Traveling Abroad: Weekend Getaways

Studying abroad is an exciting prospect, with many students keen to explore new cities and countries at the weekend. However, it's important to balance this with spending time in your host city, immersing yourself in the local culture, and getting to know your neighbourhood and locals. The number of weekends you choose to spend travelling while studying abroad will depend on your workload, finances, and personal preferences. Some students opt for study abroad programmes that only have classes 4 days a week, leaving long weekends for travel. Others may have a heavier workload, less disposable income, or a desire to stay put and get to know their host city better. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you should decide what works best for you.

Finding a balance between travel and staying in your host country

When you're studying abroad, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of exploring new places and countries. However, balancing your travel plans with time spent in your host country is essential for a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. Here are some tips to help you find that balance:

Plan Your Time Effectively

Before the semester starts, get your hands on an academic calendar and plan your travels around your study commitments. This way, you can ensure you make time for both travelling and exploring your host country without compromising your studies.

Find Favourite Places in Your Host Country

Your host country likely has a plethora of exciting places to discover and experiences to offer. Take the time to explore your immediate surroundings, find your favourite spots, and create meaningful memories. Whether it's a cosy café, a picturesque park, or a vibrant market, seek out places that bring you joy and a sense of connection to your host country.

Set Your Own Expectations

Everyone's idea of a perfect study abroad experience is different, and that's okay. While some may prioritise travelling to multiple destinations, you might find more value in immersing yourself in the culture and daily life of your host country. Embrace the little things, like trying new restaurants, chatting with locals, or simply wandering through neighbourhoods and soaking in the atmosphere.

Get Connected with Your Community

Building a sense of community is an excellent way to feel more connected to your host country. Keep an eye out for local events, such as book fairs, concerts, or cultural festivals. Participating in these activities will not only provide a deeper understanding of the local culture but also help you feel more integrated into your host community.

Stay for Special Events

While it's tempting to travel to nearby countries during your time abroad, don't overlook the unique events and festivals that your host country has to offer. These special occasions can provide a deeper insight into the culture and traditions of the country you're living in. Check the local calendar and plan to attend these events to enhance your overall experience.

Become an Expert on Local Travel

Familiarise yourself with the public transportation system in your host country, as this will open up a world of possibilities for local travel. Whether it's day trips to nearby towns or exploring different areas within your host city, you'll be able to satisfy your wanderlust without venturing too far from your base.

Learn What's Best for You

Lastly, remember that everyone has different preferences and comfort levels when it comes to travel. While some may thrive on constant exploration, you might prefer a slower pace that allows for relaxation and downtime. Listen to your needs and do what feels right for you. Whether it's staying in to recharge or venturing out to a new destination, ensure your decisions align with your personal values and well-being.

Choosing a study program that supports student travel

Key Factors to Consider:

• Course Content: Think about the dream job you want after graduation. Choose a program that aligns with your interests and long-term career goals.
• Academic Reputation: Opt for institutions with a strong positive reputation to ensure you join a community of successful experts who can support your professional growth.
• Available Facilities: Look for programs that offer extensive learning resources and practical opportunities to enhance your educational experience.
• Learning Style: Select a program that matches your preferred learning style, whether it's more practical or theoretical, to maximize your engagement and development.
• Cost: Be mindful of the financial aspect to avoid enrolling in a program that may cause financial stress. Ensure the program supports your overall well-being.

Types of Student Travel Programs:

• Study Abroad Programs: These programs allow students to spend a semester or more studying in a foreign country, earning academic credits toward their degree. Scholarships and financial aid often make these programs more accessible.
• Work and Travel Programs: Such programs enable students to work part-time while living abroad. The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program in the US is an example, offering the chance to fund travels and gain international work experience.
• Teaching English Abroad: With programs like TEFL or TESOL, students can teach English as a foreign language while exploring new cultures. Countries like South Korea, Japan, China, and European nations offer such opportunities with benefits like accommodation and airfare.
• Volunteer Abroad Programs: Volunteering abroad allows students to contribute to community projects, environmental initiatives, or humanitarian efforts while immersing themselves in foreign cultures. This can be a rewarding and eye-opening experience.
• Summer Abroad Programs: These shorter programs are ideal for students who want to travel during summer breaks without interrupting their regular academic studies.
• International Internships: Students can gain professional experience in a foreign country, enhancing their resumes and building a global network.
• Student Exchange Programs: Programs like Erasmus+ facilitate cultural exchange, often involving living with host families to deepen immersion.
• Adventure Travel Programs: These programs offer unconventional experiences, including trekking, mountain climbing, or exploring remote regions like the Himalayas or the Amazon rainforest.
• Cultural Exchange Programs: Aiming to foster cross-cultural understanding, these programs enable students to live with local families and participate in cultural activities, gaining valuable insights into daily life in the host country.
• Language Immersion Programs: Language immersion programs help students improve their language skills while living and studying in a foreign country, accelerating language acquisition and cultural understanding.

Planning trips around festivals and events

Planning a trip around a festival or event can be a great way to experience something new or rediscover a familiar destination from a different perspective. It can also provide an opportunity to learn about and connect with the local culture, traditions, and people. Here are some tips and considerations for planning trips around festivals and events:

Choosing a Festival or Event

When choosing a festival or event to plan your trip around, consider your interests and what type of festival you want to attend. Music festivals, food and drink festivals, film festivals, literary festivals, and cultural festivals are just a few examples of the diverse range of festivals available. Research the festival's theme, location, dates, and what it has to offer to ensure it aligns with your interests and travel plans.

