How to Alleviate Your Parent’s Worries When You’re Abroad

By Michelle Futo

 When I asked my parents if I could study abroad in Leysin, Switzerland for the first six weeks of summer, they were excited but also very vocal with expressing their worries. How would we stay in contact? How would they know where I was and my travel plans? As an only child, I had to find ways to make sure my parents felt comfortable with me traveling to Europe so all of us could enjoy my experience. Here are a few tips I picked up that I used both at home and while I was abroad.

Communication

Keep the lines of communication open as much as possible! While you may be annoyed with the amount of emails they send you, your parents just want to make sure you are safe. It’s not you they do not trust, it’s the world. All of the IP Study Centers have Wifi access for students, so make sure to reply to those emails! Even a few simple sentences with some photos will make them smile and feel closer to you, even though you are over 2000 miles away.

If you have an iPhone, iMessage also works even when your phone is on airplane mode. You can easily send texts, photos, and short videos to your parents through iMessgae without having to turn on your cellular data. FaceTime is also a great option. I was abroad for Mother’s Day and even though I was not physically with my mom, I know she loved our FaceTime date.

If you have an android smart phone, I would recommend downloading Viber. Viber is a free messaging application that also sends texts, photos, videos, and even allows users to make phone calls through Wifi. Help your parents download the application to their phones, set up their free account, and play around with sending messages before you leave the country. This way you can still talk to them and share all your experiences without having to purchase an international phone plan.

Register Your Travel

Prior to leaving the U.S., explain to your parents that you are registering yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Department of State. STEP is a free program that allows U.S. Citizens who are traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some additional benefits to enrolling in STEP include receiving important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in the destination country, helping students make informed decisions about their travel plans, helping the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. After entering your personal and travel information, the step-by-step wizard will help you stay connected to the people who matter and who will help you out in case of any emergency. Parents can also sign up to receive email updates about information dealing with the country you are traveling to, again keeping them in the loop about your travels. 

You can register here: https://step.state.gov/step/

Create a Blog

If you are a writer, a photographer, or just want to have a simple way to keep your friends and family at home updates with your travels, creating a blog gives you a perfect way to share your experiences quickly and easily! Free websites such as WordPress, Weebly, or Blogger allow users to make an account and customize their personal blog to share text, photos, videos, and any other interesting information that happens while abroad. You can easily upload some photos from your weekend trip to Venice and write a quick post about how amazing your gondola rides were. Sharing the link through email or Facebook will give your friends, family, and especially parents a way to track where you travel and what you are up to. I know my mom always looked forward to my blog posts and it also is a great online journal I can always re-visit now that I am back in Tallahassee.

A Postcard from Florence

Two Florida State University students, Jordan Park and Paige Granfield,  share how studying abroad with International Programs gave them the opportunity to explore the world and broaden their horizons in the realm of education and self-discovery. 

4 Tips for a Stress-free Trip

By Bridget O'Toole

Studying abroad is an exciting experience, but it can also be stressful and scary—especially if it is your first time traveling alone to a place you may have never been before. Don’t let the unfamiliar freak you out. Instead, consider doing (and not doing) some of the following to eliminate some anxiety on your trip abroad.

1. DON’T feel like you have to have everything planned.

Some of the greatest memories you will make will be from the unexpected. You are probably going to have a must-see list, but any plans you make will be thrown out the window once you are abroad. When you arrive, you are thrust into this crazy new culture, and you are meeting all of these new people. Most of the time you will travel in a group, but not everyone wants to go to the same places. So, you shouldn’t plan. You should just be open to experiencing any new place you can. I had not planned on traveling to Austria, but Vienna ended up being my favorite city I visited.

2. DO what you want.

This means that when you arrive to a new city, you should go and do what you want. If you travel to Amsterdam, some people are going to want to go see the Anne Frank house or the Van Gogh Museum, while others are going to want to simply enjoy the fresh air. Don’t feel pressured to do what the majority of the group is doing. You will regret it if you don’t do what you want to do or see what you want to see.

