How to Pack for a Study Abroad Semester (with example packing list)

If you’ve recently been accepted into a study abroad program, congratulations! You conquered the mountain of paperwork and overcame a tidal wave of stress. Only a few short months separate you from your exciting excursion overseas.

Now that you’ve dealt with the nitty-gritty of your travel arrangements, you only have a few things to worry about, like what am I going to pack?

It’s very important to give ample forethought to the subject of packing. You can save yourself from future stress and panic by packing appropriately. In this post, I’ll give you some handy tips to get you started, and I’ll also provide a basic packing list that’ll suit any travelling student.

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever on the road.” -Jack Kerouac

Know thy destination.

First and foremost, where are you going? The location of your host institution should dictate what you need to pack. Research your destination and pack according to these considerations.

• Climate: Dress for the weather. Bring clothing you’ll be comfortable wearing in your host country. Shorts/T-shirts for hot countries, winter jackets/thermals for cold countries. Bring clothes that an easily be layered.
• Social Norms: Some cultures have strong norms on how to dress for certain social events. Make sure that you’re respectful of the culture, and bring clothing that will help you blend in.
• Product Availability: Chances are, you can buy a lot of the products you need once you arrive in your host country. Research what’s available in your host country so you can save space in your suitcase. NOTE: Check the electrical standards of your host country (either 110 or 220 volts). You may need to bring an adapter for your electrical appliances.

Know thyself. 

After packing what’s appropriate for your country’s conditions, think about your own personal living needs. Some important things that you may need to pack are medications, glasses (bring an extra pair and your prescription), travel/legal documents and sheets/linens.

If you’re an athlete, bring athletic wear and any equipment you may need. If you’re going to travel in an area known for pickpockets, consider buying an anti-theft wallet or bag to protect your valuables.

Know thy transportation.

In most cases, you’ll be traveling to your host country via flight, so you should be well-versed on what you can bring in your checked luggage. For your carry-on, ditch any unnecessary liquids, gels or aerosols. In case your checked bag gets delayed or lost, pack an extra change of clothes and other essentials  that can last you a couple of days.

Keep all important IDs/documentation with you at all times.

Leave some extra space in your suitcase.

Save some room in your luggage for clothes, souvenirs or any other items you’ll buy abroad. There’s a good chance you’ll make a lot of great memories, and you’ll want to bring home reminders of your amazing trip.

“If you wish wish to travel far and fast, travel light.” -Cesare Pavese

Example packing list, via StudyAbroad.com: http://www.studyabroad.com/student-guide/study-abroad-packing.aspx

Cultural Spotlight: the Spanish Siesta

If you’re planning to travel to Spain, you’ll likely take a nap or two. The tradition of taking an afternoon siesta has defined the Spanish workday for the last hundred years. Spaniards are seen as Europe’s happiest and most relaxed people. Between afternoon snoozes and late-night bar hopping, you’re bound to enjoy the laid-back Spanish lifestyle.

In Spain, nap-taking is a way of life.

Siestas have a long history in Spain.

The tradition of the Spanish siesta is hundreds of years old. In the 1700s, Spain was an agrarian nation with a large population of farmers. These farmers worked long hours in the fields, often in the scorching heat. To escape the hottest hours of the day, Spanish workers would eat a heavy lunch indoors and follow it with a short nap. The habit became a tradition, spawning the Castilian word “siesta.”

The word “siesta” comes from the Latin word sexta, meaning “sixth.” Workers would rest on the sixth hour after dawn.

Spaniards are night owls.

The Spanish schedule is unique to the rest of Europe’s. Spaniards eat breakfast around 8 am, lunch at 2 pm, and a dinner between 8 and 10 pm.

Late-night tapas bars are popular spots for socializing in Spain.

The country’s late-night habits trace back to dictator Francisco Franco. In 1942, he moved the clocks ahead by an hour to be in the same time zone as Germany. As a result, Spaniards lost an hour of sleep every night, and meal-times were pushed forward.

However, siestas helped workers regain an hour of sleep in the daytime, and they became important fixtures in the Spanish weekday.

In modern Spain, siestas are becoming less and less popular.

Gone are the days of the nation-wide siesta. Spain has become a modernized and industrialized nation. In a global economy, Spanish businesses can’t afford to shut down in the afternoon for a snooze. Spain has also become a premier tourist destination, so stores and businesses stay open to accommodate tourists.

Siestas have all but disappeared in the big cities. People in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia stay up around the clock like in any major European city.

If you want to experience a true Spanish siesta, visit Andalusia in the summertime.

