Summer Study Abroad Checklist
By Grace Carballo ‘17
As I sit amongst my possessions in the beautifully chaotic metamorphosis from unpacking to repacking, I feel mildly overwhelmed by just how much I still have to do before I leave for Madrid on Saturday. I take comfort, however, in knowing that I have already survived finals so I’m probably immune to stress at this point and that I have compiled a very thorough To Do list with the help of those who studied abroad before me and the Internet community as a whole.
Since USC offers an impressive spread of summer abroad opportunities, many of which are linked at the end of this post, I know I am not alone in this preparation predicament. As much as I would love to just pack my bags and hop on a plane, the reality is the logistics required to study abroad are not conducive to spontaneity- but definitely be a free spirit when you actually arrive.
1) Gifts That Keep on Giving
If you are staying with a host family, you should get a gift for each member of the family that is both representative of your hometown and a good conversation starter. Some ideas I had so far that are apparently bad: a mug (too generic, they’ve probably gotten several if they host frequently) and the classic American film, Sandlot (DVDs are different in Madrid). I would love to provide you with a good idea but I’m still waiting on that brain blast.
2) Treat Yoself
You should absolutely find out what foods they won’t have in your host country and indulge in these foods exclusively until you leave. I heard peanut butter is not so prevalent in Madrid so the way to my heart is definitely Reese’s if you’re considering sending me a care package, which I definitely encourage.
3) If You Love Technology
Outlets are not the same everywhere- something I never considered until yesterday. If you plan on charging anything you need to look into an outlet converter and transformer. Those who use heat appliances, especially of the hair care variety, definitely make sure you have the voltage adapter.
4) Dress for the Weather You’ll Get, Not the Weather You Want
I had some really great boots packed until my friend told me it was 99 degrees Fahrenheit when she left Madrid last week. If you’re like me and are trying not to portray the U.S. as a country of obscenely sweaty people, do some research and pack accordingly.
5) Try Not To Offend Everyone
As a people pleaser, I’m cautiously optimistic that I won’t offend anyone, but to do this I have been looking up local Dos and Don’ts. People in other countries might not love your fist bump; they may think you’re tryna fight. You may have to get comfortable kissing people on the cheek or eating at entirely different hours. All of this is much easier with a little preparation and awareness.
6) Health Over Everything
I just spent the better part of a whole morning getting vaccinations for my fall study abroad in Nicaragua. There are travel clinics specifically for these occasions and my rad nurse, Peggy, also went over health concerns in Madrid to be mindful of, like some contaminated goat cheese they’re currently dealing with and particularly nasty disease-carrying nighttime mosquito. Had I not known this, I would probably have eaten more than my fair share of that goat cheese and dealt with some upsetting consequences. If you don’t have time or don’t think you need to get program specific vaccinations, you may want to check out the CDC website or do a little research just as a precaution.
Also, try to get a physical before you go and make sure you talk to your prescribers and insurance companies about getting all the medicine you might need BEFORE you go abroad, because shipping it can be problematic. Whatever you take, you should bring enough for the whole trip. And whatever you bring, you should have a note accompanying it so the airport security and Customs people know that you are legit. Medicines should go in your carry-on because even though all objects are replaceable and people are not, lost luggage is a whole lot worse if you lost all your meds, too.
7) When In Rome (or Madrid or Durban, etc.)
There is going to be some culture shock and once you’ve accepted that, you will be able to move forward a lot easier. My current plan of action is to keep an open mind and fully expect to embarrass myself, especially with my speaking abilities. I don’t really take naps, I go to bed pretty early, and I eat dinner at like 5:00 PM, much like my 75 and up counterparts. However, while I’m in Madrid this summer, you best believe I am going to utilize siestas, adjust to midnight as the start of the night and 10:00 PM dinners.
I’ve been perusing travel blogs and other advice sites just so I have an idea of what I am getting myself into and it actually has calmed my nerves a lot. I also have added a Madrid clock to my phone so throughout the day I can look at it and start planning for time differences. If you have a prescription you need to take at a certain time everyday, consider the time difference, as well.
8) Thanks for the Memories
A lot of people recommend bringing along a journal so you can remember every moment or if you want to, start a travel blog! They can also be really helpful to look at before you go, as well.
9) Money, Money, Money
If you plan on using your debit or credit card abroad, make sure there isn’t an international fee. Also, notify your bank beforehand so they don’t put a hold on your card, leaving you penniless and confused.
10) The Folks Back Home
Ask those key players in your life for their addresses so you can send them a postcard or letter or several. I’m a big believer in the joys or receiving mail and also never forgetting the people you’re temporarily leaving behind,
11) BONUS : Things You Should Know the Location Of
- your passport/photo ID
- copies of all these important documents in a different location than the originals (in case of robbery or carelessness)
- the name and number of your program director
- the name and number of your living arrangements
- your living arrangements (print a map, study it, learn it, live it)
- prescriptions - they should be in your carry-on
Already planning Summer 2K16? You, madam or sir, are going places.
For engineers who fear they cannot study abroad due to their majors, rest assured there are Viterbi summer programs overseas, (http://viterbi.usc.edu/students/undergrad/overseas/summer-overseas-program/) and my roommate, an Industrial and Systems Engineer, did a whole semester abroad this spring in Istanbul. If there’s a will, there’s a way!
For more information on USC’s summer opportunities abroad, check out the Maymester programs (http://dornsife.usc.edu/maymester/), Problems *Without Passports (http://dornsife.usc.edu/problems-without-passports/), and Dornsife Departmental Summer Programs (http://dornsife.usc.edu/departmental-summer-programs/).
Annenberg also has a Europe summer abroad opportunity (http://annenberg.usc.edu/CurrentStudents/IntlPrograms/UGIntlProgs/ICS.aspx) and the Price School of Public Policy offers international labs, exchanges, and internships (http://priceschool.usc.edu/initiatives/international/).
* somewhat of a misnomer because you do, in fact, need a valid passport and quite a few other documents, but I understand and appreciate the intention.
Safe travels to all! May every misfortune make a great anecdote!
- Grace
