Entering a new country, what can seem like a new world, can be uneasy regarding how to act and speak around the native people. Different nations possess different etiquette and ideas of how to do things and that can cause a newcomer to feel overwhelmed. This is no justification to act offensive to nor withdrawn from the culture, but an advantageous opportunity to practice mindfulness.

It's a matter of being conscientious. Many of the ideas of respecting your host destination’s culture seem like common sense, but it takes more than just being aware. You must make an effort to adjust to the culture as they see fit, as some who study abroad forget about their manners. 

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THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK

• While it is obvious that study abroad students will take advantage of every picturesque moment, it’s important to really implement your mindfulness in an instance like this. Before pressing that capture button, ensure the focus of the picture is not a sacred place of worship or implication of something distressing that happened. Don’t be the person who disobeys rules. Your journey to a nation is unique, something that not everyone will get the chance to do. So, respect your destination and its cultural artifacts, monuments, and locations.

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LEARN THE CULTURAL CODE OF CONDUCT

• Acquiring certain helpful information, and thus applying it with consideration, can help you dodge a blunder in etiquette. Not educating yourself on basic lifestyle standards can really get you into a bind, so ascertain where culture’s etiquette boundaries lay regarding appearance, action, eating, and interaction. 

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BE PRESENT & VOCAL

• Be present and take in the rich cultures, foods, and sights that surround you during your time abroad. Vocalize to your study abroad peers about what experiences you want to have on this trip, so no bucket list task is unmet!

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JOURNAL

• Turn to a pen and paper to express all your feelings about each day. This is a great way to vent and get out your emotions, but it is also a great way to remember the good days and the little gems that happen along the way. SKETCH EVERYTHING!

EXPAND YOUR CIRCLE

• After a group activity, don’t just run straight for another study abroad student, but rather engage with locals. You never know, you could make a friend for life. Having local friends opens doors for you to better understand your adoptive country’s culture and customs. This could also lead to amazing opportunities to attend local events..

DON'T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES

• There is no way around making mistakes. Ask for help and advice from locals and peers on what you did wrong and how to improve for next time.

NO FOMO
This is your experience, no one else’s. Don’t let anyone on your abroad program discourage you from experiencing new things. If you want to go to a museum but can’t find anyone to go with you, go alone! This is your experience abroad, don’t let anyone ruin it for you.

Even amid your abroad experience, when the day is over and you finished sightseeing, learning new languages, and making friends, it’s possible to become a little homesick. This is natural and below are simple ways you can make yourself feel more at home by customizing your room across the globe.

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A MAP ON THE WALL

• If you find yourself feeling alone, and missing home, take some time to think about all the amazing things you’re experiencing. Try getting a Map on the wall, mark home as well as all the cool places you’ve visited with push pins while abroad! Sometimes visualizing your accomplishments can uplift, and motivate.

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A COLLAGE

• One of the easiest ways to bring all your favorite memories from home is to make a collage with all your favorite pictures of friends and family. It’ll help you feel more at home. 

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SNUGGLE

• Bring your softest item to cuddle up with, maybe it’s a blanket that makes you feel comfortable. When you’re feeling lonely, cuddle up for a nap between site seeing and having lunch with your friends. Most importantly remember that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So enjoy this time abroad! Make friends and make the best of your experience. Talk about how your feeling with a friend abroad with you, chances are you’re not the only one feeling this way. Also, don’t forget to share your experience with your friends and family by giving them a call every so often. They want to know about all the exciting things you’re seeing!

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More to come!

Beforehand, one helpful tool is to practice the native language; learn simple greetings and exchanges. Do continuous research while on the trip, immerse yourself in the local flare of the culture, and have an open mind – this means not to frolic in the touristy effects.

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Focus on the positives & don’t revel in what you think are missing. Constantly remind yourself of the wonders you are lucky to be remotely close to discovering. Upon discovering these wonders, it will also do you good to recognize and understand your academic intentions. Converse with your peers or instructors concerning these expectations. 

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Challenging yourself is an active way of reducing an obstacle. Don’t be afraid to do some activities that make you a little nervous. Definitely don’t overwhelm yourself, but again, attempt small conversation with a local or taste new foods. 

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PLAN ACCORDINGLY

• Before packing, departing, change up the time you go to sleep and wake up! Do your research on the time zone you will be traveling to and convert your sleeping schedule accordingly. Accommodating this should alleviate the intensity of the jet lag. It takes about a full 24 hours to recoup upon arrival at your international destination, so keep that in mind if you do become jet-lagged.

SOAK UP SUNLIGHT

• Savoring sunlight every day is necessary even if you are not vulnerable to the potential of jet lag. Absorbing that vitamin D radiating from the sun is essential, especially once you have reached your altered-time-zoned destination. 

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FRENCH MUSIC YOU SHOULD KNOW

• This Playlist contains some of the most famous songs that define French culture.