3. DO have patience.

You will get lost, but don’t get mad or frustrated. Instead, have patience. When my travel group arrived in Brussels, Belgium, we could not find our hostel. Everyone was tired and scared because it was our first week traveling, and we let our annoyance get the best of us when we really should have been enjoying what was around us. You may even unintentionally book a hostel an hour away from your intended destination, which seems like a pain in the butt when you find out, but you may find a really cool brewery in that city. You never know what will happen when you're lost. 

4. DO use the bathrooms in your hostel or on the train.

Why? Because those bathrooms are free! Well, you are paying for the hostel room, so I guess the bathroom is not truly free, but you get what I mean. You’re going to have to get over your germ phobia because every other public restroom will cost you. Having to go to the bathroom but being unable to find a two cent euro at the bottom of your purse is not an ideal situation and is weirdly stressful. Even McDonald’s makes you buy something before you can get the code to the restroom. Always have your coins readily available because you never know when Mother Nature will strike.

Packing Tips for Studying Abroad

By Bridget O’Toole

In addition to your basic clothing and toiletries, you should consider packing (or not packing) some of the following:

1. Girls: DON’T pack a hair dryer…or a curling iron or a flat iron.

Yes, you want to make a good impression, but honestly, you will most likely never use them. By eliminating these from your packing list, you are saving yourself the trouble of dragging it around with you to every new city and also leaving room to bring gifts back home. If it really matters to you, you can find these tools abroad at great prices, or you can make a deal with some of the other girls going. Each of you can bring one of your hairstyling tools and you can share. Just be careful not to blow a fuse!

2. Girls: DON’T pack more than five pairs of shoes.

Again, save space in your suitcase! Five pairs is a lot to lug around. One pair of sandals and one pair of Keds-like gym shoes will do the trick. Neutral color, no pattern Keds go with everything, and if you’re worried about style, they are not the typical tourist gym shoe, either. So, you won’t have to worry about standing out, and your feet can be comfortable.

3. Boys and Girls: DO pack a filtered water bottle.

Free water isn’t really a “thing” in Europe. Restaurants don’t automatically have a glass of tap water waiting for you like they do here in the U.S. Instead, you have to pay for each bottle you consume, and that can get expensive because 1) the bottles are small, and 2) It’s going to be hot and you will be thirsty from walking around. Also, be sure to specify that you want still water because sparkling water just doesn’t do the trick when your sweating like a beast in the 90 degree Venice. By bringing your own filtered water bottle, you can fill it up at the public water fountains, which are always still water. That way, you don’t have to worry about a costly mix-up.

4. Boys and Girls: DO pack a rain jacket.

Despite what you may hope, you may encounter a few rainy days abroad. Therefore, it is wise to bring a rain jacket. Rain jackets not only protect you from the rain, but they can also serve as a barrier to cooler weather. Plus, they are really easy to roll up and carry in your traveling backpack. If you feel the need for extra protection, you can easily buy a fairly inexpensive umbrella from a local vendor. 

5. Girls: DO pack a cardigan.

Certain destinations are very concerned with modesty, which makes it necessary to bring a light, neutral cardigan with you from place to place so that you can cover your shoulders. Otherwise, you may be unable to see Michelangelo’s superb work in the Sistine Chapel. While the location you are visiting may signify that you are a tourist, you still don’t want your status to be so obvious that you have to be given tissue paper to wear around your shoulders.

6. Boys and Girls: DO pack one set PJs that can keep you warm and one set that can keep cool.

If you are studying abroad in a location like Switzerland, then you are living on top of a mountain. Yes, the sun will be out during the day in the summer (mostly), but the mountain does reach fairly cold temperatures at night. So, you may want to have some flannels and warm socks on hand. However, you may take side trips to destinations that are considerably warmer, or you may stay in a hostel with no air conditioning. Two separate sets of sleepwear may take up more room in your suitcase, but trust me, being prepared is better than getting sick.

