Travel advice
Are you traveling overseas this summer or fall? Global Engagement Student Assistant Haley Drass (BA History ‘25) studied and interned abroad during summer 2024 in Florence, Italy.
Here are some of Haley’s recommendations for how to prepare for your time abroad:
Research the country you plan to study in before you travel! It helps to have a basic cultural and language foundation before you arrive, including learning basic phrases if your country's language is not English, and some cultural differences to expect, such as the tipping culture.
Be smart with your packing. It can be intimidating to figure out what to pick and choose from your closet, but it helps to stick to basic items that can be mixed and matched together in various ways. This can help save space in your luggage for when you return with all the items you bought. It also helps to make a list of everything you need to pack before you put everything in the suitcase to ensure you have necessary items.
Make sure you have all the required documents you need for traveling. It is crucial to have copies of your passport, tickets, etc. Also, know what resources are available to you from the institute or program where you will be studying. They may provide several resources for transportation once you arrive, for mental health, and even suggested spots to eat out. It is great to know more about where you can get information and aid in any situation.
Three things Haley wished she had known before studying abroad:
Culture shock is real and affects everyone in different ways. You are entering a new country and culture that has societal expectations that may be different than your own, so it is important to approach your time there with an open mind.
Homesickness happens even if you think it won’t. There will be moments abroad when you miss home comforts, familiar food, or a daily routine. It helps to try and stay connected to friends and family but also do not be afraid to completely immerse yourself in your surroundings. The more you engage and interact, the easier it can get.
Do not feel that everything has to be strictly planned out or part of a schedule. A lot of the fun in studying abroad is completely immersing yourself and doing fun and spontaneous things. It can be a scary experience at first, but you will grow so much as a person by the end!
Do you have other tips for study abroad? Or more questions?
Email us at globalengagement@chatham.edu!