Siestas are alive and well in rural Spain. In particular, the tiny villages that dot the Andalusian coast are renowned for their midday naps during the summer. If you happen to visit one, don’t expect to do anything too exciting around 2 pm. In fact, you should do the opposite. Find a spot in the shade, sit back and catch a few Z’s. It’s the Spanish way.

Andalusia: the last bastion of the Spanish siesta.

The elusive letter of recommendation: how to choose and approach your academic references

Welcome back, travelers. Last week, I talked about writing a letter of intent to study abroad. Many study abroad programs require you to include, along with your letter of intent, a letter of recommendation from an academic reference. A letter of recommendation is a testimonial of the applicant’s skills, character and accomplishments, written by an instructor, supervisor or other member of your school/workplace.

Depending on your school or program, you may need 2-3 recommendations for your study abroad application. Like your letter of intent, the letter of recommendation is an important part of your application. Choosing the right academic reference requires thought, patience and awareness. A well-chosen reference can make all of the difference for your application. Consider these tips when seeking your letter of recommendation.

Your reference should know you well.

If you’re an undergrad, there’s a good chance that your reference is going to be a former instructor of yours. In a lot of cases, this will be a teacher from your area of study, who’s aware of your academic and professional goals.

Your reference doesn’t need to know that your favourite colour is purple or that your favourite movie is Wall-E. But they should know your strengths as a student, your interests in university, and your career aspirations.

I’d recommend choosing a professor you’ve built a personal rapport with. You should know and trust your reference, and this someone should feel the same about you.

Approach your reference in person.

Recommendation letters are important documents. Don’t be that person who asks for one over e-mail. Find an appropriate time to meet with your potential reference (if they’re a teacher, go to their office during office hours). Be friendly, natural, but get straight to the point: “I’m applying to study abroad next year, and I would be honoured if you could be one of my references.”

Don’t be nervous. Teachers write recommendation letters all the time. If they like you, they’ll have no problem being your reference (if the timing is right).

Give your reference time to write the letter.

If you’re looking for a recommendation, the worst thing you can do is leave it to the last minute. It takes a fair bit of a time to write a recommendation letter, and your reference will likely put a lot of thought into their letter.

Give your reference time (2-3 weeks before the deadline, or even earlier) to find room in their schedule for you. It’s the polite thing to do, and you’ll receive a higher-quality letter in return.

After receiving the letter, thank your reference.

Your reference is doing you a big favour. No matter the outcome of your application, take the time to thank your reference for their time and effort. It can be an e-mail, a letter, or a conversation. If the reference is super important, don’t be afraid to include a small gift, even if it’s just a coffee (they’re well aware of a student’s budget).

Keep them updated.

After you’ve sent in your application, update your reference on the status of your application. If you get accepted, they want to know! They’re a part of your study abroad journey now. Keep in contact while you’re abroad, if they’re interested. A lot of people are responsible for getting you abroad; your reference is one of those people.

Poll: What’s your ideal travel destination?

Digital slideshow: Pint-sized nations perfect for travel and study

Hello travelers!

Follow the link below to view my Steller slideshow:

“Small Country Appreciation: Pint-sized nations perfect for travel and study”

Cheers,

Abroad Guide

Preparing for culture shock

Many students who study abroad are traveling alone for the first time in their lives. On top of that, they’re living in a foreign country, hundreds of miles away from friends, family and the comforts of their home country.

If you’re planning to study abroad, prepare to feel something called culture shock.  Culture shock is the uncomfortable experience of adjusting to an entirely new way of life.

Don’t worry.  Overcoming culture shock is tough but incredibly fulfilling. And the benefits of studying abroad far outweigh the difficulties (see my post about the benefits here).

Familiarizing yourself with culture shock will make you a better traveler and ensure that you make the most of your time abroad.

 

There are four stages of culture shock.

• The honeymoon stage: You love everything about your new country. You romanticize your new way of life, including the food, the language and the customs. Everything is fresh and fascinating.
• The crisis stage: After a while, you notice the unpleasant qualities of your host country. You’re frustrated with the many differences between you and your new way of life. You might develop unpleasant feelings about your host country, and homesickness sets in.
• Adjustment: You begin to feel comfortable in your new country. You can speak to the locals, get yourself from place to place, and feel “normal” in social settings. You develop a deeper understanding of the people and the culture.
• Assimilation: You feel completely at ease. You are fully integrated to your host country.

Upon returning home, you may feel “reverse culture shock.”

After assimilating to an entirely new culture, you may feel different after returning home. This is because, during your time away, you’ve changed significantly as a person, while your home culture has generally stayed the same.

Be prepared to re-adjust to your home country. The stages are very similar to the original shock you felt abroad, but it usually doesn’t last as long.

How to prepare yourself for culture shock.