Timing and Duration

Plan your trip according to the festival's dates and duration. Some festivals last a day, while others may span multiple days or even a week. Consider arriving early or extending your stay beyond the festival dates to explore the destination and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Location and Accommodation

Research the festival's location and consider your accommodation options. Look for accommodations close to the festival venue to avoid lengthy travel times. Partnering with local tourism organizations or checking their websites can help you find suitable options and deals. If you plan to camp or stay in a hostel, book your accommodations in advance to secure your preferred choice.

Transportation and Accessibility

Research the transportation options available to get to and from the festival venue. Consider the accessibility of the venue and your chosen accommodations, especially if you or someone in your group has mobility limitations. Opt for transportation methods that are convenient and suit your needs, such as public transport, rental cars, or shuttle services offered by the festival organizers.

Festival Activities and Attractions

Familiarize yourself with the festival program and schedule of events. Make a list of the activities, performances, or exhibitions you don't want to miss and plan your time accordingly. Many festivals offer a variety of attractions, including musical performances, art installations, film screenings, workshops, food stalls, and cultural demonstrations. Prioritize the ones that interest you the most and allow for some flexibility to explore other offerings.

Local Attractions and Side Trips

In addition to the festival, research the local attractions and activities in the area. This will allow you to make the most of your trip and explore beyond the festival grounds. Consider visiting nearby landmarks, trying local cuisine, exploring nature, or participating in cultural experiences unique to the destination.

Practical Considerations

Don't forget the practical aspects of festival attendance, such as packing appropriately for the weather, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your belongings in crowded places. Also, be respectful of the local culture and traditions, especially if you are attending cultural or religious festivals. Follow any guidelines or protocols set by the festival organizers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Using public transportation instead of cabs

When travelling abroad, it is worth considering using public transportation instead of cabs. Here are some reasons why:

Cost

Public transportation is generally cheaper than travelling by cab. In many places, public transportation is subsidised by tax dollars, which means that passenger fares are lower than they would be otherwise. In addition, the average household spends a significant amount of money on buying, maintaining, and operating cars, which could be avoided by taking public transportation.

Environmental Impact

Public transportation is better for the environment than travelling by cab. It reduces gasoline consumption and carbon emissions, helping to combat climate change. In fact, public transportation saves the United States 6 billion gallons of gasoline annually and reduces the nation's carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons each year.

Stress

Using public transportation can be less stressful than driving or navigating an unfamiliar city by cab. You can avoid the stress of navigating busy roads and finding parking spaces, and simply let someone else do the driving for you.

Safety

Public transportation is a safer way to travel than by automobile. Travelling by public transportation reduces your chance of being in an accident by more than 90%.

Convenience

In some cases, public transportation may be more convenient than cabs. For example, in areas with heavy traffic, public transportation can help you avoid traffic jams by utilising bus lanes and other priority measures. Additionally, in some places, public transportation may be more widely available than cabs, with more routes and stops to choose from.

Learning basic local phrases and etiquette

Learning the local language can be challenging, but it's worth the effort when travelling abroad. It can help you navigate difficult situations, allow you to connect with locals, and make your trip much smoother. Here are some tips to help you learn basic local phrases and etiquette for your travels:

Learn Essential Phrases

Start with simple phrases that will be useful in various situations. These include greetings like "Hello" and "Goodbye", as well as “Please”, “Thank you”, “You're welcome”, “Excuse me”, and “I'm sorry”. Knowing numbers from 1 to 10 is also essential for shopping, navigating, and giving addresses. Learn how to ask "How much is this?" and "Do you speak English?" to make communication easier.

Navigation and Directions

To get around, learn directional terms like "Left", "Right", "Straight", "Up", "Down", and basic compass directions. This will help when asking for or giving directions. Additionally, learn phrases like "Where is the bathroom/restroom?" and "Where can I find a taxi/bus/train?" to navigate unfamiliar areas.

Dining and Accommodation

When dining out, learn how to say "I would like..." and point to your choice on the menu. Know how to ask for the bill and say "Please write that down for me". For accommodation, learn phrases like "Can I drink the tap water?", "Air conditioner/fan/heater", "I have bed bugs/bugs in my room", and "How do I access the internet?".

Health and Emergencies

It's crucial to know how to ask for help in an emergency. Learn how to say "Where is the hospital/pharmacy?", "I'm having an emergency", "I'm allergic to...", "Please call the police", and "Where is the ____ embassy?". Additionally, learn how to ask for a doctor and how to give your location.

Cultural Etiquette

Research the cultural etiquette of your destination. This includes greeting customs, such as bowing, shaking hands, or other traditional gestures. Understand personal space norms and any cultural taboos or respectful behaviours. Learning these will show respect for the local culture and help you navigate social situations.

Use Translation Tools

Take advantage of translation tools like Google Translate, which offers instant translations in multiple languages, along with audio and phonetic pronunciations. Consider downloading offline translation apps or dictionaries to use when you don't have internet access. Practise these phrases before your trip to improve your confidence and fluency.

Frequently asked questions