friends you recently left, you should have collected contact information and said your goodbyes properly, as advised in Chapter 8. Do your best to stay in touch with them. Whether they’re fellow Americans, other international students, or residents of your host country, they are an important part of your overall experience in the new culture. You have learned from each other, have had formative experiences together, and have probably forged unusually strong bonds since intense international experiences tend to bind people together more closely. As a result, if properly maintained, these friendships may last for years, if not decades, and become the foundation stones of your global network.

FROM A STUDENT

Make connections and maintain them. One of my regrets is not remaining in touch with any of the people I met while abroad-both Spaniards and other college students from the United States who were studying there.

Crescendo Smalls, Wagner College. Studied abroad in Spain.

FROM A STUDENT

Returning home felt a little bit like going abroad again. Everything seemed new and different to me, even if I had seen it all before. I think it helped that one of the beliefs I internalized while abroad was that I have something to learn from absolutely everybody around me. My life-changing experience, rather than isolating me by making me think that I had had an experience others hadn’t, made me more receptive to learning from what experiences they had had that I hadn’t.

Jeanette Miranda, Brown University. Spent a gap year in China.

QUICK TIP

Regional study abroad reentry conferences are a great place to meet recent returnees from other campuses.

Attend Program Reentry Orientations or Conferences

You may find it difficult to reintegrate into the structure and expectations of academic studies after living in a foreign environment. If possible, take some time off between returning home and resuming classes, as the break will give you a better opportunity to transition back to living in the United States. Once you are back on campus, be on the lookout for any programs offered to returning students, including campus reorientations, on-campus courses or workshops, and regional conferences. All of these are designed specifically to help students like you process your overseas experiences and readjust, and you will probably be surprised at how much you can get out of them. If nothing else, you’ll meet others in the same situation. But you should be careful not to spend all of your time only with study abroad friends. You need to integrate with the rest of life on campus, too. Otherwise, you may be stuck in a sort of study abroad limbo.

If your college offers a reentry workshop or transitions course, take it. Mandatory participation in such programs is becoming the norm, but some students may still be exempted if, for example, they went abroad with a program unaffiliated with their college or opted out of credit transfer. Don’t skip these courses just because you can. These sessions will help you assess and address the “other life” you’ve recently been leading. You’ll find helpful ways to integrate your study abroad experience into your continued life and studies. You’ll also be able to talk about your experiences with fellow student travelers who will not only be able to appreciate them, but quite probably share them. The result will be new on-campus friendships with like-minded global souls.

Regional Reentry Conferences

Many colleges and universities combine forces to hold full-day, regional reentry conferences for all their recently returned overseas students. Typically, these include sessions on:

  • Readjusting psychologically.
  • Networking with fellow students who may have similar interests.
  • Marketing your study abroad experience to potential employers.
  • Learning about international career pursuits here or abroad in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.
  • Exploring going abroad again as a teacher, volunteer or intern.
  • Investigating overseas graduate programs.
  • Applying for scholarships, fellowships and research grants.
  • Discussing ways to incorporate your study abroad experience into your life.

The best of these conferences are planned and organized by study abroad advisers and include panels of outside experts who also have post-academic international experience. Photo contests are also often a part of these conferences, thus giving you a sanctioned opportunity to present all those neat photos you’ve been dying to share. You might even win some valuable or great prizes.

FROM A STUDENT

I attended a reentry conference because I wanted to learn about ways to work and live abroad in the future.

Kim Gordon, University of Pennsylvania. Studied abroad in Argentina.

FROM EDUCATORS

The reentry phase is often a neglected phase of the study abroad process, both by students and study abroad professionals. Most students don’t recognize it as a part of their experience and professionals usually don’t have the adequate time or resources to plan appropriately. However, by pooling our efforts together, we as a committee can provide a substantial reentry program to a wider audience. Reentry provides a chance for students to understand the importance of keeping an international experience/perspective “alive,” network with like-minded students outside of their own institutions, learn about opportunities from others who have “been there,” determine ways to incorporate their international experiences and newly acquired skills into their professional and academic futures, and process their experiences and continuing their global engagement in meaningful ways. It is for these reasons that we as a committee have worked to provide what we think is a substantial and informative conference, and we view it as a service to the field and the newly returned students.

Delaware Valley Re-Entry Conference Committee.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

Even if your home institution doesn’t have a reentry program, it will probably require you to complete a written evaluation of your study abroad program. By all means do so enthusiastically, as your feedback can have a beneficial effect upon future participants. In addition, the process of writing an evaluation can help you to reflect more fully on your time abroad. Completed evaluations are usually made available to students who are considering studying abroad, as well as faculty and administration. A copy will also be sent to your study abroad program (if different), so that program sponsors can hear firsthand what works and what needs improvement. It’s important to be honest and straightforward. Most everyone likes to talk about how great certain aspects of their experience were, but not as many are willing to offer constructive criticism, which is arguably even more important. Both, however, enable a program to improve and a college to determine whether individual programs should continue to be recommended.

Seek Out Others Who’ve Recently Returned

If you’re lucky, numerous other study abroad students will have recently returned to your campus, and you will have little trouble finding them. But don’t count on it: after all, less than fifteen percent of American college students study abroad before graduating. If few students at your campus study abroad, you’ll have to make more of an effort to seek them out. Ask your study abroad adviser, professors, friends and others you know who have gone abroad in the past if they know of any others who have recently returned. Attend orientations to find like-minded souls. Don’t be afraid to make new friends with people who are in the same boat. At the very least, you can provide each other with the support of someone who’s been there and gone through that.

In your pursuit of those who’ve just returned, also seek out others who’ve been back for a year or more. They, too, can shed light on how they adjusted, give you some tips that might help, and provided some potentially needed empathy.

QUICK TIP

Do not let your new and improved language skills fall by the wayside. Keep practicing your language.

Maintain Your Language Proficiency

If one of your reasons for studying abroad was to increase your proficiency in a foreign language, then don’t stop now and let all the time and effort you put in begin to wear off. Maintain your edge by:

  • Registering for ongoing language classes on campus.
  • Joining on-campus language clubs.
  • Seeking out international students willing to converse with you in the language of your former host country.
  • Staying in touch with friends and your host family abroad through Skype or email.
  • Reading, watching or listening to news online.
  • Listening to music, watching movies, and reading books in that language.
  • Reaching out to off-campus community groups who speak that language.

FROM A STUDENT

Living in east Boston now, with its large Latin American population, makes me very glad that I learned Spanish in Costa Rica. Many of the employees in our local grocery stores don’t speak English, and my hairdresser just moved here from Colombia a few months ago. If I didn’t speak Spanish, who knows what sort of haircut I might come out of there with!

Elise Hannon, University of Pittsburgh. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Awarded a Fulbright to Germany.

My university has a program where you can “adopt” someone studying abroad in the U.S. after you get back to help “show them the ropes” as needed. It’s a great way to practice the language you spoke while abroad!

