Perhaps you’re getting ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime! We’re talking about a study opportunity abroad, maybe on Erasmus+ or the UK’s alternative, the Turing Scheme. Well, you’ve certainly got plenty to look forward to and we are sure you’re going to have the best experience you’ve ever had, with memories you’ll carry with you forever. No doubt, you’ve done extensive research, and you’re likely armed with all the right information you need – but what about what people don’t tell you about? Will there be any surprises that you’d benefit from hearing about before you set off? Read our piece below to find out about the things no one tells you – and be 100% equipped and ready for your experience!
1. Your Experience Doesn’t Need to Cost a Fortune
You’ll already have accessed a grant to study abroad and your course costs will be covered, as will your accommodation. Some people just don’t bother applying at all as they think they won’t be able to afford it but it is affordable and if you’re a disadvantaged or disabled student, you’ll be able to access even more funding. For those of you who haven’t yet chosen your destination, if you worry about budget, then choose one of the cheaper places to study – Eastern Europe, for example, is much cheaper than Western Europe. Don’t forget, you can always make extra cash by working before you get to your destination country. Babysitting, dog sitting, a part-time job in a store – doing car washing, anything helps to top up your balance, so you’ve got enough to enjoy yourself too.
2. You Don’t Need to Take Everything With You!
If you’re on an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme placement, all destinations have shops and access to items you might need while abroad! Remember, you will have luggage restrictions so you must be careful not to overpack. Take the bare minimum, wear layers to travel and go shopping when you arrive for other essentials that you might need. You can also shop in second-hand stores, buy preloved and hire too. As for toiletries, pack enough for a week and go shopping as mentioned, you can also ask family or friends to send items over to you, so they arrive the same time you do.
3. There Will Be Language Barriers
Unless you’re 100% fluent in your destination country’s language, be prepared for a language barrier but see this as a positive. This is your opportunity to learn as much about a foreign country, including improving your linguistic skills. Before you go, sign up to a language course to familiarise yourself with the new language or to improve your current level and continue that learning when you arrive. Use your language skills as much as possible to boost your learning, listen to podcasts, watch the tv in your destination country and don’t be frightened to make mistakes. That is how you’ll learn!
4. You Might Blow Your Budget If You’re Not Careful
We will be honest, if you’ve never travelled abroad before or been away from your friends and family for an extended period of time, then you’ve likely never had to budget either. This is a learning experience, and you must be mindful of what you have to spend. Do not resist temptation and blow your budget on expensive activities or clothes. Think carefully about what you need to live, and budget accordingly. If you need replacement clothes, do a clothes swap or buy from thrift stores, or ask your family to send over some of your existing clothing from home to update your wardrobe.
5. You Will Feel Lonely
Even the most confident student will feel a little lost and bewildered to begin with – maybe even right in the middle too. This is normal. You are in a new, unfamiliar place with new, unfamiliar people and this may make you feel some regret. Allow yourself time to adjust, but you will settle in, so our best advice is to get involved, not hide away in your room and make the most out of everything on offer. You’ll soon meet new people and things will begin to fall into place.
Let’s Wrap Up
If you’re a teacher or coordinator looking to put together the ultimate study and work placement trips abroad for your students, then get in touch with our team. With decades of unrivalled experience, we are top of our game and will make the entire process as seamless and smooth as possible.
Comments: