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.

Enhancing your Study Abroad Experience After you’ve Returned

By: Michelle Campbell

As all study abroad alumni know, the thirst for adventure and new experiences continues to thrive long after the return flight to the U.S. has ended.  No matter where you call home, there are always opportunities to participate in activities to quench that thirst and enhance your study abroad experience. Whether you enjoyed meeting new people, going to cultural events, or dinning on delicious foreign food while abroad, there is always something you can find in the States to expand your global perspective even further.

Participate in Academic Programs with an International Component

If you are an enrolled student at a college or university, there may be one or two academic  
programs your study abroad experience can apply toward. At Florida State, there are two programs that include an ‘international experience’ portion: The Garnet and Gold Scholars Society and Global Pathways. Whether you studied, interned, or volunteered abroad, you’re experience can count as one of the components for each of these programs as a Florida State student. If you are interested in similar opportunities at your school, speak to your advisor to see what is available.

Participate in Cultural Exchange Organizations

This is another option for those still in school. Due to the high amount of students that come to the U.S. to study abroad, there are some universities and colleges that have established organizations to encourage foreign and American students to interact with one another. InternatioNole at Florida State is one of them. InternatioNole encourages students to “learn from, interact with, and have fun with one another through cultural, social, educational, and services activities on and off campus.” Don’t have an organization like this at your school? Consider starting one yourself! It’s a great way to get to know students from all over the world and participate in various cultural activities.

 

Become an English Tutor or Conversation Partner

Foreigners that move to the States without knowing much English or wish to brush up on their language skills seek out programs to learn or practice English with native speakers. Many of these programs look for volunteers to be tutors and conversation partners. You don’t have to be an English language guru in order to participate. Trainings are usually held to prepare tutors or conversation partners for what they will be doing. By volunteering for one of these programs, you’re able to assist individuals with a useful skill while establishing a new relationship with someone of a different culture and background. If you are a Florida State student or Tallahassee resident interested in one of these programs, Florida State’s Center for Intensive English Studies has a great conversation partner program and the Leroy Collins Library has an English tutor program (contact the library for more information).

Get your TEFL Certification
Interested in going back abroad? Consider checking off more places on your bucket list while gaining professional work experience abroad with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. With a TEFL certification, you can teach English in almost any country. There are different levels of the TEFL certification available, so do your research regarding what is required or recommended for the country in which you wish to teach. During your certification process, some programs provide hands on experience with teaching individuals whose primary language is not English. Students at Florida State can enroll in a TEFL program through The Center for Intensive English Studies.

The Two Best Methods of Learning Spanish Without Getting Bored

By Devyn Fussman
After getting accepted into the Valencia program, I realized I needed to learn Spanish quick, and three hours a week in class wasn’t going to be enough. After hunting around the Internet for ways to practice that wouldn’t feel like extra homework, I discovered two methods that have proven to be invaluable in helping to fill the practice void between Spanish classes.

The first was to watch the Spanish version of Disney movies. It’s easy if you have a Netflix account; just play a movie and switch the language to Spanish with English subtitles. There’s an impressive selection, ranging from animated classics to live action to Muppets and Mickey Mouse. The vocabulary is simple enough that it’s not too overwhelming for a beginner, and since most of us have seen Disney classics often enough to quote them verbatim, following the Spanish dialogue is fairly easy. In my experience, this was the best way to get used to hearing Spanish spoken by native speakers, rather than by an automated voice on a computer.   

The other, even better method I discovered for learning Spanish is Duolingo. Duolingo is an amazing language-learning app that you can download on any device for free. It provides lessons that include exercises in speaking, listening*, and translating both ways. You get four lives per lesson, and if you make it through without losing all of them, you can unlock more lessons. If you don’t lose any lives, you earn a “lingot,” which is Duolingo’s currency. Lingots can be used to purchase lessons that are more fun, like idioms or Spanish pick-up lines. Of course, the app doesn’t replace conversing with native speakers, but for me it did something no other method had done before: it made learning Spanish fun. It brought out my competitive side, and for the first time in years of learning Spanish, I didn’t want to stop.

The advantage to practicing on Duolingo instead of Centro is that, put simply, Duolingo is smarter. It doesn’t count off for typos or misplaced accents, though it will correct you and make a note of where the accent is supposed to go. It will also recognize what you’re trying to say even if you might be slightly off. For example, it asked me what the Spanish word for “road” was, and I put the Spanish word for “street.” Centro would mark that wrong because it only recognizes the answer that it’s been programmed to think is right. Duolingo allows for more wiggle room; as long as you’re in the general ballpark, it will allow you to continue without losing a life.

*Note that the speaking and listening exercises can be turned off if you don’t have audio capabilities.

Packing for a Spring Semester Abroad in Europe

By Femke Lang

What to wear, what to wear... that is the crucial question that all students struggle with when it comes time to pack for a semester abroad. Don't fret quite yet; I am here to deliver some sound advice to help ease your packing stress.




Pack Light
First things first, whether you're a fashionista and your outfit will determine the quality of your pictures, or you're the kind of person that believes a shirt is a shirt and you could care less, the rule applies to all: pack light, pack light, pack light. I cannot stress that enough!

Dress for the Climate
The main goal when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck is to bring clothes you can layer (and unlayer) to cater to the changing climates. When you first arrive at your destination you’re going to be in the midst of that country’s winter. Whether you will be in sunny Spain near the beach or in chilly England, don't discredit the time of year you will arrive and the potentially colder climates you may end up visiting. You have to pack for the changing of seasons. During the colder months, layer clothes to keep you warm. The cold days tent to outnumber the warm ones so you will still need to dress warm when the sun isn't out. As your study abroad experience comes to an end (unfortunately, it does not last forever) you will be able to head to the beach and dress a bit lighter. Just layer up and you will be able to conquer whatever weather is thrown at you!  

