7 tips to help you while living abroad

Keep an open mind. Only through experience will you understand another culture. You must keep an open mind, leaving prejudices behind, in order to observe the cultural knowledge people are using to organize their behaviour. With a positive attitude, pay attention to the worldviews of the new culture and be aware of what is taking place around you.

Learn about the culture and language beforehand

Prepare for your trip by reading books about the culture, travel guidebooks, and popular websites or newspapers relevant to the region you are traveling to. If there will be a language barrier, take language classes or seek out a tutor to make your transition period easier.

Make new friends

Befriend at least one person native to the country you are living in. Join a group, club, or a sports league to build a network, and go out of your way to find people you will get along with. Study abroad students can easily make friends at school.

Get involved in local activities

Immerse yourself in the cultural experience by taking classes that are related to the local culture, which will teach you things you would have never understood on your own.

Don’t let language barriers discourage you

Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t pick up another language immediately. In fact, if you’re visiting a country for the first time, you should expect cultural shock. Learn the language as best you can before you travel, and pay attention to body language and manners to help you fit in easily.

Consider getting a job or internship

Study abroad students should seek out internships and jobs that are available specifically for international students through their school’s international student centre.

Explore your surroundings

Don’t hide in your room or only hang out with other natives. Get out of your comfort zone and explore popular cultural sites and activities in the country you are visiting or living in. Also, take long walks around your new neighbourhood to become familiar with the local coffee shops, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, banks, and the post office.