Student Travel Tips

This is probably the most important part of your student travel. Without this carefully sorted out, you are most likely heading for a disaster, or at least a boring, confusing, headache-filled, nightmare-filled...adventure, if you would call it that. :)

First ask yourself "Why am I doing this?"

Is it to:

• Learn a new foreign language? Then, make sure that you choose a country or place that has your language of interest as a lingua franca (or national/official language)
  


• Explore a New Culture? It may be a good idea here to choose one that may be at least very appealing to you, tick your curiosity, and prove to be very exciting to learn.
  


• Study Abroad? Occasionally, students may opt to take out a semester abroad or a summer program where they will have to travel to a foreign country, attend some (usually intensive) classes and earn some degree credits, while, at the same time, exploring and enjoying a new culture and learning a new language whether formally or otherwise.
  


• For Other Reasons? There are many other ones out there; whatever yours are, keep that in mind as you plan your trip.
  

Whatever your reasons for traveling as a student, it is always a good idea to make that clear to yourself consciously and unconsciously. You will see why below as we do our....destination research.

This may be one of the best student travel tips that you may learn here. But it is not just for students; it can be (and should) be used by all travelers, whether you are out there for business, adventure, or an African safari (love that one :) )

Consider this: Would you want to travel to a country and into a culture that you know nothing about?

While one of the reasons for your signing up for that "Study Abroad" or "International Student Exchange" program is to explore new cultures and places, you definitely don't want to be caught off-guard. So, what should you do?

Here are a few suggestions.

• Learn the Culture: This does not mean that you should study all there is about the customs of the host people, that would obviously take the sails out of your excitement when you get there. However, you should know such basic and simple gestures as their dress codes, local moral traditions, their religion and a few other things. This is just meant to prevent you from committing certain "cultural blunders" that may not be so much of a pleasant experience.
  
  Do note however, that most natives won't take it seriously when you make silly mistakes; but it is a good thing to know their traditions as this will allow you to "adapt" easily and be seen as friendlier, humbler and more understanding and appreciative of their ways of life than other members of the "Johnny Q Tourist Club" ;). Such a knowledge will also buy you more than a happy vacation; it could save you a lot of money too and get you a lot of gifts, sometimes that is. ;)
  


• Understand Their Basic Legal Codes: No, I am not saying "be a lawyer." But you should know some basic rules to get you out of trouble. For example, you don't want to be caught kissing in a very religious society. It may land you a few nights in the "dungeon", if you what I mean. :) Usually this type of information may be available from the local tourist board's website or brochures. Otherwise, consult your travel company, transportation company (like airline) and they will be able to give you some destination information.
  


• The Big "W"-Weather: Different regions and countries of the world have different seasons going on. Just because it is summer where you are does not mean that it is also "sunny and beach-friendly" where you are traveling to. In fact, it may be the total opposite-it may be snowing down there. Therefore, do some research on the local weather before you even start buying stuff. The last thing you want to happen to you is discover (on arrival) that you shorts and shirt won't save you from the wickedly-cold winter. Do some weather homework, seriously.
  

Take that centuries-old advice and "look before you leap", or should I say "research before you travel?"

You have probably been taught in school or heard from others the famous saying "health is wealth." Well, the truth is...it is true, especially if you are an international student traveler.

Here is why.

You, for sure, do not want to get stuck in some far-off place hospitalized. While sometimes, you just cannot prevent it, you can minimize it to the barest minimum.

If you are required to take some shots before you leave, take your doctor's advice and do it. Sometimes, vaccinations may be required by the host country to be able to obtain a visa; so sometimes you don't even have a choice. If you think you hate the needle now, it may be worse when you have a couple of them pricking you every few days during what should be an enjoyable study abroad program. 'Cause now you will have to take those injections if you want to feel better; and there may be a couple of them, ya know? Did hear "ouch!"?

Also, take your immunization records along as they may be required at the port of entry. Some countries will outright deny you entry if you don't have one on you.

It is also a great idea to make copies of your immunization papers and other travel documents and keep them in separate bags from the originals. This ensures that in case, there is a delay or loss of the bag where one set of documents are, you still have copies to start with.

Another tip to take home is to make sure that you have student travel insurance when you undertake that trip. Sometimes your local health insurance provide may have you covered under the terms of your insurance plan, at other times, you may have to take out a separate student travel insurance policy from other sources. Your school's "Study Abroad" office should have information regarding this.

Whatever happens, just make sure that your health is well taken care of when your buy that plane ticket.

A lot of times, you will receive grants from your school, state and federal governments and other agencies or organizations; at other times, you will have to fork out most of the cash yourself.

Either way, here are a few student travel tips that may help, I hope. :)

• A Student Travel Package: If your school is not doing much in the way of helping to finance your trip, you should opt for a student travel package that not only make it cheap for you to travel, but that also bundles a lot of services together for you, so that you enjoy your trip while at the same time saving a lot of money.
  


• Create a BudgetSometimes, you just have too take charge of your affairs. And one way of doing that is by drawing up a simple budget to use. You will list the expenses you will definitely incur and some others that you are likely to spend some money on, like buying souvenirs, enjoying some local delicacies, etc. Once you have these things written down and prioritized, you have a better chance of using your money rightly and getting the most out of your student exchange program.
  


• Make Yourself at HomeOne mistake that many international student travelers make is that of harboring the mentality that they must maintain a "class" and spend money on anything and everything they need. This is wrong. Make a few local friends, who are not out for your moolah or "visa love" and I can almost guarantee you that you won't be half of what others are spending during your whole stay. Call it "the magic of being a local."
  

Wherever you are going or however you are paying for your student travel, just remember that you can always save money, no matter what, if you really want. But that is up to you to decide.

"Language is the key to a man's heart," said an old sage. (I don't seem to remember who said it though)

There are few things as magical and as warm and welcoming as listening to some "stranger" speaking your language. And travelers know this most.

If you really plan on making your international student travel fun and memorable, learn to speak the language of the natives even before you leave for that country. You don't have master it in any way, but being able to communicate with the basics such as the salutations, numbers, familiar expressions and such other ones will take you a long way.

There are tons of resources online where you can learn the basics of any foreign language. One you have these going, you are ready to be as "local" and "humble" as possible in your "new home." While many travelers, study abroad programs students included, pride themselves in the fluency of their own language and tossing out the usual "sorry, me no piki your language" answer when spoken by the locals, nothing is worse. This is especially true if you are a student.

Imagine having two, three or more languages on your resume. Or how would you explain to your future job interviewer that you did travel to his country of origin "a few semesters ago," but that you are unable to learn to speak his language. Wait a minute! What does that say about you? Answer: "I am not open enough for you to hire." I can bet you 9 times out of ten that he will hire you just because you can speak his language even if "Johnny Next" is more qualified than you are for the position. I know because that was actually how I got my first job.

Take one or two hours out of your weekend every week to study the language of the host country that you plan on traveling to. You won't only be seen by the natives as being genuinely interested in them and their culture, but you will also be seen as "one of them" (most of the time actually.) Plus, you will save a lot of money in bargains when shopping and even for hiring a travel guide. Who needs one, when you can ask your way around?

By the way, here is a good resource for those who want to learn to speak Spanish. I have also included resources for other languages below. Just make sure that you just don't "take a look" but actually use them to better your language skills.