Switzerland, a Program for the True Traveler

By Bridget O'Toole

Looking to feed your wanderlust? FSU’s study abroad program in Leysin, Switzerland may be just what you need. The Switzerland program’s area of study is Hospitality. So, yes, preference is given to Hospitality majors, but the program is also open to all interested students. If you’re a non-Hospitality and are worried about your chances of being accepted, don’t be! It worked out for me, and I firmly believe that the Switzerland program is one of the best programs for students with a desire to travel but without a major-specific program.

As a student in the Switzerland program, you can take a European Travel and Tourism course. Your homework? Traveling all around Europe and sharing your trip experiences when you get back! Not too shabby, right? Classes are conducted Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Often times, you will go on a field trip to a gorgeous five star hotel in Switzerland, and from there, you may leave to travel anywhere you want in Europe as long as you are back by Saturday night. The last train up the mountain ends early so you have to be time conscious! But you will be surprised how many places you can see over the course of three days. One week, my little group and I spent a day in Paris, France, a day in Nice, France, and a day at the beach in Monte Carlo—all in one week! I was able to visit more than ten incredible European cities over the course of four weeks. But of course, there are benefits to remaining in one city the whole week, such as having the time to visit all of the famous hot spots. The scope of traveling one does is really up to the individual. 

The mountain life in Leysin, Switzerland is also something to take into consideration. Let me

tell you, having a view of the snow capped mountains while eating a delicious French breakfast will probably be the most relaxing moment of your life. Nothing can beat the view in Switzerland, but don’t worry, just because the mountains are snow capped does not mean you’re going to freeze! The sun will be out every now and then. There will be days when you despise mountain life because of what the students like to call “the stairs from hell.” While walking down them isn’t a problem, you will be challenged walking up them in the high altitude. Just remember that the view at the top is worth it.

In general, the Hospitality program is so much fun—especially when you’re a guest at a hospitality business as opposed to a stressed out employee. As a student in this program, you have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals when you visit five star hotels with classic architecture, restaurants with five course meals, and spas with amazing jacuzzis. To be able to visit these high quality destinations is a huge bonus for anyone living on a college budget. One of the best trips is the trip to Balmers Hostel in Interlacken, Switzerland. Here you will learn about the hostel business. This trip is also a great initial experience where you can get to know your group members better and where you can meet people from around the world.

So if you’re feeling like a Nolemad*, visit FSU International Programs offices (UCA 5th floor) to find out more information on the Switzerland program!

*A Florida State University Seminole (Nole) that likes to travel a lot. 

FSU athlete shares her abroad experience

Colleen Quigley, Florida State University dietetics major and NCAA Division 1 athlete in cross country running, shares her experience with FSU's International Programs while studying in Valencia, Spain.

How to Make the Most of the Program Excursions

By Devyn Fussman

The day trips and week-long excursions are some of the best parts of FSU’s study abroad program. You get to see and do all kinds of things you normally wouldn’t, often with a tour guide providing insight information and showing you the coolest parts of the cities. I had a blast on our trip to Andalucía and all of the Friday trips, but there are a few things I wish I’d known: 

• Try not to bring too much. Instead of bringing four pairs of jeans, bring two pairs and re-wear them alternately. You’ll definitely want to buy some souvenirs and it helps to have room in your suitcase.

• You could end up doing a lot of walking and even some hiking, so always dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes! And instead of carrying a purse, try to wear something with pockets.

• Research good restaurants and shops before you go, and try to find directions online if you can. Usually the staff gives you the itinerary with the hotel information a while in advance, and you don’t want to be stuck wondering where to eat or how to get back to your hotel (not that it’s ever happened to me or anything…).

• If you’re considering staying somewhere for the weekend, be extra careful about getting back before classes and making sure the information on your booking is correct.

• You will be on the bus a for a long time so bring plenty of motion sickness medicine if you need it. Try to sleep between cities if you can; usually there’s not much to see on the interstate so you won’t be missing out. 

• Do NOT be late for the scheduled events and trips. A lot of them involve reservations so the group can’t afford to wait for you. If you miss a mandatory trip, you may end up having extra homework in your classes.