Beth Cubanski, American University. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

To continue refining my French, I work as a peer tutor on campus. It’s a wonderful way for me to help someone figure out the language, and more often than not, I learn new tricks, too.

Amy Newman, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in France.

Document Your Memories

In Chapter 5, we recommended that you keep a journal (including photos) of your time abroad in order to track your experiences as they happen and to be able to better recall them later. If you did so, don’t now go and put your journal away in the attic along with your backpack. Keep it handy so that can refer to it from time to time as the spirit or inclination moves you.

Now that you are back, take the time to document your memories in a digital photo book, a video story, a blog or extended post, or even a large poster of photos and quotes. You might even consider doing more than one of these.

Some students create very personal, private reflections of their time abroad, while others create websites and mechanisms for helping other students by collating information and sharing stories online. Video posts in particular are emerging as a popular way for students to share their experiences, since the combination of video capabilities on smart phones and computers coupled with free software has made the process so easy. The beauty of a video post lies in its multidimensional nature: you can see and hear a snapshot of you in time, telling stories, showing pictures, and creating a mini-documentary. We advise you, however, not to make it too long (five to eight minutes is best), especially if your intention is to share with friends or your study abroad office!

Advocate for Study Abroad

As we’ve already mentioned, you should expect that some, if not most, of your friends and family will soon become bored with all the stories and adventures you have to relate from your time abroad. But there is one group of people who probably won’t become bored: potential study abroad recruits. Look into becoming a peer counselor for students who are considering study abroad, and help them make good planning choices. Volunteer as a “past participant” at orientations your study abroad office will be sponsoring for the next group of outbound students. If you do so, however, be sure to remember one thing: Just because you have studied abroad doesn’t make you an expert in the field. It simply enables you to share your experiences, both good and bad, with others so that they can profit from them-just like the way that we have used the quotes of a range of former study abroad participants throughout this book.

We mention this because a sizeable study abroad industry has recently emerged in this country. Some of these unoffiliated advisers and consultants claim to be experts on all kinds of information, when in fact they’re simply individuals who have limited experience and are mostly interested in selling a particular program, one that may not help students properly prepare for cultural immersion. This creates skepticism in students-and especially their parents- who may come to see study abroad as either a boondoggle or a cash cow for their sponsoring college or organization. The end result is to reduce rather than increase the number of students who study abroad. As we mentioned in the beginning of this book, we believe that study abroad should eventually become a requirement for all undergraduate degrees. That day is still a long way away, but we can get there if we all work together to improve the system and advocate for truly beneficial study abroad programs.

FROM A STUDENT

I volunteer as a study abroad student ambassador to promote study abroad experiences by speaking to first-year students and parents about the programs offered by my university. What I love about my role is that it gives me a way to network with other students, connecting with them and educating them about the options and benefits of experiences abroad.

Taylor Binnix, Elon University. Spent a gap year in Argentina. Studied abroad in Spain.

TOP TIPS

Top 10 Tips for Transitioning Back to Life in the States

  1. Learn to tell a good story.
  2. Recognize that you’ve changed.
  3. Prepare for reverse culture shock.
  4. Deal with reverse culture shock.
  5. Keep in touch with friends, old and new.
  6. Attend program reorientations, including reentry conferences.
  7. Seek out   others   on campus   who have recently returned from studying abroad.
  8. Maintain your language proficiency.
  9. Document your memories.
  10. Advocate for study abroad.

Chapter 10

Using Study Abroad to Showcase Your Global Growth and Learning

Now that you’re back and settled in, it’s time to put your international experience to good use. Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes that students who have studied abroad make is not incorporating all of their global learning into their poststudy abroad persona. By this we mean they fail to fully incorporate their study abroad experience in a way that makes their next moves, be they academic or professional, as personally meaningful and rewarding as possible. In business terms, you need to learn to “leverage” what you’ve learned, who you’ve met, what skills you’ve acquired, and how you’ve changed into a promotional package that speaks persuasively, especially to potential employers, of the new and improved you.

Whether you’re interested in a global job here or abroad, or simply want to differentiate yourself from other applicants with potential employers, your study abroad experience can be a useful and powerful tool. As we mentioned at the very beginning of this book, global experience matters in today’s job market, more than it ever has before. It’s critical therefore that you infuse your job search process with your “global brand.” In this chapter, we’ll offer an overarching process for you to follow, one that’s already proven itself to be successful for others. We’ll also explore the various avenues you might be considering after graduation and some practical tips on turning those possibilities into reality.

Build on Your Global Experience Both On Campus and Off

As we mentioned in Chapter 1, studying abroad is not just about the experience of attending school overseas. It’s also about what you’ll learn about yourself and how you’ll grow both intellectually and emotionally. Now that you’re back, the experiencing part is over (for now); but the learning and growing parts can and should continue. First and foremost, you should build on the burgeoning “international you” by continuing to enhance your global awareness and your cross-cultural competency. While you’re still a student, that means continuing to explore and experiment with new or expanded academic and personal interests, tastes, styles and ideas. Take advantage of whatever opportunities you can-on campus and off- to incorporate more international experiences and resources into your life. Not only will you learn and have new and enriching experiences, you’ll prove to prospective employers that your study abroad term wasn’t just another college course, to be put aside once the final exam is over, but the beginning of a long and personal independent study program.

  • Affiliate with global groups on campus. Most schools already have a few- if not a few dozen-globally oriented student organizations, ones devoted to either a country or a region (e.g., the Italian Club or the Asian Students’ Union) or ones devoted to some specific activity (e.g., the African Film Society or the European Student Investors Club). Make a point of seeking them out, finding the ones that interest you the most, and then becoming actively involved. Invariably, they will help deepen your understanding of the regions or cultures that you have come to care about. They will also most likely open doors to additional affiliations and opportunities and provide you with topics to discuss during interviews.
  • Reach out to community organizations. Depending on where you attend college, there may be a variety of immigrant associations (e.g., Hispanic American Association), refugee outreach groups (e.g., Iraqi Refugees in Minnesota), or cultural heritage societies (e.g., International Focus of Raleigh, the Polish-American Club) accessibly located off campus. All of these present opportunities for you to expand your global education in nonacademic ways and to get a foot planted outside the academic bubble. You may also find language partners.

TIPS FORE NHANCING YOUR GLOBAL PERSONA

In Chapter 5, we listed a number of things that you can do to raise your global IQ before you head overseas to study. You should continue and expand on these after you’ve returned, building on the knowledge you gained overseas. We’re listing them again here, slightly modified for the more global you.

