The World Is Your Oyster: Learning While Studying Abroad

By Brittany Loeffler on September 15, 2017

College students have an amazing opportunity to spend long periods of time in another country with study abroad programs. They are structured to help you adjust to moving to a foreign country and to ease you into the culture, while you still earn credit towards your degree.

The last thing you want to do is sit in a classroom when there is a whole new world out there for you to explore. That’s why it’s important that you learn about many things that can’t be taught in a classroom while you are studying abroad.

via Pixabay

Language

Immerse yourself in the language of the country you are residing in. It’s proven to be the best method to learning a new language. Many study abroad programs require students to take language classes, so why not put what you learn to use? No matter what your language level, practice ordering food at restaurants or having short conversations with native speakers.

If you are serious about learning the language, find a native speaker who can tutor you. You may even find one who is trying to learn English better so you can help them out as well.

via Pixabay

History

The world is old, but you already knew that. Depending on where you are studying abroad, there may be thousands of years of history for you to learn during your lengthened stay. Visit historical sites throughout the city or country and go on tours to learn more about how the country you live in came to be what it is today.

You can read about history in a textbook, but when you walk on the same ground the people you are learning about did, it will change the way you look at it.

via Pixabay

Museums

Historical sites aren’t the only places to learn about history. Visit some archeological or history museums and admire old pottery or documents that were important for the country’s history. Make sure to also visit art museums for lessons in art history. Sometimes art can tell you more about the culture and history of a country than walking through old ruins.

Ask for a guided tour of the museums so you can ask questions and gain important knowledge about the country you currently call home.

via Pixabay

Culinary

Eat! Go out and eat at famous restaurants and local favorites. Food can really tell you a lot about a country and it’s probably delicious. Walk through open markets and admire the fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, or meats being sold to local residents. Many cultures revolve around food and cooking, so take a cooking class to make a popular dish in the culture. You will learn not only how to cook something new but also some new techniques and how locals live and eat.

via Pixabay

Travel

Like most students studying abroad, you most likely will want to travel outside of the city you are staying in. Having a good sense of travel and direction is an important concept to grasp and will come in handy throughout life. Learning how to read maps, ask for directions, follow directions, and get a sense of public transportation will benefit you in life wherever you go. It can be confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy! This also teaches you about planning and making the necessary arrangements when you travel.

via Pixabay

Culture

Immerse yourself in the culture while studying abroad. If there are festivals and celebrations that are important to the country’s culture, attend them! Partake in rituals and customs of your new home. Just like a history book, you can read about something and think you know what it’s talking about, but you don’t fully grasp the meaning until you experience it for yourself. Learn a popular dance or the words to a popular song and feel like you belong with the crowd.

via Pixabay

Personal Growth

When students are studying abroad, they come back feeling like a different person. Embracing a different culture and becoming familiar with another part of the world can change something inside of you. You may find yourself caring about certain issues that you didn’t seem to notice before. You may gain new interest in something you never thought to try before.

All of these memories and experiences help you learn about yourself and grow as a person. In fact, it may even inspire you to travel more and maybe live in a foreign country again.

Reflect

When going about our daily routines, we may forget that the world is as big as it is and that there are billions of people going about their lives. Make sure you take time to reflect on the experiences you have and what you see in another part of the world.

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