Traveling alone is not an easy task... Especially if you are traveling alone in a foreign country. If you are a little worried about the organization once you arrive, this post is for you!
PLAN AND PREPARE
You are in a foreign country far from your family and friends. This means that there will be no one to help you cook, clean your apartment, run errands, or simply help you with any task. It may seem insurmountable!
That's why I advise you to make lists for each week where you note when you do your shopping, when you cook, when you wash your bells etc. It sounds very stupid said like that but it is very useful in the end! Things you may think are obvious can perhaps be overlooked like checking in on your family (yes mom, I'm still alive!). For example, the list below can give you an example of how to organize yourself for a week:
• Monday: shopping
• Tuesday: Call family and friends
• Wednesday: do the laundry
• Thursday: sports
• Friday: no task
• Saturday: cleaning of the apartment and visit
• Sunday: go for a walk outside and visit
TALK AND TRY TO INTEGRATE
A new country often means a different language where English cannot be the main language. Thus, it can be more difficult to go shopping in supermarkets. In this situation, I advise you to learn the basic words of the country. For example, learning to say: "hello", "goodbye" or "thank you" in the language of your country is the minimum in my opinion.
Of course, if you know that you will need a specific vocabulary, it is preferable that you know how to say it in English but also in the language of the country where you are.
Although English is generally spoken by people, do not neglect to learn the basic words of the main language of the country.
ENJOY AND VISIT
A foreign country is also a place to discover and visit. So when you plan to do something, please inform yourself where you want to go. Indeed, there may be a limited number of tickets (for the monument or the areas you wish to visit) and therefore you must reserve one before coming. Otherwise, it is important to know the opening times especially if you plan to visit something on a public holiday or at the weekend.
If you are in a foreign country to do an internship (like me), you can find out from your colleagues by asking them. For example, here is a list of questions you can ask them to visit the country where you are:
-What can I visit in this city?
-Do I have any activities to try while I'm in the country?
-Do you have to pay attention to something?
-Are there interesting museums to discover?
-Can I get a discount with a student card?
-Have you ever been to this place?
- Could you recommend it to me?
- What can I see in this monument? Why is it famous?
BONUS: HOW TO PROPERLY ORGANIZE AN ACTIVITY/VISIT IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY
Step 1: Choose a monument, a city, a place... where you want to go. It can be an activity you want to realize too.
Step 2: Once that's done, decide which day you can go.
Step 3: Find out (if necessary) about certain points, such as opening hours, tickets, student discounts...
Step 4: After, find a means of transport to reach your goal (and also to return home): bus, train, car (maybe you are lucky and your parents give you a car for your trip) . Choose the transport that suits you.
Step 5 (optional): Maybe there are other trainees in your company or maybe you have friends in the country (or not too far away) so you can ask them to do the activity /visit with you!
Step 6: Enjoy!
An experience abroad can seem scary and maybe you can feel lost at first. But, no worries! Of course, there is a time to adapt and find a balance. However, don't forget that you are living a unique experience and therefore, enjoy it!
Comments