  • Pay attention to world events and international news.
  • Monitor global business trends and stock markets.
  • Continue to think globally and cross-culturally.
  • Cultivate skills that enhance cross-cultural interaction.
  • Continue to learn or practice a foreign language.
  • Monitor globally relevant apps and blogs.
  • Follow national news online  for the   country you’ve   just returned from and others you’re interested in.
  • Join local and virtual international clubs.
  • Make friends with international students on campus.
  • Pay attention to hot regions and issues you care about.
  • Enjoy global food, music, movies and art. Share your expanded global tastes and appetites with friends. Instead of the traditional off-campus pizza parlor, head for an authentic Peruvian restaurant across town. Attend a Spanish guitar recital. Watch a Bollywood film or read the latest Shanghai murder mystery by Oiu Xiaolong. Not only will you be maintaining your international intellectual curiosity, you’ll probably also discover new areas of interest.
  • Continue to seek out international friends. As you know from making friends while studying abroad, the best connections to other cultures are invariably personal in nature. Continue to build these personal bridges, not only with that particular culture, but with a variety of other ones as well. Ideally, such bridges will be both personally meaningful now and professionally useful in the future. Even going to a campus athletic event or watching an American TV show becomes a cross-cultural experience if you do it with a friend from another country. And your friend can take you certainly deeper into his or her culture than you are capable of going on your own.
  • Travel abroad on a personal vacation. Being a tourist isn’t nearly as mind- expanding as living or working abroad, but it can still be immensely educational and eye-opening, especially if you visit less traditional destinations in the developing world. And by doing so as a freewheeling tourist instead of a student stuck on campus, you can indulge any latent or surplus desire for exploration or adventure.

FROM A BUSINESS LEADER

Despite the many studies about global thinking, the approach is still in its infancy. At a time when the number of cross-market deals to international markets is accelerating, gaps in the understanding and application of the global mindset persist. One thing is clear: a global perspective will be indispensable in the age of global economies that lies ahead.

Steve Finikiotis, principal and founder of Osprey.

FROM A STUDENT

I am surprised by the continuous self-reflection on aspects of my personality that are products of my experiences abroad.

Taylor Binnix, Elon University. Spent a gap year in Argentina. Studied abroad in Spain.

Network

Network is both a noun and a verb. As a student, you already belong to several networks, for example, your college, dorm, a club, a sports team, or a faith- based group. Now that you have settled back in on campus, you undoubtedly have another network of contacts built up before, during and after your time overseas. Now is the time to start actively networking with them, broadening your contact base, and creating a sustainable network using social media.

Begin by networking with professors and other campus professionals. When outside speakers come to talk about things you’re interested in, ask for their business card and request to connect with them on LinkedIn, which is widely considered the best platform for professional networking. Follow experts in your field or country, language and culture of interest on social media. Connect with them if you have the chance. Ask your existing contacts if they can recommend other people for you to connect with. If you do all these things, before long you’ll have an extensive network, one that may eventually prove to be instrumental in landing your first job or helping you further down the road in your career.

FROM A STUDENT

Studying abroad broadens one’s professional network immensely. I am still in touch with wonderful people I met up to 10 years ago from international experiences. I know I can call on these contacts for personal or professional reasons, and I never would have met them without taking the opportunity to live and study outside the U.S.

Natasha F.C. Diamond, University of California at San Diego. Studied abroad as an undergraduate in Chile and Spain. Studied abroad as a graduate student, George Washington University, in Mexico.

My greatest personal benefit was the network I created. In addition to all the Americans I met scattered across the states, I have a friend in almost every North African/European country. I don’t have a fear of finding a job or a place to stay while traveling. These networks are so powerful because of the experiences shared and memories made while studying abroad. The bonds are much different than those made in the U.S.

Mandie Maxwell, Shawnee State University. Studied abroad in Morocco.

FROM A STUDENT

After about a month or two of classes, I made some of the best friends of my life, people that I know I can reach out to now or 15 years down the line. Some of these people will be in my life forever, socially or professionally.

Daniel Schlemovitz, Northeastern University. Studied abroad in Spain.

Identify Lessons Learned and Skills Developed

Identify Lessons Learned and Skills Developed

Only those students who went abroad their senior year of undergraduate study will be concerned about looking for a full-time job immediately when they return to their home campus, and even they won’t be if they are planning on going to graduate school first. For everyone else, that day is still to come. In the meantime, however, you don’t want to lose the fresh thinking you’ve returned with, or have recent, standout experiences fade with time. That’s why it’s important to put some immediate effort into identifying and clearly articulating what you learned so that you can then translate it into global experience and skills in your eventual job search. It doesn’t have to be anything formal-just jot down some concepts that you’ll want to include on your résumé or that perhaps you’re already using in your storytelling.

FROM A STUDENT

My level of social consciousness heightened. I learned what truly holds value in my life, and what others, including myself, may take for granted or consider always accessible. I learned that we-despite language and country-specific differences-are more alike than different. We all have common needs of food, shelter, water, financial income, appreciation, respect, acceptance, love and friendship. I find that if you are kind to people, most likely they will be kind back. The world is a lot smaller than we think, in the sense that technology allows us to stay connected and be “in the know” about what is going on around the world.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

FROM A STUDENT

Years later, I can say that studying abroad and expanding my own comfort zone helped me to more readily acclimate to the profession of law. To be a good attorney you have to accept the fact that you cannot prepare for everything and you must think on your feet.

Leah Goodridge, Vassar College. Studied abroad in England.

I use my knowledge from study abroad every day. It’s been a year since I returned from my Fulbright Scholarship in Germany, where I worked as an English Teaching Assistant in Berlin. I am back in school to get my MSc in nutrition and become a registered dietitian; I teach aerobics and will eventually use nutrition to instruct on wellness and healthy lifestyle. The teaching skills that I learned as an ETA have made me much more confident about conveying information and communicating with people. I graduated in 20 1 with a degree in English literature, and I wonder if I ever would have felt brave enough to dive into a science degree and completely change fields if it hadn’t been for the strength I discovered in myself while living abroad. In Germany I had to negotiate finding my own apartment, bank account, resident permit, and visa, all in a foreign language, and cope with a completely different way of thinking in a new culture. The bravery that I had to muster is something I am very proud of and I think it made me feel less afraid about tackling biology and chemistry courses and really following my dreams.

Elise Hannon, University of Pittsburgh. Studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Awarded a Fulbright to Germany.

STUDY ABROAD AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The AIFS Student Guide to Study Abroad and Career Development, available as a free download at www.aifspartnerships.com, provides students with useful tips and resources on how to take advantage of career connections while abroad and how to effectively market your study abroad experiences to employers.

Advice on Launching an International Career

The information in the next three sections has been abridged from Stacie Berdan’s 2011 book, Go Global! Launching an International Career Here or Abroad . The book offers detailed guidance on pursuing an international career. It offers students and young professionals practical advice on how to tackle the exciting yet daunting challenge of developing the necessary skills to land a job in an increasingly global world. The book is filled with useful tips and real-life stories from hundreds of successful internationalists. Available on Amazon.com.

