Making the Most of your Semester Abroad
By: Hannah Skinner ‘23
Studying abroad will already be one of the most enriching experiences you have as a student, but there are ways to add even more value. Looking back at my experience at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, I felt like I adequately prepared myself to go abroad, but there was still plenty I learned along the way. Here’s some tips I implemented that helped me make the most of my time in South Korea.
Language prep and language practice
Many of you will study abroad in a country where the people speak a different language. You might need to order your food, ask for directions, and read signs not in your native language for the first time. Chances are, you already took some required language classes at USC for preparation, but I challenge you to not stop there! Regardless of whether one of your goals while abroad is to advance your language level or not, actively practicing and engaging in your target language is one of the best things you can do while abroad. You can connect with more people, gain confidence, and, once you break through your nerves, have fun while practicing! While I was in Korea, I tried to speak as much Korean as I could, and I found that people were very gracious and understanding about my language mistakes - I think you will find a similar positive reception anywhere you go. More than anything, people appreciate that you have studied their language before arriving.
USC has different language requirements for each program, but if you are going to a non-English speaking country, you will likely have to complete at least level 2 of the language before departure. This is also true of the program in Seoul, but I actually completed up to level 4. These extra levels of Korean were not necessary but did help me, since I had well-formed conversational abilities.
On campus, if you have a high enough proficiency and want to take classes taught in the language of the country, you may be able to enroll in these. Otherwise, your classes will be taught in English. For program-specific questions, talking to your overseas advisor or contact program’s office is useful. USC might also require you to take a language class through your study abroad university, which is what I did while in Korea. Note that other international students I met while abroad did not know any Korean but overcame the language barrier just fine. However, another big thing to consider is the presence of English in the country you are going to. Many countries, like in Europe and Asia, have a high presence of English-speakers which makes travel easier. For example in Seoul, many signs and menus are written in both languages, and plenty of people know how to speak English. All in all, don’t stress too much about the language barrier, it’s a fun challenge that’s able to be overcome!
Plan trips to other cities
Planning day trips or overnight trips to other cities in your study abroad country is one of the best ways to explore. While experiencing the unique charm of different cities, you’ll encounter new people, different customs, and a variety of topography. These experiences will deepen your understanding of the country, and through sightseeing and observations, possibly go as far as directly or indirectly teaching you about history and culture.
Find a group of students to travel with who have similar travel styles. When you make plans to go on a trip with your new study abroad friends make sure you consider things like: what time do you like waking up to start the day, do you like outdoorsy adventure, or city life, and, importantly, what specific destinations will you want to visit? Having travel buddies with similar goals makes for great trips.
Cultural festivals and parades
Make sure to look into any cultural festivals or parades happening while you are abroad. This is another amazing way to experience their culture first-hand. There’s no better way to enjoy music, see sites or performances, and try delicious food. Festivals are normally free to the public!
Meet local students
A great way to connect with the campus you’re studying at is meeting students from the university. It’s likely that your campus will have some great resources and opportunities for international students; these might be things like clubs, language exchange programs, excursions, and more! Take advantage of these, since many times local students who lead or participate in these programs are as eager to meet international students. Local students are also amazing resources for getting to know your new temporary home. Not only will they have the best recommendations for food to try and places to go, but they can also help you in moments of confusion or struggle as you’re navigating life in a foreign country.
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