There have been many valuable experiences and lessons that I have learned since I studied abroad. Since the University that I am attending abroad is an American institution, I have been meeting mostly American students. The institution is also where British students attend and I have met many of them as well. Being abroad has exposed me to many different types of people, even more than I have met while attending the University of Minnesota. Therefore, I have relearned how to make new friends and to introduce myself to new concepts. The change in culture is also amazing. I realize how good or how bad we have some things in the United States. I am also open to new ideas and to the ideas that other countries have about the U.S. I realize how much other countries like or dislike our culture and or country.
On another note though, I have realized that the people are not that different, and if treated in a respectful manner, can be capable of becoming just as good of friends as anyone. Most people I have been in contact with have been super kind and will stop to have a conversation with you or if stopped for directions will give you the information you need. They are very willing to come in contact if you would want to hold a conversation.
Classes abroad are also a learning experience. Being taught by a teacher from another country goes both ways. They seem to teach you as much as you teach them. My teachers are always asking questions about how we do things in the U.S. or why we do other things in certain ways. Also, the teachers are very nice and flexible. The way the classes are taught are mostly like the classes in the States.
I think when you are abroad there are going to be times when it is the best time of your life and then there will be those times when all you want to do is go home. That is the learning experience that makes you stronger and actually what studying abroad is all about. Studying abroad in London is very expensive. I knew it was going to be this way to an extent but I underestimated the cost. So something that I would have done differently would have been to set up a plan to save money before I left. Another thing that I would recommend to students planning on going abroad is to go on any pre-trips or other excursions their program may offer. I had the opportunity to go on a guided trip that took us from city to city with a tour guide and 40 other students. It was the best thing that I could have done. It enabled me to meet students before I got to the University and really gave me and my other fellow students a head start at friendship. Also, these pre-planned trips usually cost less than if you would go by yourself.
I think that students can do many things to help them prepare for their study abroad experiences. First, start a financial plan to save money before you go and ask about financial aid. Being short of money is not a worry that you want to have abroad, even though being abroad teaches you how to budget and take care of your own finances. Second, students should really talk to their advisers (from their home Institution and abroad) as much as possible. I have been fortunate enough to have wonderful advisers that no matter how many e-mails or questions I have had for them they were always willing to give their advice. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the country you are going to and the attractions that you want to see when you get there. Purchase a travel book, and that can be really helpful while you are away. I would recommend Rick Steve's or Lonely Planet books. They are very helpful in budgeting your travel and in finding places that are worth the money. Also, have an idea of where else you might want to travel. Even though you are taking classes, traveling is also a large part of studying abroad.
I have learned quite of lot studying abroad. For instance, when choosing an institution, take into consideration the classes that they offer, and taking something that counts toward your major would be valuable. In addition, I knew that studying abroad would be an amazing experience, and everyone I talked to that went before me said it was the best time of their life, but I was still skeptical at first. But now that I am here and have done it, I can say that it really has been the best time in my life and I would not hesitate to recommend studying abroad to anyone that is considering this type of opportunity. It will not be a disappointment.
Tyler Peters