• When it comes to the week-long trips, be prepared for rain, especially in the wintertime. Carry a case for your camera and put a small umbrella in your backpack or suitcase. 

•  Do whatever homework you have BEFORE leaving for the trip. The Wi-Fi in the hotels does not always work, and even when it does it can be very slow. You also don’t want to leave all of it for the weekend after, especially if you’re not coming back to Valencia for a few days.

• Try not to schedule anything too demanding for the day after the trip ends, no matter where you end it. A lot is packed into these and there’s a very tight schedule, so even though you’ll have the time of your life, you’ll probably be exhausted when it’s over. Stick to sightseeing and shopping for a day to let yourself relax a bit.

Valencia for Introverts

By Devyn  Fussman

Introverts are fewer in number in all parts of life, and study abroad programs are no exception. People want to spend their time in many ways while traveling, and introverts will often want different experiences than extroverts. As my time in Spain went by, I discovered more and more options for introverts to do in Valencia that can be done with small groups or alone (and are easy on the wallet). Here are just a few I’ve found in the month or so since I arrived:

• First off, the obvious one: Explore. See as much of Spain and Europe as you can. If nothing else, plan an awesome spring break trip.

• Take a walk or rent a bike (it’s not that much for a couple hours) and ride through the riverbed. It’s gorgeous enough to give Central Park a run for its money, and spans almost the entire length of Valencia, so it’s a great way to see the city while getting some sunshine and exercise. I find that this is the perfect place to de-stress after a long week of classes because of how peaceful it is. There are also beautiful gardens nearby that allow for some amazing photo ops.

• See a movie at Yelmo Cines. They play American movies in their original English version (look for titles with VOS next to them) and they will give you a discount if you bring your ISIC card. There’s also a circle of restaurants in the same building, so you can combine dinner and a show. I recommend going on weekends because more places are open and vendors will set up shop inside the building, so you have a chance to buy some handmade goodies.

• The amount of shopping in Valencia is amazing. Next to Yelmo Cines is Nuevo Centro, which is part underground and part aboveground with some American stores and restaurants as well as Spanish ones. Nuevo Centro and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (which is located just ten minutes away from the study center) puts Governor’s Square Mall to shame. Both places have a Corte Inglés, which has been described as the “Macy’s of Spain.” You can find just about anything you want at either shopping center and spend a full day at each one. 

• Check out the historical sites and souvenir shops. Don’t leave without climbing the Torres de Serranos and the Miguelte Bell Tower, shopping at the Mercado Central, touring La Lonja, or exploring the cathedral. You never know if or when you’ll get a chance to do those things again.

• On Sundays, you can watch flamenco dancers in the Plaza de la Virgen and take advantage of free admission to the cathedral.

• Two gems of Valencia include Bioparc, an animal safari, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a museum with the biggest aquarium in Europe. Sometimes there are excursions to these, but if not, they are definitely worth a visit on your own. Be aware that these will cost you some money though.

• Relax in a café. One nice thing about Spaniards is that they don’t rush you. Sit down, order a coffee, and take some time to just chill, read a book, or people-watch.

• Sometimes there are plays as well as movies at the Tiatro Rialto, located just inside the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It’s all in Spanish, but that can be a great way to practice, especially if you’re able to see a play where you already know the story.

• Speaking of ways to practice Spanish, research what opportunities there might be to work with native Spanish speakers. There are organizations you can find online that will arrange get-togethers between locals who want to improve their English and foreigners who want to improve their Spanish. This can be a great way to meet people and keep you from forgetting what you learned in class.

• Depending on when you go, there might be an annual fair in or around Valencia. Do some research and you never know what you’ll find.

• Play or watch soccer. FSU usually reserves a field at least once a week for anybody who wants to play, and you can also attend the Valencia games.

• The beach. Enough said.

• And of course, go on the program excursions and join Club de Español! And if you have the time, sign up for any volunteering opportunities. They can be great resume boosters as well as rewarding personal experiences.  