• Keep a routine. As frustration begins to set in, make a conscious effort to maintain a daily routine. Plan your meals, exercise, practice the language, and make plans with friends. A structured lifestyle will keep you focused and productive if you ever start to feel anxious or depressed abroad.
• Involve yourself in the culture. Find a cultural activity that interests you. It can be a sport, a genre of music, a style of art. Try learning it, practicing it, or talk to a local about it. The more involved you are in a culture, the more familiar and appreciative you will be.
• Keep in contact with friends and family back home. The first few weeks in a new country can be overwhelming, even lonely. Make a habit of Skyping your family and friends, and share your experiences and feelings with them. It’ll ease your homesickness and you can vent your negative emotions.
• Meet people. We all need somebody to lean on. Develop relationships with locals, and they’ll help you overcome any cultural difficulties you have. Ask them questions. Practice the language with them. Eat dinner. It sounds simple, but these are easy ways to adjust to a new culture.

For more information about culture shock, check out this article written by the Government of Canada.

Applying to study abroad? How to write a winning letter of intent (with example)

If you’re applying to study abroad, many programs require that you write a letter of intent– a one-page essay that introduces who you are, why you want to study abroad, and how you will enhance your future plans by studying abroad.

For more competitive study abroad programs, the letter of intent is an integral part of your application. It gives the selection committee a chance to see who you are as a student and a person. Sometimes, a well-written letter of intent will separate who gets accepted and who doesn’t.

To write a good letter of intent, you need to know the purpose of your letter and the audience you’re writing to. With those two important ideas in mind, you’re essentially writing a business letter. Here are some tips on how to begin writing your letter of intent.

 

• Be direct. Don’t begin with a long-winded, confusing intro. Introduce yourself and state what you are applying for. Include the most important information in the beginning, however obvious it seems.
• Organize your thoughts. The person reading your letter does not want to read a giant wall of unformatted text. Break up your letter into 3-5 small paragraphs. Each paragraph should begin with a strong topic sentence that encapsulates the rest of the paragraph. Address each question directly.
• Show your personality. Give the reader a sense of who you are. Provide specific (yet relevant) details about your life, include an anecdote if appropriate, and be honest about why you want to study abroad. If you’re passionate about travel, for example, tell them.
• Write well. Follow the principles of good, effective writing. Eliminate any grammatical errors, favour the active voice over the passive, and use concrete and specific language. If you enjoy waxing poetic, try to keep it to a minimum.
• Keep it short. Many letters of intent are restricted to one page in length. The reader’s time is valuable, so only state the important things. The more concise you are, the better. Unless told otherwise, keep your letter between 300-500 words.

These letters are important, so don’t be afraid to write several drafts, or seek help from a trusted friend or professor. To give you an idea of what a letter of intent looks like, I’ve provided an example: the letter of intent that I wrote for my international exchange.

Dear Members of the Selection Committee:

My name is Abroad Guide and my dream is to travel abroad as part of a study exchange. A proud Vike, I’m very excited about the opportunity to study abroad with UVic and broaden my own horizons. I am applying to study in Spain and particularly interested in attending the University of Alcala next fall. I believe that as a driven learner, cultural sponge and adventurous spirit, I am an ideal exchange student and perfect for this program.

Travel has always been a part of my life. I remember moving to the Dominican Republic when I was ten. It was an enormous change compared to my hometown in Florida. I was eating things I had never heard of, and I learned that electricity and running water are luxuries for most. During that time, I was introduced to the Spanish language and my love for my Hispanic roots. Studying in Spain—the birthplace of Latin American culture—would help me further explore my heritage.

Studying abroad would give me a chance to continue my studies while experiencing a different culture. While studying English and Professional Writing here at UVic, I used my electives to study Spanish and Hispanic culture. My personal curiosity developed into a scholarly interest, and I have now declared for the Certificate of Spanish Language and Cultural Proficiency. I’m confident that a semester en España would enhance my studies in this field.

The University of Alcala offers the academic and cultural experience that I desire. It offers courses taught in English, along with Spanish classes for non-native speakers. Roughly the size of UVic, the University of Alcala is one of the top schools in the Spanish-speaking world. Located in the hometown of writer Miguel de Cervantes, the school has a rich tradition in humanities and a main campus that dates back to the sixteenth century. It would be a privilege to attend such a world-class institution on behalf of UVic.

As an English student, I have learned that literature plays many roles in our lives. Opening a book is like opening a door into another world full of characters, ideas and perspectives that are otherwise unreachable. I believe that traveling does the same thing. The last four years at UVic have enriched my life with experiences I’ll never forget. With only a few short semesters left here at UVic, my experience as an undergraduate is coming to a close. But I have applied to go on exchange because I think there’s time for one last adventure.

