Living abroad is the best part of studying abroad. You get to immerse yourself in a new culture, experience new customs and cuisine, and meet interesting people. To ensure an experience you’ll never forget you’ve got to plan for appropriate accommodations, keep your health and safety in check, have access to the funds you’ll need, and of course, stay connected to those you love at home.
Whether you use an international calling through a provider like Communications Fidelity, an international cell phone, email or IM, staying in touch with home will give you the peace of mind needed to freely enjoy your experience living abroad.
Home Sweet Home Away From Home
You may a have a variety of housing options to pick from while you’re living abroad, including dormitories, apartments, or home-stays. What you ultimately select should be based on your personality, as well as the level of cultural immersion you’re looking for.
As an exchange student you may have the opportunity to live with other Americans, with students from the host country, or even exchange students from other countries. Your choice will affect your living abroad experience immeasurably. While you can find comfort living with other Americans, living with people from another country will provide you with an experience far different from the one you’re getting at your home school.
Additionally, living with an entire family in a home-stay situation can provide you with a true taste of the culture, the people, their customs, and the local food. The best part is that a home stay will force you to use the national language every day, thus increasing your fluency in it today, and your marketability in the workforce later on.
Keeping in Touch with Mom & Dad
Staying in touch while away from home has never been easier. There are a number of communication options to keep you up-to-date with family news and gossip at your home school, including international calling cards or international cell phones. Additionally, you can use email or IM to keep in touch, without any time zone restrictions.
One of the newest and most convenient ways to keep all of your ‘fans’ current with your latest adventures is to start a travel blog. Not only can you mass distribute information to everyone at the same time, you can also create an ongoing diary of your experience living abroad that will become a cherished keepsake.
International Calling
International calling cards and other communication tools can make keeping in touch with home simple while you’re living abroad. Stay current with your family and friends, home school events, and other important information. Learn about your international calling options here.
Student Travel Insurance
Student travel insurance can mean the difference between an experience living abroad that you’ll never forget and one you’ll never finish paying for. Protect yourself, your health, your assets, and your future by obtaining student travel insurance. Learn more about student travel insurance here.
Health & Safety Information
Your health and safety while living abroad should not be taken lightly. In the end if you aren’t protected from harm, your trip will be a miserable experience. A study abroad health and safety plan can help keep you healthy and happy. Click here for health and safety information and tips you’ll need to go abroad.
Banking Abroad
Having a plan in place to pay for food, excursions, and cultural experiences is necessary when living abroad. You’ll need to have an international debit card or some other means to get instant access to your bank account at home. For more tips on banking abroad, click here.
International Internet Access
International internet access is an inexpensive way to stay in touch with everyone and everything you care about at home while you’re living abroad. Whether you plan to talk to your sister on IM or check the stats of your favorite football team, international internet access can help you feel connected to the world at large. Learn how to gain international internet acces here.