Things I Have Learned Studying Abroad

By Danielle Wirsansky

I have now been in Europe for a grand total of two and a half weeks. Not much yet, I know. But every day, and with every adventure, I learn a little more and grow a little wiser. I might grow in small, imperceptible ways, but at least I do. Hopefully I can give you some tips that might help, should you ever decide to go adventuring, so that you can take what you can from me and learn and grow in your own ways.

1. Be Open to New Experiences

Spontaneity can be a good thing! Do something you wouldn't normally do and get out of your comfort zone. Being in a new land, country, or city is the time to do it! Go see a special exhibit or drop by an installment, try a new food or cuisine, see how this new place differs from the old. Make discoveries.

 

2. Don't Over-Indulge

This might seem like a no-brainer, or even cliché, but it's true. Do everything in moderation. It is especially important to be careful when out at night in areas that are foreign to you, whether it is the new city you are studying in or the town you are visiting for a weekend trip. 

3. Try the Local Cuisine

Don't eat out at American chain restaurants like McDonald's and Chipotle all the time—you have them at home! This is your one opportunity to try these local restaurants that aren't available to you on a daily basis. And try new foods! Never had fish and chips? Don't know the difference between spring peas and mushy peas? Now is the time to discover what they are and what you like.

Nine Trouble-Saving Tips in Valencia

By Devyn Fussman
It’s true that there’s no teacher like experience, but there are still a few things that are helpful to know- and that I wish I’d known – before going to Valencia.

 

1. When you go to talk to your bank about using money overseas, ask if they can give you a chip card (a credit card with a computer chip in it). Most places in Europe won’t take cards that don’t have the chips, and it’s much easier than trying to count out cash in a long line. Also ask if they can order euros for you, and get a decent amount. I did this before leaving and it made the first week a much smoother transition since I didn’t have to run around trying to find a place to exchange money. When you place your order, ask that the denominations be mixed up so you’re not weighed down with too many little bills or at risk with too many big ones. 

 

2. The tables and chairs on the streets are not public; they belong to the restaurants in front of them. This isn’t obvious because the umbrellas will sometimes have different logos, but if you sit down it means you’re going to buy something. I had no idea that was the case and almost annoyed a server by eating another restaurant’s food at one of her tables! To save face, I quickly ordered water (which, by the way, is not free in Spain). The way cafés work in Valencia and in other parts of Europe is the customer sits down and the server walks over and takes the order. Unlike in America, the servers aren’t going to keep checking on you to see if you need anything. They don’t rush you at all and won’t give you the bill until you ask for it. When you want to pay, remember the magic words: La cuenta, por favor.

 

3. Another difference from America is that in Valencia, cafés are treated more like actual restaurants and less like makeshift office spaces. People don’t sit and stay; nobody breaks out a laptop and studies for finals like they do in Tallahassee. The one place that might be an exception is Starbucks, but even then you should expect to buy some food and drink in exchange for your stay.

 

4. Buy a reusable tote bag at the Bazar Feliz (the convenience store near the study center) or bring one with you. This is a huge help when it comes to grocery shopping, because you have to carry everything you buy and the stores here will charge you for plastic bags.  Bring a tote or buy one at the grocery store, and take a backpack too for extra space. Publix has spoiled us by always bagging our groceries, providing the bags free of charge, and loading up our cars for us. In Valencia, not only do you have to pay for the bags, you have to fill them yourself! That was a bit of a surprise to me when the cashier rang me up and immediately pushed my stuff to the side and helped the next customer. 

 

5. Don’t disregard the coins. In America, quarters are the only coins with any real value most of the time, so we tend to just throw them aside. But with the euro that’s not the case. There are coins that are worth one or two euros, and you can actually buy things with them.

 

6. Restaurants in Valencia don’t provide free refills. But what they do provide is a bottle for your drink in addition to a glass, so you can take it with you if you don’t finish. The portions they give tend to be reasonable, so if you pace yourself well you shouldn’t even need a refill.