Define Your Personal Growth in Terms of Your Next Step

Once it’s time to actually start looking for a job or internship, you’ll need to complete another thinking exercise. What exactly is it that you want? What skills do you have to help get yourself there? And how did your study abroad experience help you? Actually writing your answers down will help you frame experiences, skills, personality traits, and strong points in logically cohesive ways that are relevant to potential employers. Whether you want to pursue an international career in the United States or abroad, compete for a popular scholarship, stand out as a candidate for a globally focused graduate or professional program, or just differentiate yourself to an employer, you should use your study abroad experience to showcase the soft and hard skills that you have acquired. Believe it or not, the ability to craft a clear, concise description of your professional and personal skills can make a remarkable difference in the ultimate success of your job search process.

FROM A STUDENT

I had planned to study mechanical engineering since I was little. It was my time in Astrakhan, however, that allowed me to narrow my interests. Standing in front of LukOil’s Astrakhan headquarters, impressed, my curiosity about oil’s impact on the Russian economy began to grow. That seed has since grown to shape my future professional goals, as I seek out knowledge of the mineral extraction industry, and, in particular, the international role that it holds- especially looking toward Russia and the United States.

Cody White, We st Virginia University. Studied abroad as a Boren Scholar in Russia. Awarded Gilman Scholarship to study in Oman.

FROM A STUDENT

I’m an explorer at heart and love to do and try unpopular things just because I know the experience will be personal and unique. I didn’t come to graduate school because of the information in my textbooks; I came because of the people I’d meet and the opportunities I’d find and create with them. I knew that if I was at all hoping to be successful in a global career, I should get out there and make a name for myself in the global environment. And I knew that as an American and native English speaker it would be easier to stand out in a master’s program abroad because of my unique drive to succeed, advantage in communicating, and my entrepreneurial spirit for which Americans are so widely and dearly known.

Shirah Foy, Belmont University. Studied abroad in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Guatemala. Completing graduate studies at Aalto University, Finland.

My time abroad allowed me to explore my true curiosity both intellectually and personally and find out more about my interests, passions, and how I can integrate these into future studies and professional pursuits.

Viole ta A. Rosales, De Paul University. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar. Awarded a Fulbright to Egypt.

Incorporate Your Study Abroad Experience into Your Job-Search Materials

Most of you will continue to live and work stateside, but will use technology to customize products and services for clients, customers and colleagues around the world. You will collaborate with workers in locations around the world and, most likely, be immersed in many cultures without ever leaving the United States. Employers, therefore, will be interested in your international experience thus far, and it’s up to you to package it properly to sell your skills.

You know that your study abroad experience somehow changed your life, all while enhancing your soft skills. But prospective employers don’t. You therefore need to package, brand, and sell your new skills-both professional and personal-to them. Showcasing your cross-cultural competence will be critical to differentiating yourself from the pack. Incorporate this information in your résumé, “elevator pitch,” and cover letter. In fact, if you begin with your elevator pitch, incorporating elements of your study abroad experience, it will help determine how best to incorporate the same on your résumé and cover letter.

FROM AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION LEADER

In a more global economy, where careers and jobs are increasingly competitive, a person with a disability who has study abroad experience as part of their résumé will skyrocket to the top and will break down preconceived notions about what is possible for the employer looking for a well-rounded, enthusiastic person looking to join their organization. I consider myself a wheelchair rider who is passionate about international travel and cross-cultural understanding.

Susan Sygall, CEO and cofounder, Mobility International USA.

Résumé

Your résumé is probably your single best opportunity to showcase your skill set, so draft it with the descriptive flair and detail that highlights your achievements while also demonstrating your ability to communicate. There are many excellent guides to résumé writing, so consult them if you have any questions about strategy and execution. Our focus here is on incorporating your study abroad experience, including cross-cultural aptitudes and internationals skills. Ideally, this should be done bit by bit throughout the résumé, but without repeating yourself. For example:

  • “Spent a semester in Paris at Sciences Po taking banking, economics, publishing and media classes taught by a group of European professors, which provided a fresh non-American perspective on business.”
  • “Able to read and write Arabic, fluent in Egyptian dialect; worked as volunteer news copy translator for Al Jazeera during the Egyptian uprising in February 2011.”
  • “Spent one semester at Universidad de Buenos Aires; this included two Spanish-only classes in history and literature, and work as an English tutor for UBA Outreach.”
  • “Followed up one semester studying public health issues at the University of Cape Town with extensive travel throughout Botswana.”
  • “Took a series of international relations classes that incorporated a consulting abroad project on renewable energy in Sweden, and then studied the complex regulatory environment for market extensions in China.”
  • “Spent three consecutive summers volunteering with Sankalp Volunteer Society in India, working with girls and women on issues of education, health care and nutrition in rural areas near Jaipur.”

FROM A STUDENT

Professionally, I don’t think I could get a job in Washington working on African issues without having traveled to Africa. It’s given me credibility that I could never get from reading books or taking classes exclusively in the United States.

Robert Hurtekant, who uses a wheelchair, Georgetown University.

Studied abroad in South Africa.

I’m now a teaching assistant at the middle school in the town where I graduated college. I didn’t major in education, but my goal is to get certified to teach after I gain experience in the school system. Traveling has definitely helped me in my career. In every interview I’ve had, it always comes up, and potential employers are always impressed. Suddenly we’re no longer talking about my previous work experience, we’re now talking about how awesome my education experience has been. And if you don’t have the most impressive work experience on your résumé (what recent college grad does?) this can definitely work in your favor.

Kenneth Buff, Northern Oklahoma College. Studied abroad in England, Italy, Ireland, Wales.

I have been accepted into a top-ranked graduate school. I am a first- generation college student who didn’t even score in the lowest bracket of the ACT. My grades in high school were mediocre at best. My study abroad experience helped me in interviews because I was able to share worthwhile stories about overcoming my biggest challenge or how I met new people. I plan to use my experience to demonstrate to a future employer how I can adapt to any situation they put me in, because I’ve done it before.

Mandie Maxwell, Shawnee  State University. Studied abroad in Morocco.

Job Interviews

Prepare to answer questions about your time abroad. But please don’t say, “It was the best time of my life!” or “I got to travel and see so much great stuff!” Employers, hiring managers in particular, do not place much value on what you did as much as what you learned. They will want to know what new skills you developed in order to adapt to the culture. And they will want to know if you can transfer those skills to the work environment. To best prepare, consider the job description. Find out as much as possible about the work environment and projects. Be able to answer questions that relate your skills to the job, referencing examples from your time abroad.

Emphasize Your New Skills

  • Creative problem-solver in unfamiliar situations.
  • Adapts well to culturally diverse teams to add value in a specific way.
  • Practical knowledge of a specific culture and language and ability to apply it.
  • Ability to consider various business situations from different perspectives: cultural, economic, political or regulatory.
  • Excellent listening and diplomacy skills.

Each of these examples should be followed up with a specific, yet brief, example from your own experience.

FROM A STUDENT

I talk about my semester abroad during every one of my interviews. No matter if the job has an international aspect or not, employers are always fascinated to learn about what I have gained from such a culturally rich experience. It is imperative to leverage your experience in job interviews, especially if you spent time learning another language; it shows that you are both committed to a goal and are able to thrive in diverse environments.

Benjamin Pauke r, George Washington University. Studied abroad in France.

