Common Study Abroad FAQs

When will students have time to visit home?
For First Year Abroad(FYA) students, the best time to visit home would be in December, during winter break. Visit our FYA page to see exact program dates and breaks.

 

How can I contact my student during his/her time abroad?
Michelle Futo, a Student Recruiter, wrote a great article on this earlier this summer so check out her post at this link (nolereservations.blogspot.com/2015/06/how-to-alleviate-your-parents-worries.html). When I was abroad I chose to FaceTime from my sister’s iPod with my whole family in the room. Check out your options and consider whichever is best for your situation before you go abroad.

 

What about money?
In our three Europe locations, students will need to take out local currency (Euro for Valencia and Florence and the British pound for London). Paying in cash is highly recommended since many banks and credit card companies will charge a fee for using a credit card outside of the U.S. Speaking from personal experience, I would say to go to your local bank and buy $300-400 worth of currency before you go abroad. It’s good to have some money when you arrive, so you’re not scrambling around looking for an ATM the first couple of hours in your new home.

Throughout your trip you will want to make withdrawals of currency. Make sure you do this in larger increments to make it worth the convenience fee. Keep money you won’t be using in your safe in the residence hall room and be sure not to carry more than $50 worth of money with you around town.  

I would also recommend making a budget before you go and to discuss this with your parents about money before you leave so no one is taken by surprise. Use Google Docs to write your budget written down and share it with your parents.This organization will help you keep track of spending.

Contact your bank as well so you don’t have to worry about any denied transactions while you’re abroad.

 

How many hours will I have to take abroad?
Program fees cover up to 16 hours in the Fall and Spring and 3 to 16 hours in the Summer semesters. In order to receive Bright Futures or Florida Pre Paid, you will need to enroll in a minimum of 12 hours for Fall and Spring and 6 hours for Summer. FYA student's program fees cover up to 49 credit hours. FYA students must complete minimum of 36 FSU credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA in those classes in order to receive in-state tuition upon return to FSU. Please note, credit hours vary based on programs and length of stay. Please refer to our website for the specific amount of credits included.

Closer to your program date, you will receive an email telling you to register for classes as well as specific instructions on how to find the classes offered in your abroad location on the my.fsu.edu page.

 

Is English spoken in the program locations?
All classes (except language classes) will be taught in English. Although, there is no guarantee that the citizens around you will be proficient in English. Make sure you buy a phrasebook or download an app like Duolingo to help learn some of the language. I can’t stress how important it is to learn some basic phrases (and possible responses to those phrases) in case you get lost. Most taxi drivers will not speak English so be sure you know how to get to your destination and back in the local language (including cities you visit outside of your study location); also have the address written down in case you can’t pronounce the address. Knowing those key phrases goes a long way to making a good impression on the people of your host country.

 

What can I expect in my classes when I study abroad?
When you study abroad, many of your classes will be taught by FSU professors or local faculty. These people are experts in their particular course subject . Therefore, you can expect classes to be very similar to the ones you are taking at the Tallahassee campus. Classes abroad, however, are much smaller than in Tallahassee. So small, that your absence or tardiness will be noticed and may negatively impact your grade. Textbooks are also very important when you go abroad. The best idea is to purchase them before you leave and bring your textbooks overseas. Shipping textbooks from the US is not advisable since the package will have to go through customs where you may be charged more than you paid for the textbook. Also, the book may not arrive until several weeks after your program starts (for this same reason we recommend that parents do not send their students care packages while abroad).

Since class sizes are very small and you are most likely in a city full of things to do, you will be walking around the city for a lot of your classes. Professors like take advantage of the opportunity to show students city highlights and how they apply to the course content. Bring clothes and shoes that are comfortable for walking!

 

Will I be picked up and dropped off at the airport at the beginning and end of my program?
Your program fees will include airport pickup for most locations. If, for some reason, your flight will not arrive in time for pickup, you will need to find transportation to the study center on your own. A few months before you leave, you will be emailed a pre departure information packet. In this packet there will be specific airport pickup times. The packet will also include instructions on how to get to the airport pickup location and how to get to the study center. The FSU International Programs department suggests printing out this packet and keeping it in your carry-on in case something happens to your luggage.

Since everyone will have different travel plans, there is no group drop-off at the airport at the end of the program. However, when you check out of the study center, the program assistants will call you a taxi to get you safely to the airport.  

 

What travel documents will I need to travel Europe?
To enter the country for your program, you will need a passport. When traveling outside of your host country, you will need to bring your passport as a form of identification. Before you leave, make a photocopy of your passport for your parents or guardians to keep in case of an emergency. When you get to the study center, they will also make a copy of your passport for their record. When traveling, keep your passport in a carry-on bag but not in a front pocket for maximum accident protection.

 

What do I pack?
The main thing you need to pack for your time abroad is a rain jacket (or umbrella) and a couple pairs of comfortable walking shoes (you will be walking A LOT). Do some research on what type of converter you need for electronics and bring the appropriate one. If you’re traveling in the summer, you may want to bring sunscreen and/or bug spray. You will also want to bring a laptop, many assignments need to be done online; our study centers all have wifi available for students.

Electric appliances like hair dryers, straighteners, etc. should not be brought over.

Written by: Kevin Smith, 2015-2016 Student Recruiter

Study Abroad Application FAQs

Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make during your college experience; it can also be one of the most confusing. I am a Student Recruiter for the International Programs office at FSU, and I studied abroad in Costa Rica. This essay is a list of the most frequently asked questions. Many of these questions are commonly asked during the application process, and if you need any information not included in this article, please call the FSU IP department (850.644.3272).