 

7. Don’t expect a lot from breakfast time. At FSU we’re used to having big breakfasts at Dennys, Einsteins and Dunkin Donuts, but in Spain breakfast isn’t as much of a thing. It’s usually a piece of bread, some coffee, and maybe a piece of fruit. The main meal of the day is lunch, so you’re not likely to find a lot in terms of pancakes or omelets. But Pan de Queso, which is right across the street from the Gold building, has some delicious bread for good prices, and they accept cheques too.

 

8. When you go on the excursions, pay attention to the directions used to get where you’re going. The way they usually work is that you’ll be escorted to the site, but once you get there you’re on your own, so it’s important to know how to get back. Take notes if you have to, and be sure to use landmarks that are unique. I made the mistake of using a pharmacy as my landmark, not realizing that there are two of them on every corner! Try something more specific, like a graffiti drawing or a historical site.

 

9. If you start to feel homesick, the best medicine is to distract yourself. I always found that it hit me the hardest when I was just lying around my room doing nothing; as soon as I left I felt much better. Get out and do something to take your mind off it, even if all you do is go for a walk. The beauty of Valencia and all that goes on will give you something else to think about, and when classes and excursions start, you’ll be so busy you won’t have time to be homesick!

 

Expectations and Tips for Study Abroad Students

By: Angeles Ross

Homesickness is common and absolutely understandable, but don’t let it ruin your experience.

When you start to feel homesick, engage that energy into making new friends, going out into the city to explore or people watch. Writing journals can help organize your thoughts and memories so you have something you can use to look back on your experience. Skyping with family and friends at least once a week will provide you with a chance to catch-up on what is going on in each other’s lives. Whatever you do, don’t spend countless hours in your room watching Netflix and eating Nutella out of a jar. Whether you are studying abroad for a year or a month, enjoy every moment because eventually it will come to an end.

If there is a language barrier, be patient and give yourself time to adapt.

The locals generally understand that you are not originally from that area and it is challenging at times to communicate. Just try your hardest to learn a few basic terms and phrases that could be useful in day-to-day life. Don’t assume that everyone knows English. It always helps to ask first. Taking a language course before or during your study abroad program will enhance your experience by teaching you common phrases you can apply outside the classroom.

Step outside the typical American stereotype while abroad.

Be careful to avoid the ugly American syndrome. Even though you may feel like a local due to the fact that you are living there for a month up to a year with a study abroad program, you are still classified as a “tourist.” Don’t be someone the locals complain about. Set an example as an American study abroad student to act appropriately. If you study abroad with FSU, always remember to uphold the university’s standard of conduct.

Cultural norms abroad are different from those in the States.

Each country has its own set of cultural norms. Familiarize yourself with how to greet others - whether it’s by one or two kisses on the cheek, a firm handshake, or a hug. It may feel uncomfortable or awkward at first but learn to adapt out of respect for that country’s customs.

 

Tipping and doing laundry are a few differences you will notice right away. Do some research regarding how much you should tip waiters in your study abroad area as well as their protocol for washing clothes. Some European machines should not be used to wash delicates.

Learn the local form of transportation. 

Taken from: lonelyplanet.com

Figuring out the local bus, train, or tube system will save you time and stress. It will especially come in handy if you need to be somewhere very early in the morning or late at night. Investing in a bike – specifically in Florence – will cut down travel time to class and make you feel more at home.

The life you left back at home hasn’t stopped just because you left.

It’s sad but true: family and friends will continue on without you. You may miss an event you wish you could be home for, such as holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. But remember that you’re experiencing a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Enjoy it!

Attend all your pre-planned program trips.

You’ve already paid for it in your program frees, so why not go? All the trips – no matter what location you are studying in – are amazing. You’ll have the chance to visit places most regular tourists haven’t heard of or choose to ignore. Your professors are basically your personal tour guides with PhDs so take advantage!

Get to know your professors, program directors and assistants while abroad.

They will be great for letters of recommendation and references down the road. Plus, they may know the best places to eat in town, what local activities to take part in, and how to make the most out of your abroad experience, so it never hurts to be on their good side.