Seek Out Opportunities to Work on Global, Virtual Teams

Unfortunately, over time your study abroad experience is destined to become dated. So if it’s been a while since you were abroad, you may need to renew or recharge your experience. A good way to do this is to seek out an introductory-level job or internship that employs global, virtual teams, i.e., ones with members on several continents, speaking multiple languages, covering chaotic time zones. Fortunately, such teams are increasingly commonplace, even among smaller companies. If you do find one, it should enable you to continue to improve your cross-cultural skills and build on what you gained while studying abroad. Understanding and proactively managing cross-cultural differences can be a strong competitive advantage, so be prepared to showcase your ability to work virtually and to communicate your cross-cultural awareness.

QUICK TIP

Use social networking tools to build your online brand. Be professional and authentic!

Leverage Your Language Skills

It wasn’t so terribly long ago that just being conversant in a second language was considered good enough when it came to job qualifications. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore: fluency is definitely preferred, if not actually required. But if you hope to have your language skills, whatever they are, help land you a good job, you certainly can’t afford to let them get rusty. Throughout this book, we’ve provided tips on how to incorporate language learning before, during and after your study abroad adventure. Don’t slack off now that you are back; practice your language skills as often as you can so that they can be used to your best advantage when looking for a job. If you are fluent, here are few practical tips to follow:

Using Language Skills in Your Job Search

  • Be prepared to be interviewed in that language. The employer may not have someone in the office able to assess your language abilities, but many organizations are now bringing in native speakers via Skype. Practice your interview questions in both (or all) languages.
  • Search for positions using language key words. The shortage of dual- language skills is significant in the United States. If you search for jobs using large job-search sites such as SimplyHired, Ladders or Indeed, revise your search to look for those positions that require second language skills. You might be surprised at the number and diversity of openings.
  • Use your network. Though highly prized, second language skills are still uncommon, so make sure that your contacts know about any other special skills you possess. Ask for informational interviews at organizations that might need a combination of your language and technical skills.
  • Consider the U.S. government. If you have a knack for languages or have studied a language that certain government agencies have defined as “critical” (identified in Chapter 4), you might find plenty of interesting opportunities in the Foreign Service, military, CIA or FBI, as well as in the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal agencies.

FROM A FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER

If you can show employers that you have successfully lived and worked or studied in a developing country, it’s much easier to get them to believe you are capable of facing challenges.

Jessica Chesbro, who has a mobility disability and is a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State.

Pursue an International Career

Whether you want to start your own venture or seek a position at an established organization, landing your first international assignment is destined to be a huge step up, and quite possibly the toughest one you’ll make in your entire career path. You’re still unproven and you’ll have to differentiate yourself to a global employer (or financial backers) based on your background, interests and aptitude.

FROM A BUSINESS LEADER

As a business executive, board member, and former ambassador, I say that any pivot to Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, or elsewhere in the Americas needs to be more than about diplomacy and defense. It needs to include cultural, business, and educational exchange. For those lucky enough to have both the opportunity to study abroad and also the commitment to make it work, I say, start packing and go global.

Curtis S. Chin, former U.S. ambassador to the Asian Development Bank and managing director, RiverPeak Group, LLC.

Develop a Strategy and an Action Plan

If you are interested in an international career, you will need to have a strategy and a disciplined plan of action. You won’t get there by hoping and waiting to see what comes along; you have to figure out what it is that you want, and then go out in search of it. Your strategy should mirror the “elevator pitch” you have already devised. It should take into account:

  • The type of job you are seeking.
  • The geographic and/or cultural areas of greatest interest and/or in which you have the most extensive background.
  • The general approach you are taking to finding and applying for jobs.

Your strategic approach will depend largely on your field and your preferred regional/cultural areas, but may include:

  • Joining or attending meetings of professional or trade associations in your field, including trade, business, cultural, scientific, educational or other exchange organizations concerned with your regional or cultural area of interest.
  • Reviewing and regularly reading trade journals, websites, conference reports, and the like to better understand which organizations are hiring and for what types of jobs.
  • Setting up automated searches on websites and job boards that hire in your field and/or region. But remember: the best jobs are frequently never advertised at all, but filled by word of mouth.

Gather Intelligence

You’ve got to do the work to figure out where the jobs are, which organizations are hiring, and which opportunities best fit your personal skill set and experience. At a minimum, you should be able to answer the following:

  • What are the growth areas in your chosen field, both technically and geographically? What about those areas interests you, and how can you link them to your background and skills?
  • Which are the best organizations to work for in your chosen field and region? What makes them stand out? What are they looking for in an employee? What areas are they hiring in?
  • What specific locations do you most want to work in, and why?
  • Who in your network has a connection that might be of help?

Identify Countries, Industries and Sectors

In addition to your own preferred geographic location, be sure to consider industries, natural resources, large-scale infrastructure projects, and especially the rise of strong national companies in China, India, Brazil, Mexico and other emerging markets that are now expanding their manufacturing muscle around the world. Cast your net far and wide across all sectors, including multinational companies, government, the not-for-profit sector, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and academia. Here are a few tips to follow:

  • Be prepared to go where the jobs are. If you’re looking for a glamorous stint in London, Paris or Rome, think again. The growth just isn’t there. Moreover, with the advent of the EU and cross-border workers, there’s even less need to import Americans, though it would certainly help if you had an EU passport. Right now and for the foreseeable future, most international opportunities lie in the key growth markets of China, India, Brazil, Russia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and certain key countries in Africa.
  • Be prepared to work domestically for a few years. Not surprisingly, many organizations will want to test you here at home before they send you abroad. Such a policy can actually be to your benefit by setting you up for more senior postings. In addition, once you are inside an organization, you will have advance notice of emerging prospects and be on the inside track. When you interview, therefore, sound out the situation to determine if there are any realistic global opportunities to be had once you are in the door and have proven yourself. Be open to possibilities, but also be mindful of the fact that there probably aren’t going to be any promises made and that you will have to be content with whatever it is that you will be doing in the meantime, often for a year or more.
  • Focus on growth industries. Keep your eye on stocks, media reports, and industry indicators to figure out where the most sustainable growth is. Engineering, health care/pharmaceuticals, consumer products, energy and finance are hot now, and probably will continue to be for the foreseeable future. But there may be other up-and-coming fields as well. Following a range of credible news outlets will help you separate short-term blips from long-term trends.
  • Pay attention to global expansion. The presence or expansion of multinational companies, nongovernmental organizations, government investing, and not-for-profit organizations are often indicators of markets on the rise. Entrepreneurial activity can also indicate a hot market, especially for self-starters and risk takers. Do some in-depth analysis on GDP growth, microfinance activity, and entrepreneurial expansion.
  • Explore the public and not-for-profit sectors. There is a wealth of opportunity beyond traditional business, including in the U.S. government, nongovernmental organizations, foundations, not-for-profit organizations, and other huge international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

FROM A STUDENT

Studying abroad increased my awareness of the multifaceted issues and sociocultural factors that impact various health outcomes in other countries. My time in South Africa allowed me to explore some of those factors as part of my public health research in pursuit of my doctoral degree and a career as an independent public health researcher. My goal was to work with different populations using culturally appropriate research methods to help them develop solutions to some of their most pressing health issues. Now I am a behavioral scientist working on community-level research both domestically and globally in an effort to improve the human condition.