When should I study abroad?You can study abroad your first semester, your last semester, or any time in between. Some majors are more difficult to align required classes with study abroad classes, so as soon as you’re curious, talk to your academic advisor about opportunities. For most people, it is easier to go earlier rather than later. However, every program ranges in ages from freshman to senior.   

Do I have to be an FSU or Florida resident student to go on a program?

No. There are many students who come from other universities and other states to study abroad with us. Program fees are the same for both FSU students and non-FSU students.

What program should I pick?

Each of our programs has very unique offerings. If you want to study abroad in the Fall or Spring semesters check out our study center locations in Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; London, England; and Panama City, Republic of Panama. If you’re looking to study in the summer, you can find more programs that are specialized to a specific degrees. Look on campus for our brochure or check our website (international.fsu.edu) for the most up to date information. Our website also has a listing of classes that was offered the previous year of a particular program. This list gives an idea of what classes you can expect to be offered during your semester.* Liberal Studies and foreign language requirements are oftentimes fulfilled at one of our four study center locations.

*Please note that these classes can and do vary from year to year.

How does the application process work?

Once you decide on a program, go on our website and select your destination. From the main program page click “Apply” where you will be directed to the application. Once you submit the application, you will need to pay the $100 application fee. This can be paid online through my.fsu.edu or you can call our office, and we will process your payment over the phone. If you apply before the Early Application Deadline, this $100 will be applied to your program fees.

Once your application is submitted, our admissions coordinator will look at factors such as GPA and your disciplinary record. If there is any issue, you may be asked to email the office to explain an incident before admission to the program. Some limited access programs (such as Communication Disorders in London) are decided by the program directors, not the FSU office administration. If there are no issues, within about three weeks you will get an acceptance email to the program including more information as well as deadlines. It is extremely important to check your email regularly; International Programs will send you emails regarding updates to your program, deadlines, as well as important information about your trip.

For summer programs (especially Valencia), applying early is key. These programs fill up the quickest so be sure to apply before Thanksgiving, so you don’t end up on a waiting list.

How does the cost of a semester abroad compare to a semester on campus?

The FSU Admissions website estimates the cost for a semester at FSU for in-state students to be about $9,774 including tuition, housing, a meal plan, and insurance (http://admissions.fsu.edu/freshman/finances/costs.cfm, this link’s estimate is for two semesters, so I divided the approximations by two). All of our programs are priced differently. Exact prices are listed on our website, international.fsu.edu.

What do the program fees include?

Program fees include tuition (up to 17 hours in Fall and Spring and up to 10 hours in the Summer), housing, insurance, program excursions, program group activities, and full-time academic support. Some programs include more such as meal vouchers, pizza nights, or transport passes. Program fees are the same for all participants regardless of their state of residence.

What scholarships are offered?

Our office offers a few scholarships both need and merit based. These are very competitive, so be diligent when filling out the applications. You can also find a number of scholarships online and through other FSU departments. Check with your department to see if they have any kind of aid offered for students studying abroad.

Our Financial Aid advisor Rod Mack offers workshops throughout the semester to help students who are wondering how they are going to pay for a study abroad experience. Check our website for details on those workshops.

Do you accept Florida Prepaid and Bright Futures?

Yes! Bright Futures is accepted for the Fall and Spring only (just like on campus). Florida Prepaid is accepted year-round. We also accept Florida Prepaid housing plans for our programs.

Financial aid doesn’t come in until after my program starts, what do I do?

Financial aid is usually dispersed at the start of the semester, long after program fees are due. If you are expecting financial aid, fill out a deferment form (found on our website under “Money Matters”) and fax, mail, or bring it to our office. This form tells us how much aid you are expected to receive from loans, scholarships, etc. Also, the document says you acknowledge you are responsible for paying your fees if you do not receive the expected amount.

If something changes in your financial aid status (new scholarship or taking more classes) you can let us know by filling out a new deferment form with the updated information.

By: Kevin Smith, 2015-2016 Student Recruiter

Retrospective Realizations

As I sit in the airport waiting to head home, I keep thinking about some of the things I learned while I was on my study abroad program, some of which may be helpful to others. One suggestion I have for those traveling is to keep a journal. I have a terrible memory, so I invested in a leather journal my first day in Florence, Italy and recorded all of my adventures. Without this journal, in just a few years I would forget many memories of Italy. With the same idea in mind, I also relied on the app Day One. This app is a photo journal that records the date, location and time a picture was taken, as

well as allowing you type a comment about the picture. Little things like this will help you keep track of all the experiences you have traveling. Another important tip is to make the most of your time abroad. I know that sounds obvious, but after a few days you may think taking a long nap is no big deal or skipping a museum is fine. However, it’s important to remember that your time abroad is going to come to an end, and it usually comes much faster than expected. Don't try to pack everything in at the end of your stay. I advise you to spread it out and plan accordingly. If you're not a museum person, find other activities. I love coffee and found a class that taught you how to create coffee art. I wanted to see a performance, so my friends and I attended a ballet in Fiesole, a beautiful city only 20 minutes outside of Florence. There is always something to do in a foreign city, so don't spend too much time on homework or catching up on sleep. You'll regret not doing more in the end. 

 

Author: Courtney Merolle

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.

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.