As the first semester in Brasil is starting to come to an end, and my fellow students that are studying with me are getting ready to head back to the states I decided to dedicate a blog to suggestions for future study abroad students so that they can have the fullest of their time.
1. Probably one of the hardest things to accomplish, and I am fortunate to have learned it while I was in Italy, is to keep an open mind. When one first goes to an new country a lot of things you hear is, "oh this is stupid", "why do they do that?", instead though trying to look at why they might do a certain thing is better. And if you are not willing to accept the difference, or you dont want to take part in that culture aspect, thats fine, but try to at least respect the cultural difference.
2. Take every opportunity given to you. Even if that means you have to skip out on your favorite club/bar, that you have been to a dozen times to go to a Brasilian soccer game (or what ever the experience might be), thats fine. The club/bar will be there next week, but you might not get another opportunity to go to a game (or a churrasco, or what ever the opportunity might be).
3. If you can travel all around the country, or to different countries, while you are abroad, GREAT, DO IT! But if you can't thats fine too. Instead of sulking, go visit another city near by, get to know your area, hang out with locals. Ya you might not get to mark another country off your list, but you get to know the area, and you might discover some untapped beauty, or you really get to learn about the culture that you are in.
4. If given the opportunity to live a host family do it! Ya its nice to have an apartment and you do not have to follow rules, but host families are a great way to learn about the culture and to learn the language. They also can be your life support, if you become homesick. Also for the freedom, chances are they are very understanding, and give you the space you need.
5. A really big one that I learned while in Italy was NOT to expect ANYTHING! No matter what you do there will always be things that you imagine will happen, but if possible try not to expect to much and do not assume something will or will not happen. As chances are what you expect will not live up to the dream or will not turn out how one expects. Plus another positive to not expecting is when something happens out of the blue, it could end up being even greater than that expectation one had.
If you can try to do these few suggestions, in my personal opinion your study abroad will be one of the best times of your life! After all you will be home soon, so why not live it up and enjoy the time you have!
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