Keep it Simple
Another important thing to remember is to pack as many plain and solid pieces as you can. I am the first to pick out a fun and upbeat patterned shirt, but I promise, something plain will go a long way. Cheap flight companies are VERY strict and only allow one TINY bag. They will try to nickel and dime you if you go even the slightest bit over the allowance, so you want to avoid this at all costs. There will also be days (hopefully not weeks) that you will have to wear the same pants, shirts, outfits in a row. Fortunately, no one will be able to notice if you wear the same solid prints day in and day out (they may start to smell you though).  To be the most cost effective travelers, you will want to stick with the bare basics and pack the minimal amount. After all, the places you will be visiting are much cooler than any patterned Tee, so you won't even care!

Leave Valuables at Home
One last key note, make sure to leave all your nice and treasured pieces at home. A word of advice to you girls, I picked up some cheap clothes at my local Forever21 and packed items that I would not mind ripping, smelling, or having to leave behind if they didn't fit. Not only will it leave more room in your suitcase to bring things back home (wink, wink), but you will never have to worry about things getting damaged or dirtied. In general, you should leave anything valuable at home to lessen your anxiety of loss, damage, or theft from pick-pocketers. You really will adapt and be okay without these items and there are plenty of cheap and affordable places to buy any necessary clothing or other items that you may need!

Taken from SodaHead.com

I found this great website, here, to help give you some guidelines to follow and give you an idea on what to bring and not to bring to some countries you may visit!
MOST OF ALL, ENJOY AND CHERISH YOUR TIME ABROAD; IT GOES BY FASTER THAN YOU CAN BLINK!

** P.S. If you find that you have some extra room in your suitcase, feel free to pack me!**

'We Are Happy' in Valencia

Check out this awesome video from the Valencia Spring 2014 group!
 

 

Click here to see the video on Youtube

London: How to Avoid Breaking the Bank

By Kristen Kemp

While you’re thrilled to be able to live in the most amazing city on earth, what many students traveling to London for the first time don’t realize is just how expensive London is. You’re in one of the most visited international cities in the world, and given the dollar to pound conversion the past few years, you are pretty much paying double for anything and everything you buy in the UK. Below are a few tips & tricks to avoid overspending, and the feeling of “I can’t do that because it’s too expensive.” 
 
Grocery Stores/Markets
You’ll hear it a million times, but the absolute #1 way to save money in London is to eat in. In London's top 5 places to eat I touched on the best places to eat out. But, I also made myself a lot of good, inexpensive meals in. I would usually hit Morrison’s (2 minute walk from study center) and stock up on cheap cereal, milk, eggs, bread, the basics. Then I would visit Torrington Market (10 minute walk) every Thursday to stock up on fresh berries for cheap. One of my personal favorite “brunch” items I would make before a long day of class was a scrambled egg and cheese croissant. I bought my croissants day of at Pret, they were always fresh, and only a 3 minute walk away. Sainsbury’s is by far the cheapest supermarket in London, Morrison’s following in closely behind. The price of groceries compared to the price of a meal in London is substantially cheaper. Also, buying beer and cider at grocery stores will save you a lot of money instead of drinking at the pub. A liter of cider will cost you less than £4, versus a pint of the same thing at a pub for £5. 
 
Museums
They’re ALL free. All of the best museums in London have free admission, but usually have a suggested donation area when you first walk in. I can’t tell you how many times I visited The British Museum, The National Gallery and The Victoria & Albert Museum. It’s hard to believe you can actually sit and look at a Van Gogh painting every day, for as long as you’d like, for free. Even if you are not a big history nerd like me, remember that the museums in London are the absolute best in the world. People travel from all over Europe to visit London’s museum scene. FSU is very lucky to be able to be located only a 5 minute walk away from The British Museum, home of the Rosetta Stone and some of the most      incredible collections from Ancient Egypt and The Enlightenment era. 

Walking
A tube ride will cost you on average about £2.60, and riding the bus is slightly cheaper. However, the cheapest (and FREE) way to get around London is to walk. The main part of Central London is pretty much less than 6 miles in length, which seems like a lot, but really isn’t when you put it into perspective. By walking, you’re not only saving on average about $6 US dollars a day, but you’re also walking off the endless amounts of Fish and Chips! 

Punch Cards
Yes, the UK has them! If you’re going to be in London for more than 4 weeks I would definitely recommend getting as many punch cards as possible, especially for coffee lovers. A few places that offer them, Cafe Nero (many locations around London) and Nando’s. Don’t be afraid to ask a place if they offer a punch, or loyalty card. Eventually, your purchases will build up and you’ll get a few free meals or drinks. Don’t forget to utilize your International Student ID! Never be afraid to ask a place if they take a student discount, many do.
 
Bargaining 
No doubt, a Harrods shopping spree is an absolute must before you leave London, and you certainly can’t bargain there. However, for those cheesy big ben shirts and keychains, you can easily bargain with the clerks to save a few extra pounds. If you go to a big London gift store like Cool Britannia (in Piccadilly Circus) you won’t be able to bargain. But, if you come across the smaller, off the beaten path souvenir shops, usually you can get a good deal on shirts and other goods. Just talk to the clerk and ask if they can give you a better price on the items your buying, most of the time they will accommodate, and you’ve just saved yourself a few pounds.