Living Abroad

living abroad

The Fundamentals of Living Abroad

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. However, a lot of preparation goes into knowing where you are going to live, how you are going to access funds, who you are living with, etc.

To ensure an experience you’ll never forget you’ve got to:

  • Plan for appropriate accommodations
  • Keep your study abroad health and safety in check
  • Have access to the funds you’ll need
  • 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 study 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.

Stay Connected

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:

Having an international phone call is also a safety feature to use to call local police, other study abroad students and your coworkers if you are working or interning abroad. 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. With a travel blog you can:

  • Mass distribute information to everyone at the same time
  • Create an ongoing diary of your experience living abroad that will become a cherished keepsake

You can also, of course, update Facebook. The Study Abroad Domain Facebook Page is full of useful information for you to share with fellow travelers and to get ideas from our study abroad resources.

Read on to find information on specific information pertaining to keeping in touch with people at home, and others abroad:

International Cell Phones

International cell phones are smart to have so you can not only keep in touch with family and friends back home, but also keep in touch with your study abroad friends as they travel. Find out if your cell phone and cell phone provider offer an international plan before going abroad, or choose to cancel your cell phone and buy a pay-as-you-go cell phone in your study abroad location.

To learn more about international cell phones click here.

International Calling Cards

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 card options here.

International Cell Phone Q&A

Still confused on certain specifics about international cell phone and international calling cards? This page is constantly updated with the most pertinent questions we’ve been asking about cell phones.  The original questions focus on international cell phone use in Great Britain.
To ask your own question or find an answer click here.

International Student Identity Card

This card is possibly the most important purchase you can make when studying abroad. No matter which location you choose to study in, whether it be semester or a summer study abroad, an ISIC card is necessary.
Find out what the ISIC can do for you by clicking 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 access here.

Making Friends Abroad

Everyone wants other people to share in the wonders and adventures they have during study abroad. The best way to do that is to make friends with the other students you are studying abroad with! Travel together, work abroad together, or plan study groups together!
To read some tips on how to make friends abroad click here.