Article courtesy of DiversityAbroad.com
Your flight is booked, your bags are packed, and
you can hardly wait to start your international experience. Before
embarking on your adventure, however, here are some last-minute
questions to ask your study abroad adviser.
What are some ways I can truly immerse myself in the culture?
Your study abroad adviser will have some great ideas for
how to create a meaningful, personalized abroad experience. He or she
will able to point you in the right direction for finding university
organizations, volunteer opportunities, and internships to meet your
needs and passions. Perhaps your program has a homestay option or a
special language class. Speak with your adviser about these extra
options to make your experience even more valuable.
How can I reach the office if I run into an issue while abroad?
Sometimes the unexpected happens. That, unfortunately, is
part of life. Maybe you missed your flight or the passport control agent
is denying you admittance. Now that you’re settled in your new home,
perhaps you’re having issues with your housing situation or you’re
failing a class you need to graduate. Be sure you know how to reach the
study abroad office in case you have any trouble while overseas. Some
offices even have a 24/7 phone line for this exact purpose. Your study
abroad office is there to support you before, during, and after your
abroad experience so be sure you have a plan in place.
Are there any particular dates I need to be aware of while abroad?
You will be very busy immersing yourself in a new
university, community, and culture, but you still need to be aware of
what is going on at home. Most students will need to register for their
next semester courses while abroad. Write this reminder in your calendar
now so you’re prepared when the time comes. In addition, be sure to ask
your adviser how to participate in elections while abroad. Your vote
still counts!
How can I get involved once I return?
Reverse culture shock is a real problem for many students
returning from a study abroad experience. Have a plan for tackling the
symptoms of reverse culture shock by seeking volunteer or paid
opportunities with your study abroad office. Be a point of contact for
students interested in your program or volunteer at the study abroad
fair. Most study abroad offices also have a peer adviser program that
may or may not be a paid position. This could be a valuable opportunity
for you to share your experiences and inspire others to study abroad.
With these questions answered, you’re prepared to step on that plane and start a life-changing
adventure overseas. Enjoy it!
by ALISSA QUALHEIM
As a veteran study abroad student, Alissa loves all things international - travel, cuisine, history, and politics. She got her first taste of international travel at the age of 17 and has lived to travel ever since. Her adventures have taken her to over 20 countries, and she is currently working in two different university study abroad offices in Texas.
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Read the full article from DiversityAbroad at: http://www.diversityabroad.com/study-abroad/articles/top-questions-ask-study-abroad-adviser 