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Letter: Tips for students planing on going abroad

Jeremy Holloway

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As the days of International Week at the University of Toledo approaches, many students are getting interested in other cultures’ food, clothing and language. If you ask students why they desire to travel, they will say to “learn another language,” “expand one’s world view,” “enhance one’s career opportunities,” and “experience first-hand another culture,” but not many know about the how to get started.

In my experience, I have studied abroad, taught as an English teacher abroad and have worked as an au pair (live-in-tutor for three children) abroad, and this has been an experience that I will never forget! Students often ask me what are the best places to go for working or traveling abroad, and my answers are usually similar. Go someplace where you know you are interested in linguistically and culturally! If you are interested in the language, culture and history, this makes traveling an incredible experience.

In my experience, the way I start my study or work abroad experience before I travel is normally the same. First, make friends where you already are. Getting to know somebody from the culture you are interested in is important because this will help you get in the custom of befriending someone from that particular country. You can also gain a more personal awareness about the history and the customs of the culture. Making a connection can also be very helpful when you arrive in the country as most internationals would love to connect you with residents they know in their country.

Second, connect with a group, organization or recruiter! If you do research on your own about programs that help you travel/study/teach abroad, you may have difficulties finding authentic programs. There are not many, but there are some organizations that may not be firmly established. Although they might have your best interest in mind, they may not have the experience to effectively help you prepare well. For this reason, organizations such as USAC are very helpful because they can help connect you with trusted groups on the campus’ of multiple countries worldwide. It is best to find someone who has already been to the country you desire to travel to and ask lots of questions. Stop in the USAC department in Snyder Memorial Building and ask them anything you like. Tell them I sent you.

Finally, plan ahead! Most organizations’ recruiters need to have detailed information about your interests before you start your traveling journey abroad. So start thinking about what your interests are and why you want to travel abroad. Make sure you have enough money, desire and time to make the experience worthwhile for you. The cost of traveling is always overrated. You can find deals on flights, scholarships, and opportunities that are amazingly available to you! The time of planning also doesn’t have to be a year or two in advance! Six months can be more than enough time to prepare for the experience. A recruiter or someone you can work with will give you the details you need so you can plan for at least six months in advance and be on your way to Spain, South Korea, Italy or wherever you like to travel (all depending on the details of your travel).

In short, many students are going to be traveling abroad within the year to study, to work or to simply get experience discovering the world. My advice is, the greatest part about traveling are the people who live where you are going. Make sure you connect with the people and see what made the country so amazing and beautiful to begin with and you will have an amazing experience!

Jeremy Holloway, TA majoring in English as a second language

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