So let me start off by saying I am absolutely thrilled to be going overseas this summer. I’ve never been on a plane, never been out of the country, and I’ve definitely never traveled on my own before. It’s been on my bucket list to go to London for years now, so with graduation looming in the not-too-distant future, I thought I’d take the opportunity that UNCW offers, and study abroad in London during the second summer session. I am so excited to start the program, to head over to England, hear some great accents and experience some pretty awful food (or so I’ve been told), but I have to admit that I was completely unprepared for what studying abroad would actually mean. To help anyone else interested in studying in a foreign country avoid the same problems I’ve run into, I decided to include some of the more noteworthy issues you deal with when leaving America and entering the “real” world.
#1: The “Death To America” Issue
So obviously I read the news, but even if I didn’t know we had just killed the number one terrorist in the world (thank you Navy Seals) I still know many people have less than warm feelings for America (and subsequently) Americans. But I definitely didn’t expect anyone other than Muslims and those in the Middle East to hate us (sorry for stereotyping, I know not all people of Middle Eastern descent hate America). So imagine my surprise and wariness when the director of the orientation program for studying abroad informed me that it’d be best to not “act like an American.” Now you may be wondering what that means (I know I was). Apparently, we Americans have a reputation in most parts of the world for being rude, obnoxious, loud, too patriotic, and completely ignorant of the world outside our doorstep. Most countries have this preconceived notion of Americans because of what our media portrays. In fact, the director said, “Most foreigners are going to expect you to act like one of the cast members from the “Jersey Shore” reality show, so don’t.” So how exactly do we do this? UNCW’s advice for masking our nationality is as follows:
#1: The “Death To America” Issue
So obviously I read the news, but even if I didn’t know we had just killed the number one terrorist in the world (thank you Navy Seals) I still know many people have less than warm feelings for America (and subsequently) Americans. But I definitely didn’t expect anyone other than Muslims and those in the Middle East to hate us (sorry for stereotyping, I know not all people of Middle Eastern descent hate America). So imagine my surprise and wariness when the director of the orientation program for studying abroad informed me that it’d be best to not “act like an American.” Now you may be wondering what that means (I know I was). Apparently, we Americans have a reputation in most parts of the world for being rude, obnoxious, loud, too patriotic, and completely ignorant of the world outside our doorstep. Most countries have this preconceived notion of Americans because of what our media portrays. In fact, the director said, “Most foreigners are going to expect you to act like one of the cast members from the “Jersey Shore” reality show, so don’t.” So how exactly do we do this? UNCW’s advice for masking our nationality is as follows:
• Don’t wear college t-shirts, hoodies, or shorts. Apparently it’s only Americans who like to represent their university or be bums for the day by wearing sweatpants labeled “The Dub.”
• Learn the cultures and customs of whatever region you’re visiting.
• Be quiet. There’s nothing foreigners hate more than a loud American tourist asking where the nearest McDonalds is.
• Don’t drink yourself into a stupor. Drinking in many parts of the world is allowed by age 16 (or earlier) so foreigners don’t drink to get drunk. Instead, they see drinking as a social activity and one to be used in moderation.
#2: “Calling Collect”
I have an iPhone and it is permanently attached to my hand at all times (sad, I know). It’s great for making calls, checking e-mails, or downloading millions of gaming apps so you can play them in boring English classes as the teacher drones on about Shakespeare. But sadly, I will be parted from my iPhone for the length of my trip. Why? Because paying the outrageous roaming fees to dial home, or data charges to surf the internet in Europe just aren’t worth it. Instead, it was suggested by UNCW that I get a “global” phone. While a “global” phone may sound high-tech, it’s really just a trac-phone with an extremely long calling number (you have to dial based on what country you’re in and who is being charged for the call). It’s half the size of my iPhone and feels like it would break if I held it too tightly. Luckily, the internet offers other options for staying in touch with family and friends. Instead of calling collect, try skyping, e-mailing, blogging, or Facebook chatting from your laptop. It’s cheaper, easier, and much more reliable.
#3: “Hey Washington! You’re Worthless!”
America may be the most powerful nation in the world, but our dollar is pretty weak. Apparently, Mr. Washington isn’t liked too much in other parts of the globe. If you’re dealing in Euros, you’ll find that one dollar will only get you 69 cents in Euros. Pretty sad in and of itself. But, if you’re like me and you’re traveling to the UK, you’re in for even more of a shock. One dollar in the US is worth 59 cents in the UK. It might not sound like a lot, but when you calculate the cost of food, living expenses, and those shopping trips you’ll be sure to make, it adds up quickly. Another money issue comes when you use credit and debit cards. Unfortunately, any place you charge to your card in Europe or the UK will tack on a 3% conversion fee to your purchase. Again, it doesn’t seem like a lot, but if you’re adding an extra 3% to your total for every meal or item you buy overseas, it means more money out of your pocket, which is never a good thing. Instead of charging, it’s better to find a bank in your host country (the bigger the better) and take out the amount you need. Or, if you love plastic as much as I do and carrying large amounts of bills makes you uneasy, apply for a Capital One credit card. Capital one charges no international fees, so when you pay $18 for a salad at a restaurant in London, you’re really just paying $18.
There are plenty of other differences between American and other countries which is why it’s so exciting to travel. Even though the readjusting can be a pain (I’m annoyed already and I haven’t even left yet) the exciting thing about visiting foreign lands is that they are completely foreign. You never exactly know how things will be or how you will react to them. Planning to study abroad has been stressful and has definitely tested my patience, but I know it will be worth it in the end. Cheers!
There are plenty of other differences between American and other countries which is why it’s so exciting to travel. Even though the readjusting can be a pain (I’m annoyed already and I haven’t even left yet) the exciting thing about visiting foreign lands is that they are completely foreign. You never exactly know how things will be or how you will react to them. Planning to study abroad has been stressful and has definitely tested my patience, but I know it will be worth it in the end. Cheers!