Four steps to enjoying your time while studying abroad

Last Updated on Sunday, 13 December 2009 22:26 Written by Andrew Lai Friday, 11 December 2009 02:27

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By Marissa Krimsky

If you’re interested in having an amazing time abroad, while actually experiencing the culture that you’ve travelled around the world to be a part of, then why not try the following steps for a more complete immersion.

Step 1: Recognise when to be a tourist and when to be a student.

Studying abroad provides a powerful segue into a culture. When living abroad as a student, you’re presented with entirely different opportunities to get to know that culture than the everyday tourist. Take advantage of this and make as many new friends as you can.

It’s indisputably great to have around you your American friends who you either knew from back home or met during orientation. Friends are essential to help you recover from homesickness. However, befriending locals is the ultimate cure for this illness. If you’re interested in meeting Australians, then it’s important to stay away from large American groups. Do touristy things with your American friends but try to be alone or with a very small group of them when you’re at the university or going out to meet Australians. Take an interesting class alone or at least separate yourself from the other exchange students during tutorials or study groups. Whenever you are assigned to small discussion groups for a class, avoid staying with your American group.

"... If you are really feeling ambitious, try creating your own group. If you play an instrument, post flyers around the campus looking members to join a band...."

Step 2: Getting to know a culture means stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Be alone! It will be the most liberating experience you will have while travelling. Go to a café, take a long walk along the boardwalk, or sit at the beach by yourself for a day. Bring a book if you must but it’s essential to be alone. Smile at passers-by and say hi to other singletons walking or sitting around you. Fifty per cent of the time this will lead to an interesting conversation. If you don’t meet people immediately don’t give up. Take advantage of the opportunity for some mental freedom.

Step 3: Join a couple of small but dedicated clubs.

If you have an interest in art, philosophy or a particular faith, this will work in your favour. It helps, but is not necessary, to join Arc. You can still attend the same event and join the same clubs without being a member (it just takes more of your time to do the research yourself).

If you attend club meetings, stay afterwards to engage in conversation with the other members. Ask them about their personal reasons for joining. On the second or third meeting, ask people about locations or events in Sydney that relate to the club. See if any of them would like to go with you over the weekend. Magically, you’ll have instant friends for a day.

If you are really feeling ambitious, try creating your own group. If you play an instrument, post flyers around the campus looking members to join a band. If you have a hobby (magic tricks, a sport, acting) start a team or troupe. It’s simple to post a few flyers and you will get immediate contacts. Meet them at the uni bar or campus café to discuss the club.

Step 4: When you go travelling, spend a night away from your buddies.

If you want instant friends, then be sure to stay alone in a hostel for a night. You won’t regret it. There are bound to be many, many travellers who will be eager to make friends. Exchange contact info and meet up with your designated travel buddies for another part of the trip.
Studying in Australia is heaps of fun. You can enhance the experience and even make Australia feel like home if you work at becoming part of the city you’re in. What better way to accomplish this than surrounding yourself with its locals? Cheers and have a great semester!