Ah, the ultimate compliment. In your travels, if someone asks you for directions – consider yourself lucky! Being looked at as a local who seems to know what they’re doing is pretty impressive for a study abroad student. However, you may also sometimes find yourself struggling to fit in. In that case, allow me to offer you some advice.
The most important part of fitting in with the local culture is how you present yourself. It’s not difficult to pick up on some of the local norms, specifically what the locals wear. I often joke about how when... Read More
When studying and living abroad, it can both exciting and intimidating to acclimate to a new culture. Sometimes, it may seem impossible not to stick out like a bald eagle in your host country. Below are tips from actual, seasoned study abroad alums, shared in the hopes that you may be spared our past mistakes:
- Be quiet on public transportation. Most of these people are commuting to work or class, and are trying to prepare for the day. They do not care about how “your life has been changed by gelato on every corner.”... Read More
Studying abroad is definitely one of the most exciting experiences a student can embark on, but once the initial excitement wears off, many students are plagued by homesickness. While these feelings are totally normal and to be expected, they can inhibit you from getting the most out of your abroad experience! Listed below are some expert tips on how to beat homesickness:
- Schedule a weekly call with your loved ones. One of the most effective ways to feel still connected to your life at home is to have regularly scheduled... Read More
You may be familiar with the term “reverse culture shock.” More than a catch-phrase, however, reverse culture shock can be a very real challenge for many students returning from study abroad experiences. Just as students may struggle in adjusting to a new culture abroad, they may also find difficulty in adjusting to “normal life” once they return home. Some symptoms of reverse culture shock include: boredom, apathy for others, trouble articulating your experience, reverse homesickness, feeling isolated or alienated, and compartmentalization or “shoeboxing” of your... Read More
Studying abroad sets you apart from the crowd. Many graduate schools and potential employers seek candidates with international experience because they believe such students have the skills to succeed in a global world. It’s important to know how to best market the knowledge and skills you have gained from your study abroad experience. We encourage you to meet with CDPA to discuss how to do this best—but, for now, here are a few tips.
Capturing Study Abroad on a Professional Resume
You can include your study abroad experience under... Read More
The experience of being abroad is amazing. But all too soon, you’ll be back at home and all you’ll have will be your memories. And what better way to remember your trip than by being surrounded by a bunch of cool stuff? It can be all too easy to spend way more than you intended on souvenirs. What with the obscenely overpriced tourist shops everywhere and the horrifying exchange rate in places like London, souvenir shopping can be mighty dangerous. Here are some tips to help you avoid spending your food money on stuff you won’t need or want once you get back:
... Read More