Here we are the beginning of December and oh how the time has seemed to flown by. I have been in the Netherlands for almost 100 days or a little over three months. I thought I would take some time to share a few things that aren’t in the information packets about studying abroad. Enjoy these helpful tips and things to think about before embarking on your next big journey. 1. Pack the things you need One of the best things you can do is pack the products you know you NEED. Going to a western European country I knew there were many product I could find in the local store. However, I thought about the products I didn’t want to settle on. Things like a good razor, tampons, make-up, my favorite chapstick, and my trusty Tervis cup. It's good to know what is important to you and products you don’t want to compromise on. You want to be mindful of the weight of these products and how much space they may take up in your luggage. There is only so much space, make it count. 2. Can you live without amenities? Upon arriving to my flat I noticed there were just a few differences between the set up and what I was used to back home. The size of the kitchen sink, the style of stove top, and the small washer that was missing its better half - a dryer. The lack of a living room and how small the TV was, not to mention the six mini fridges lining the wall right as you enter the door. Every living situation can pose its own challenges. I highly recommend doing research about typical living arrangements in the country you want to go to before booking. Look at the rooms and consider your personal deal breakers. For me, it was imperative to have personal space through a private room. Living in Utrecht was my first experience with housemates, which had many challenges check out my upcoming Being the American of the House post for more information. 3. Get ready for the Political Climate As a citizen of any country it would behoove you to brush up on current political news before leaving for a study abroad experience and to continue the trend to be informed. Traveling to a new country can spark many conversations that will juxtapose the current country with your homeland. I remember during the first weeks of classes the typical, “What’s your opinion on Donald Trump?” came up in almost every course. As a newly realized young-professional with conservative views it automatically put me in a very uncomfortable situation. Instead of focusing on my personal opinion I decided to speak on the strategy that was used during the election and connected that to my field of study. Students from other countries want to engage about your home country and many professors bring up the United States as a main example for any political discussions in class. Be informed, be ready. 4. Did anyone ever mention, you can’t be two places at once? The thing that hit the hardest during the course of about 100 days was realizing I physically can’t be two places at once. I know it seems silly, this almost comical ideal caused some of the most personal growth. How? Having the surreal experience of being 4,000 miles away for Thanksgiving and mourning the loss of my fiance’s family member, lead me to realize the limitations of being separated by large geographic distances. Before heading on a new adventure make time for important relationships in your life, which may include friends, family, colleagues, or a beloved pet. Invest in the people who you care about and make it a point to continue communication with them. Many relationships may change once you are not able to see or talk to them on a daily basis. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those who may not have started the conversation. Networking with your friends and loved ones with help you battle getting home sick and letting them know just because you aren't there, you still care. 5. A different country is just different One thing that almost all exchange students can agree on is that we leave our home country to experience something different, new, and exciting. Amongst all the wonderful things a foreign country has to offer, you will notice that sometimes it’s just completely different from the way you grew up. Be ready to embrace life in a whole new way without forgetting where you are from. I have had many conversations with international students from around the world about how our day-to-day lives differ. A few of my flatmates have received packages from family members or friends back home, it’s great to see how excited people get over the smallest things that arrive in just one box that remind them of home. My point? Everyone is in the same boat, we are away from what we're used to. Take this time to learn even more about different cultures and to teach others about where you are from. Together you will make it through. “It’s not a trip or a vacation it’s a second life.” There are many things to consider before going abroad. If you are interested in experiencing life in a whole new way go for it! Remember to research everything, talk to people who are visiting students or who have experienced going abroad. Find the international or exchange office on your campus for resources. Put yourself out there to make memories that will change who you are and just explore the possibilities of something new.
Until next time, Katie Marie
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Katie MariePublic Relations | Passionate | Adventure Taker Listings
December 2017
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