It is estimated that by 2024, nearly 1 million Canadians will travel abroad for some form of education. That’s an average of approximately 11% of students experiencing the incredible world that awaits them outside of home.
While the opportunity to travel and learn is a fantastic one, there are a few do’s and don’ts to remember so that you can get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Yes, you are there to learn, but also to become immersed in a new culture and way of life, which could teach you more skills than any lesson plan in a classroom could.
1. DO Make Sure The Course Is Right For You
It’s easy to think that any opportunity to learn away from home is beneficial, and while the chance to explore the wider world is never one to be missed, make sure that you select a course that will actually benefit your career and further education choices.
Choosing a course to study Ancient Greece won’t help you to further your dream of becoming a doctor, but it would help someone interested in archaeology. Make sure the course material is right for you and that you will get the marks and credits you need. Keep in mind prerequisite courses while making your decision as well.
2. DON’T Expect The Same As Everyone Else
You have your reasons for choosing this particular course and opportunity, but not everyone will get the same out of it as you will. Expecting to have the same experience as other classmates or even people who took the course before you, will limit your experience and can remove some of the value of the course.
If you read about people having a horrible time or not liking the food, this can sway you from forming your own opinions and becoming biased during the program, if you even still decide to go.
3. DO Plan And Budget Ahead Of Time
With school fees and spending money while away, there is a lot to budget for, so it’s best to start this as early as possible. Talk to the school to see what they recommend you have with you as essentials, and make a plan to ensure things like travel insurance are dealt with in enough time prior to departure.
The last thing you want is to find out your passport expired the day before you go.
4. DON’T Wait For Things To Come To You
If there are things you need before you travel, don’t wait for them to magically come to you. You may need to follow up with a phone call or email to make sure you have everything you need. Leaving things to the last minute usually spells disaster.
The more you can be prepared for your time away, the better!
5. DO Create The Best School-Life Balance Possible
There will be lots of studying and classroom time while you are away, but if you don’t take the time to enjoy the country you are in, the experience is wasted.
Take the time to enjoy your downtime, explore the local area, take part in local events, and get to know the people around you. This is when you can learn much more than what you do in the classroom, and you can gain the most incredible experiences.
6. DON’T Treat It Like A Vacation
It’s not a holiday. You are still required to take part in lessons and group activities, and even study in the evenings and on weekends. This is not a reason to take as many photos as possible for your social media and thousands of followers.
Have a balance of learning and playtime to make the most of this experience.
7. DO Indulge Yourself
There is nothing wrong with trying new foods and experiences. That’s part of the benefit of the program: you can indulge yourself to a point. New culinary adventures await in the small cafes and restaurants. Street performers display stories and cultural references you won’t see anywhere else.
These indulgences will give you stories to tell for weeks when you get home.
8. DON’T Follow The Crowd
While there is safety in numbers, especially in a new country, don’t limit yourself to full-group activities. You have the option to take the road less travelled and explore with a small group of fellow students.
By stepping away from the crowd you can explore and discover things on a more intimate level and at your own pace.
9. DO Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
New things are always scary and yet exhilarating at the same time. By having the confidence to step out of your comfort zone you can see and explore so much more of the areas around you.
Maybe you wanted to try the local street food, but the group moved on too quickly, you can go back and take in the sights and smells later and take that bite. You may even like it.
10. DON’T Fear The Unknown
Going on a trip like this with preconceptions of what others have experienced before can lead you to becoming fearful and putting up barriers. This means you could miss out on all the amazing things the country has to offer and prevent you from learning more.
11. DO Explore On Foot Or By Bike
By taking a walk or even renting a bike, you can begin to explore what surrounds you and helps you to get to know where you are. This is a great way to get your bearings and also overcome homesickness.
Learning where you are early on helps you to settle and enjoy the program.
12. DON’T Forget To Buy Some Souvenirs
Souvenirs are more than trinkets; they’re tangible memories of your journey, capturing moments and cultures. Choose items that reflect your experiences and support local communities, allowing you to share and relive your adventures with others.
We Can Show You The World
There are a lot of people who go to other countries and become so stressed with money, exploration, and the culture that they forget to have fun.
By planning ahead, and being open to the experience, you can gain so much and have the most amazing time of your life.
Global Summers Academy offers an amazing array of programs in some of the world’s most amazing countries. Call 1.844.357.2621 or go online and see where we can take you!