Darigg C. Brown, Pennsylvania State University. Studied abroad as a Boren Fellow in South Africa.

Go Abroad Again

Many students enjoyed their time abroad so much that as soon as they graduate, they go abroad again, as travelers at the very least. As mentioned in Chapter 3, a “gap year” traditionally refers to the year between graduating from high school and entering college, which may be spent traveling or working abroad.

But increasingly, many college graduates are doing the same before beginning graduate school. In addition to working, interning and volunteering (see Chapter 8 for more information on these last two), here are some other avenues worth considering.

Pursue Global Graduate Studies

Graduate students now have a wide range of programs that allow them to be overseas for a semester, a summer or a year, including actually completing part of their graduate degree at a foreign university. Business schools in particular are leading the way in offering global degree programs that actually require participants to spend a semester or more abroad. But they are not alone. Many universities now offer globally relevant degrees in transnational fields such as environmental studies, world trade and epidemiology. And there is always the option of enrolling at an international university and earning your degree abroad-more and more universities around the world now offer graduate programs fully taught in English. As noted in Chapter 4, there are plenty of scholarships and research fellowships out there for would-be graduate students. Check out IIE’s www.studyabroadfunding.org for more information on the wealth of study abroad funding opportunities available for a wide array of academic specialties and geographical locations.

FROM A STUDENT

Before studying abroad, I was pursuing studies in biochemistry at my university. While in Cape Town, I held concurrent volunteer positions at a hospital and a local human rights organization, thereby enabling me to experience the operation of the South African health system … Upon my return to the U.S., I added a major in global health and am now in graduate school studying international health systems for work in health policy, economics and financing in low- and middle-income countries.

Isabelle Feldhaus, University of Southern California. Studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar in South Africa.

While I used the Boren Fellowship to travel to Morocco and learn Arabic, I think that at its core, the fellowship allowed me to have a greater appreciation and understanding for a culture different from my own. And yet, somehow, maybe it was not so different after all. I think that the experience showed me that I can take risks and adjust to life and be successful in a completely different environment … having a very deep understanding of a language and having experienced another culture gives me the confidence to know that I can pursue research and seek out knowledge of other areas of the world, too.

Eric Fische r, University of San Francisco. Studied abroad as a Boren Fellow in Morocco.

Join the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a volunteer service program run by the U.S. government. The stated mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace and friendship, and this includes three goals: providing technical assistance; helping people outside the United States to understand American culture; and helping Americans to understand the cultures of other countries. The work is generally related to acute social and economic needs in developing countries. Peace Corps Volunteers are American citizens, typically with a college degree, who commit to work abroad for a period of 24 months after completing three months of training. Volunteers may work with governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and entrepreneurs in education, business, information technology, agriculture, and the environment. When their commitment is finished, volunteers can request an extension of service. For more information see www.peacecorps.gov.

Teach English Abroad

Teaching English abroad offers the opportunity to earn money while getting to know a culture, including its language, extremely well. (In many countries, you won’t even need a work permit; but you might need a certificate, so check into it.) Teaching English, however, is not just a matter of having someone write or speak to you and then correcting all their mistakes. You must know the underlying grammatical rules and be able to explain them cogently as they compare to the local language. Anyone with a bachelor’s degree is typically accepted for many English teaching positions, but potential teachers should still get certified in TEFL or CELTA. Providers of these certificates usually offer a basic one-month course that teaches you the basics of teaching English abroad, as well as helps place you in a suitable classroom. Placement will probably be an important factor when deciding which course is best for you, so be sure to do your due diligence before signing on. And if you do choose to teach English abroad as a step along your ultimate career path, be sure to set yourself a specific timeframe. If not, you might continue for years without advancing your career.

FROM A STUDENT

I spent 10 months teaching 19 classes of conversational English in a high school in Bratislava, Slovakia. I would say this was overall a positive, life-changing experience. I met so many lifelong friends and contacts.

Anna Lippard, Coker College. Studied abroad in Italy, Czech Republic.

Awarded a Fulbright to Slovakia.

Pursue with Passion!

“Authenticity”continues to be a big buzzword in organizations. Demonstrating global passion-not only in having had the experience, but also the conviction that it is and will continue to be important-cannot be faked. To further your career, you will need to talk about global awareness in a meaningful way, telling your own story and making connections. Many study abroad alumni have transitioned from their initial overseas experience into successful and rewarding careers. We encourage you to use your experience abroad to do the same.

In the following section we offer eight inspiring stories of students who have taken their study abroad experiences and leveraged them to great heights.

Read on!

If you have a compelling story to share of how you’ve leveraged your study abroad, send it to us! Contact IIE online at www.iie.org/studentguide.

Natasha F.C. Diamond | Consulting for Global Resources

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study for a semester in Chile during my sophomore year of college, for a year in Spain during my junior year of college, and for a semester in Mexico during my second year of business school. I always loved the feeling of being in entirely new surroundings and having to figure things out on my own and in a language that I did not grow up speaking. These experiences were huge for my personal growth and development, but also important from a professional perspective.

I currently work in human resources, not necessarily the first career you would imagine for someone who has traveled to 25 countries and speaks three languages. However, the ability to communicate cross-culturally and work to understand people from different backgrounds is a vital skill in today’s global economy. In my current function within an HR consulting firm, I frequently work with colleagues and clients from all over the world. Even when working with my immediate internal team of individuals who are all American, I find that where we grew up geographically, and what our cultural background is, has a great bearing on our beliefs and the ways that we interact with one another. The ability to be patient and to find different ways of communicating the same message to different people can and should be honed while living and studying in a foreign country. I use this skill every single day. I do not think it is possible to succeed in this extremely complex international business environment if one has an insular perspective.

It is difficult to isolate one particular way in which studying abroad has changed my career and helped me to develop professionally. I believe that my experiences created an “eyes open” effect that has never left me. No matter whether I stay in human resources or end up on a different career path, I will always have a broader understanding of the world and a real respect and appreciation for people of different nationalities and traditions. I think that whatever one’s career path, the opportunity to study abroad should absolutely be taken and cherished.

Maya deVries | Making Research Connections

It’s no secret that the world’s coral reefs are declining at alarming rates. I witnessed this fact firsthand during my journey as a Fulbright U.S. Student in Panama. After graduating from University of California, Davis, I enrolled in an integrative biology doctoral program at the University of California, Berkeley.

My Fulbright Fellowship enabled me to conduct my doctoral research on the food web ecology of coral reefs at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama. I conducted my research at Galeta Marine Laboratory, which is situated on Panama’s Atlantic Coast near the Panama Canal. Disturbances to coral reefs, such as overfishing, waste disposal and oil release from ship traffic, have negatively affected many coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy, productive oceans.