Sincerely,

Abroad Guide

So you want to travel… Now what? An intro to study abroad options

Congratulations, you decided you want to study abroad. It’s going to be a long, sometimes difficult, but enriching experience. But so far, it’s all just an idea and you don’t know where to begin. Where do you go to find about study abroad programs?

There are a number of ways to find your ideal study abroad program, depending on your school, program or career goals. A host of travel opportunities await you. The hard part is finding the right one for you. Start by looking in these places.

1. Your program

The first place is to look is often the most obvious. If you’re a student, there’s a good chance that your program will offer some kind of study abroad program. Business departments, for example, offer many opportunities to study overseas. Same with foreign language programs. But this is true for all of the major faculties. Here’s an example of a department-specific study abroad program.

Contact your faculty’s main office and see what programs they offer. This is the best to way to advance your current studies abroad.

 2. Your school’s International Office

If your specific major/degree doesn’t offer a study abroad program, visit your university’s international office. International offices arrange exchanges between partner universities. This option is sometimes called an “independent study exchange.” Ask for a list of your school’s partner universities and look for one that appeals to you.

If you’re worried about the level of education you want to receive, partner universities are a safe bet. Since your school maintains an official partnership with them, you can find information about courses, curriculum and previous experiences at that school. Here’s a list of UBC’s partner universities, for example.

However, some exchange programs require to enroll in a full course load while you’re abroad. So if you’re planning to travel more than study, this option may not be for you. If you want an equal balance of the two, it’s ideal.

3. Cultural exchange organizations

If you aren’t enrolled in university, or you aren’t interested in your school’s travel programs, there are organizations that arrange cultural exchanges of all kinds: from study abroad and summer programs to volunteer opportunities and au pair placement. These organizations develop partnerships with schools all around the world, sending thousands of North Americans abroad every year.

These organizations serve as a cushion between you and the university you want to attend abroad. By applying through these organizations, you don’t have to register for courses or find housing abroad– they do the dirty work. Often, you will travel with a group of other North Americans, live together and participate in field trip and cultural activities.

As a result, study abroad organizations charge you extra for the services they provide. I would recommend these programs if you’re concerned about the logistics of studying abroad or if you want to travel in a group.

For more info, visit GoAbroad, CEA, API, or  AIFS (for American students)

5. Go solo

If you aren’t concerned about school, the cheapest way to see the world is to buy a plane ticket and travel on your own. You don’t have to worry about assignments, exams or tuition. You’re free to go anywhere you like, as long as you have the money. You might want to go backpacking or just go on a vacation. The decision is yours.

Abroad Guide is all about encouraging young people to see the world. Use any excuse you have.

Why study abroad? Five reasons to slip away and see the world

“You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.”

-Dr. Seuss: Oh, the Places You’ll Go

There’s a whole world out there.  Sometimes in our lives we forget that.

If you’re reading this blog, you might be a student who’s thinking of studying abroad, or maybe you’re just interested in travel. Abroad Guide seeks to encourage and help young people see the world while receiving an education.

If you’ve ever thought about studying abroad, I’m here to offer my humble opinion: do it. If you need any more convincing, here are five reasons to study abroad.

1. Soak in a new culture

Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to go to university away from your home country and experience a whole new culture. The beauty of travel is that it broadens your horizons. Depending where you travel, many things may be different in your host country: food, clothing, language, politics or geography. Seeing these new things will give you a newer, richer perspective of the world and of yourself.

Studying abroad takes you places you’ve never been before.

2. Get a different education

After your first year at university, you more-or-less know what to expect from your school’s style of teaching. But every university functions differently, and education systems differ from country to country. Attending a school overseas offers you the chance to learn in a different environment than what you’re accustomed to. This not only spices up your four-year education; it challenges you to become a better student and thinker.

3. Pick up another language

Cultural immersion is a powerful thing. When it comes to learning another language, a semester overseas is often more effective than Rosetta Stone in your living room. It can be challenging and you may not become fluent. But you’ll be taking language courses while learning to order food, read street signs and chat with friends—all in a new language.

4. Boost your resume

A worldly perspective, dynamic learning skills, a second language. All of these things look great to employers. If you’re interested in a career in business, government or foreign affairs, then studying abroad is directly relevant to your future employability. In today’s job market, employers value anyone who can bring something different to the table. By gaining international experience, you import a wealth of practical and cultural knowledge to your new workplace.

5. Do it while you can

Your university years are the perfect time to travel. You’re young and planning out your future. After graduation, you’ll have a job and be pursuing a career. This is the best time to dedicate four months of your life to travel.

You’ll make new friends. Create amazing memories. See the world. Study abroad while you have the chance.

Past study abroad students said that the experience boosted their self-confidence and influenced their career path.