Emily shares insights and tips learned during her study abroad experience. She writes:
Studying abroad was one of the most memorable and impactful experiences of my college career. As I spent three weeks exploring New Zealand’s South Island through Virginia Tech’s Sustaining Human Societies and the Environment program, I learned quite a bit about traveling, living with a group, and making the most out of such a unique experience. Looking back, there are a few things I wish I knew while preparing for my trip and before boarding my flight to Christchurch. Whether you’re considering studying abroad in New Zealand, participating in another Hokies Abroad program, or doing a semester abroad, here are five things I’d recommend keeping in mind!
Keep an open-mind
Whether it’s making friends with your tripmates, trying unfamiliar foods, immersing yourself in local culture, or stepping outside your comfort zone, keeping an open mind will help you get the most out of your experience. The three weeks I spent abroad were truly unlike any other time in my life. I met so many new people, both within my group and among the locals we met along the way. I had the opportunity to experience different ways of life and learn about perspectives I may not have otherwise been exposed to. Sometimes, the best experiences simply come from saying yes to something new!
Organization is your friend
Living out of a suitcase for three weeks and moving around frequently can sound intimidating but with a little bit of organization, it quickly becomes second nature. For my trip, I utilized packing cubes to organize my clothes by type, which made getting ready, repacking, and finding my clothes much easier! I also benefited from packing a variety of clothes and being prepared for different types of weather. Even if you’re traveling somewhere known for its sunshine, layers and rain gear are always a good thing to bring. A little bit of preparation goes a long way!
Make sure you have enough phone storage
This might seem silly, but you’ll thank yourself later. The memories I made in New Zealand truly live in my photos and videos. From the breathtaking landscapes to funny moments on the bus, there was always something worth capturing. Between taking pictures, recording videos of waterfalls and wildlife, and sharing daily update pictures with my family at home, storage can fill up surprisingly quickly. Before leaving for your trip, take some time to clear out your camera roll, backup important memories, and make sure you have plenty of room. It’s just as fun to look back at the little moments as it is to remember the big ones.
The importance of prioritizing your sleep and schedule
AUIP programs are action-packed! Between excursions, guest lectures, early mornings, and travel days, there is almost always something on the itinerary. I quickly realized the importance of getting a good night’s sleep in order to be well rested and ready to take everything in. You don’t want to be halfway through an incredible hike wishing you had gone to bed earlier.
These programs are so successful because of the amount of planning that goes into them, often down to the hour. Being punctual when checking out of hotels, meeting the group for excursions, and attending guest lectures helps everything run smoothly. It’s also important to be flexible when plans change. Staying organized, being respectful of everyone’s time, and allowing yourself enough rest will make the experience much more enjoyable.
Your favorite memories may not be planned ones
While the sightseeing, excursions, and planned activities are what may draw you to a program, some of my favorite memories came from the smaller, unplanned moments in between. I celebrated my twenty-first birthday over dinner in Te Anau with nearly all of my tripmates, and it was so special having everyone come together to celebrate. Another special memory was what my friends and I called “family dinners.” When meals weren’t included in the program, we would often go in together and cook a big feast in the hostel and hotel kitchens. There was something really special about everyone gathering in the kitchen helping to prepare the food and sitting down to enjoy a meal together. These moments helped forge friendships I’ll have for a lifetime and made my experience so meaningful. Leave room for spontaneity, get to know your tripmates, and appreciate the small moments.
If there’s one thing I took away from my experience abroad, it’s that studying abroad offers so much more than the opportunity to visit somewhere new. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, build friendships, and experience the world from a new perspective. You don’t have to know exactly what to expect or have every detail figured out before you go, let yourself be surprised and take advantage of everything your program has to offer. If you’re a Virginia Tech student and studying abroad is something you’ve been considering, take a look into the Hokies Abroad programs because one might be the perfect fit for you!