Unfortunately, debris that destroys coral reefs also washes onto Galeta’s beaches. After three months of spending every day in the water, I could no longer bear the sight of plastic, old shoes and tires on Galeta’s otherwise beautiful shores. In response, I created a beach cleanup program that organizes a cleanup every two months with local students and scientists. A highlight for me was when 350 local students, along with the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, volunteered at a beach cleanup that I organized with the U.S. embassy. This program inspired me and Galeta Marine Laboratory staff to start recycling programs in Colón schools. Galeta Marine Laboratory now gives talks to local schools about recycling, provides them with recycling bins, and connects them to local recycling companies.

My most rewarding experience was working with Cambio Creativo (Creative Change), a nonprofit organization started by former Fulbright Students that works with youth in the underserved community of Coco Solo, Colón. I taught students about biology and paleontology in their own “backyard.” These students are now regular participants in Galeta’s beach cleanup program. Working on these outreach projects dramatically changed how I view my role as a scientist by forcing me to find concrete connections between the public and my academic research.

These experiences in Panama were essential for my development as a scientist, because I learned that communicating my scientific research to a wide variety of people plays an important role in instilling environmental awareness in the community. This insight helped me to lay the foundation for a long-term science outreach program aimed at building connections between K–12 students and scientific research in Panama and the United States. I will develop the program through my NSF Ocean Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, and plan to continue to be involved with it throughout my career.

Daniel Erchick | Furthering Access to Lifesaving Vaccines

If you’ve heard of Sierra Leone, it’s likely been in the context of blood diamonds or the violent, decade-long civil war. I was drawn to the country by a chance to work at a clinic for amputees-to help improve access to prosthetic technologies-made especially meaningful because I was born with one arm. My summer volunteer trip, which was supposed to last only a few months, quickly turned into two years, as I fell in love with the beautiful, now- peaceful country on the coast of West Africa.

I spent my time volunteering in the prosthetic clinic, supporting several of the disability advocacy groups, and later freelancing in writing and communications. I also began a writing project, one that continues to captivate me today: a nonfiction book about the lives of different disabled individuals, which I still hope to publish. The people featured in my book were the most remarkable aspect of my work in Sierra Leone. At the prosthetic clinic, amputees were being trained as technicians and engineers, giving care and comfort to others with disabilities. In a town without electricity, hundreds of deaf children-often viewed as incapable of learning-attended school. Thousands of polio victims had chosen different paths, some begging on the streets, others struggling to build small businesses, a courageous few fighting for disability rights.

In Sierra Leone, I learned what I set out to-a new language, the ins and outs of another culture, and much about how to work in the fields of disability and public health. Unexpectedly, I also came to view my own disability as a source of pride, not an obstacle to be overcome-a subtle but crucial distinction.

It was time to leave Sierra Leone when I could no longer ignore questions that I faced at work. For instance-what were the biggest causes of orthopedic injuries in the area served by the prosthetic clinic? These were questions of public health, and they led me to a master’s degree program, and eventually a job, at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. At Johns Hopkins, I narrowed my focus to infectious diseases, which are responsible for disabling millions of people a year. Fortunately, simple interventions, like vaccines and antibiotics, exist to prevent and treat these infections. The tricky part is: how do we deliver these interventions to every corner of the globe? This is my passion.

In pursuit of this passion, I began working part time as a graduate student, and was eventually hired full time  as   a research associate, at Hopkins’ International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), whose mission is to accelerate global access to lifesaving vaccines through development and implementation of evidence-based policies.

Brian Hardin | Developing Solar Power

Winning the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in 2002–03 has been instrumental in developing my academic career and has truly changed my life. The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, offers the opportunity for financially disadvantaged students to study abroad at world- class research institutions. I still vividly remember feeling the burden of trying to pay to study abroad. The Gilman Scholarship was my first major scholarship that gave me the opportunity to cultivate my research interests abroad and follow my dream of making solar power affordable.

The scholarship allowed me to study at St Edmund Hall at the University of Oxford. In England, I developed a computer model to design new types of nontracking solar  concentrators  using genetic  algorithms.  I also  began researching dye-sensitized solar cells, a revolutionary type of solar cell that was invented by Michael Grätzel in Switzerland in 1991. My research experience at Oxford was the main reason why I decided to study abroad in Switzerland and pursue graduate school at Stanford University.

After studying abroad, I returned to the University of Texas at Austin to complete my BS in electrical engineering and continued working on dye- sensitized solar cells. After graduation, I received a Fulbright grant for the 2004–05 academic year to study dye-sensitized solar cells with Michael Grätzel at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. I spent a year working with experts in the field and developed new nanostructures to be used inside the solar cells. I started my Ph.D. in the Material Science Department at Stanford University in 2005. I spent the last couple of years developing new kinds of dye-sensitized solar cell architectures that mimic photosynthesis and have the potential to increase performance. After graduation, I cofounded PLANT PV, a solar power start-up company based out of Berkeley, California. To date, PLANT PV has raised over $1.5 million in government funding and $750,000 in private financing to research and develop new types of solar cells.

Garrett Langdon | Pursuing Global Energy

I had never taken advantage of study abroad programs during my undergraduate studies and was excited to have another opportunity in graduate school. In the fall of my first year, I heard about a short-term program traveling to Cairo in the midst of political unrest and transition. I was intrigued, and wanted to learn how businesses could operate in the midst of such turmoil and uncertainty. I learned a great deal from my clients, as well as the Egyptian students we worked with on location. This gave me a great insight into not just working with other cultures, but working in other cultures to which I had never been exposed.

My second study abroad experience took me to Sweden, where I spent two weeks consulting with a firm looking to break into the U.S. renewable energy market. My career pre-MBA was focused on the domestic energy industry, and provided me with no international experience. Learning the intricacies of the European energy industry gave me a great deal of perspective and has been extremely valuable as I am interviewing for full-time jobs within the global energy sector. The experience and personal connections I gained have not only helped my résumé stand out, but have allowed me to differentiate myself from other candidates during interviews.

These two experiences led me to enroll in a four-month exchange with a university in Singapore. While the two prior study abroad programs helped sharpen my knowledge and skills, the extended program allowed me to prove that I could assimilate, live and work in a completely different environment halfway around the world. As I continue to pursue job opportunities internationally, this experience has proven to potential employers that I can be an asset to their organization regardless of geographical location, and has opened up a number of new opportunities. In addition, these programs have provided me with a global network of friends and professional connections, as well as incredible memories.

Malikaa Nixon | Connecting With Asia

In the fall of 2009 I embarked on my very first long-term experience abroad. I decided to study abroad in Shanghai, China, for a semester as an undergraduate. The year prior to my study abroad experience I had taken a course on China, and I was fascinated by its history, language, culture and politics. During my study abroad experience I gained a better understanding of China as part of the global marketplace, grasped the language, and had an extensive look into China’s history and its importance in today’s growing interdependent economies.

Immediately following graduation I joined the Peace Corps because I wanted to travel, learn another language, and increase my knowledge of Asia and development in the region. I taught English to more than 500 students and led high-impact community development projects. I also worked at Bloomberg TV Mongolia as a planning editor. I believe that my Peace Corps experience in Mongolia is very distinctive and has given me unique insights into the development community, the mining sector, government policy, and how the three are intertwined.

The Peace Corps is “the toughest job you’ll ever love.” It has challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally. There have been times that I am the only American around for miles and the only one that knows how much I miss my family and friends. There are periods of loneliness followed by blissful connections followed by boredom and back again. I am seeing firsthand how slowly the rest of the world can move and learning to accept the new pace, culture, and physical environment. I have learned to enjoy it, savoring the good and the bad. I know that I will return to the United States with amazing stories and insights that would not have come to me by the way of a good job and two- bedroom apartment.

The experiences that I have had abroad have honed my skills. I have become an effective communicator, developed the courage to express different opinions and beliefs, and gained the ability to adapt and act properly in diverse and ever-changing settings. Beginning in the fall of 2013, I will enroll as a full-time master’s student in the Program in Global Affairs at Yale University with a concentration in democracy and development in Asia. I hope to use my experience in Asia to handle current and future affairs with China, as well as other countries in the region. I want to give a voice to underrepresented communities and individuals, specifically in China and Mongolia.

Violeta A. Rosales | Engaging in the Foreign Policy Conversation

My love of exploring the world through academics, language and music led me to cultivate a diverse set of friends, who initially exposed me to many cultures beyond my own and have developed into work colleagues and mentors. As an undergraduate student and Ronald E. McNair Scholar at DePaul University in Chicago, my intellectual curiosity about Latin America and the Middle East increased and led me to take undergraduate courses within several disciplines on both regions. After studying Spanish for more than five years, I was looking for a challenge outside of my “comfort zone.” Thus, I decided to study Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) at my university before having a study abroad immersion experience.

I was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, in addition to the Critical Language Award, given by the U.S. Department of State to study at The American University in Cairo for the 2009 spring semester. I took courses on Islamic Art, political Islam, MSA, and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA). I also had the opportunity to travel to Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Jordan. While abroad, I was awarded a 10-week summer research grant at Princeton University. After my first time in Egypt, I realized my short-term study left me with a desire to continue learning more about Egyptians’ daily life, religion and traditions. Upon college graduation in 2010, I was awarded a Fulbright grant to study Arabic media and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic in Egypt, and was asked by DePaul University to write an article on my observations during Egypt’s 2011 January 25 Revolution. The Gilman and Fulbright scholarships allowed me to develop my academic interests, explore Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and interact with Egyptians from all socioeconomic backgrounds, leading me to work in the field of research, writing and editing.

My passion towards learning more about Egyptians’ perspective on the country’s current sociopolitical climate and the use of art and music in politics keeps me returning back to Egypt, as each time has been an “add-on” to widening my personal and professional paths. I have collaborated with Fulbright alumni to develop an online Central American citizen journalism platform, cohosted online talk shows focusing on Guatemalan issues, worked with Arab social businesses and social entrepreneurs on developing innovative social initiatives in the Arab region, and I am currently an editor at an English-language Egyptian news website. I also have been admitted to graduate school in global affairs at The American University in Cairo. My ultimate goal is to offer my life experiences and creativity to online readers and be a part of a larger conversation concerning U.S. foreign policy to the Arab region. My advice: THINK BIG and meet as many people as you can- network. Hard work pays off, so make a plan and stay focused. Build relationships, especially with your mentors and educators.

Ivan Gonzales | Advancing Public Policy

My undergraduate study at Seton Hall University provided me with a thorough foundation of all facets of the functional aspects of international relations; however, I knew that my education in international affairs would be incomplete if I did not gain firsthand international experience. I made plans to travel to Tokyo, Japan, as part of a summer exchange program to study the convergence of international politics and international economics and its effects on developing Asian economies. The experience proved to be a turning point in my life.

Every aspect of the study abroad process seemed to me to be a new and exciting step forward in my personal growth. I arrived in Japan anticipating a very personal and solitary journey, however, each new contact I made- whether it be with non-American international students or Japanese locals- helped me develop a greater sense of confidence in my ability to communicate across cultures. Furthermore, the professors and professionals I came to contact with in Japan displayed perspectives that involved nuances of the Japanese culture into their analysis of international issues. Through the study abroad program, not only was I able to interface with experts of international caliber, I was also provided access to institutions such as the Tokyo Stock Exchange and Tokyo’s Metropolitan Government Building through site visits. I was truly able to experience the Japanese culture at multiple levels. These experiences contributed to the development of a personalized approach in understanding world events, and enhanced my application of theoretical concepts to contentious issues.

I returned to my university with the aspiration of incorporating perspectives from different regions and learning various languages. Many doors that contributed to my professional development opened shortly after. For example, I was awarded a fellowship with the Institute of International Public Policy, a program that attempts to address the growing need for diversity in careers in international affairs by training minority students. After traveling to Japan again, I journeyed to Paris, France, for a semester study abroad to gain proficiency in French at the Sorbonne and further understand international affairs from a European perspective. Having had no experience in French prior to that program, the immersive language experience accelerated my understanding of French and led to a specialization in modern languages. I also engaged in an independent study in the Philippines to observe local and national political dynamics as the country geared up for presidential elections. I learned through my experiences that sound analysis requires applying more than one perspective and that apt evaluation of an issue’s impact or significance relies on the ability to see how various elements coalesce.

I knew that by combining my academic coursework with international experiences and immersive language study abroad, I would be better equipped to address future professional challenges in international affairs and public policy. Through my experiences, I was able to develop solid international career credentials and unique qualifications that bring about opportunities to engage in evaluating issues at a high level. I am constantly reflecting upon my experiences and utilizing the analytical skills I honed abroad in my current role as director of the Public Policy and Foreign Relations Program for the nonprofit Pilipino American Unity for Progress. In the organization’s aim to educate the public about issues affecting the international Filipino community, I engage in research and cross-national data collection that underpins our issues and policy evaluation efforts. I can think of no better method to enhance one’s professional credentials while building one’s aptitude for cross-cultural communication than immersing oneself in a foreign culture through a study abroad.

TOP TIPS

Top 10 Tips for Leveraging Your International Experience

  1. Build upon your international experience, on campus and off.
  2. Network.
  3. Identify lessons learned and skills developed.
  4. Define your personal growth in terms of your next step.
  5. Incorporate your experience into your job-search materials.
  6. Seek out opportunities to work on global, virtual teams.
  7. Leverage your language skills.
  8. Pursue an international career.
  9. Go abroad again.
  10. Be passionate!logo, A Student Guide
 

Related Articles

Phản hồi

Email của bạn sẽ không được hiển thị công khai. Các trường bắt buộc được đánh dấu *