Whether you dream of exploring the dramatic landscapes in Ireland, experiencing the vibrancy of Spain, or mastering the art of sushi in Japan, there’s something every student can gain from an intercultural and transformative experience.
I’m Savanna, and I’m interning abroad with a company called Medforce in Dublin, Ireland. Here are my three tips you should consider before taking the leap and interning abroad.
1. Picking Where You Want to Go
Picture this: You’re stepping off the plane into a foreign land to build a new life for the next few months. While imagining this feeling, consider the type of city that you see yourself in. Do you want to be in a quaint coastal town surrounded by dramatic landscapes? Or a bustling metropolis that never seems to sleep?
Consider your interests and passions. Think about the lifestyle you currently live and the lifestyle you want to adopt. The language barriers, the different foods, and the cost of living. But at the end of the day, trust your gut, because you know best where you’ll be happy.
You’ll also want to think about where to live. I lived with a host family and couldn’t recommend it more. Having a family-like atmosphere, regular meals, and a ride if my train was delayed and I arrived home after the last bus (real experience) helped me adjust to living in Ireland. Plus, it’s nice to have someone to give you tips and recommendations and to rely on at the end of the day.
When you’ve landed on a destination, you can start planning things you want to do! Create a list of restaurants, hidden gems, nearby cities, and other countries you may want to visit. Since I stayed in Ireland for three months, I dedicated the first month exploring Dublin, the second month to exploring other parts of Ireland, and the third month exploring other countries in Europe.
My favorite apps I used are GetYourGuide (for tours around your country) and OMIO (for cheap planes/buses/trains). They made planning weekend excursions and reaching remote places extremely easy!
2. Preparing Yourself to Move Across the World
When making the big move, there’s a lot you’ll need to take care of before you can set off. The better you prepare yourself, the smoother your transition will be.
Begin by saving up. Based on the average cost of living, create a weekly budget. One of my favorite ways to budget is through an Excel sheet. Just be sure to give yourself some wiggle room in your budget for incidentals! You can use a currency converter when shopping to make sure that you’re buying at reasonable prices. Scholarships from your university and ISA can also help with the program costs.
If you’re going somewhere they speak a different language, go ahead and download Duolingo or any similar app. Knowing just the basics of the language will go far to navigate your surroundings.
I also suggest learning a little about the culture where you’re going. Get on YouTube and watch some videos on the local history and etiquette. It will help you to assimilate quicker, and it’s always better to be extra polite than accidentally come off as inconsiderate.
The last thing to prepare is your attitude. You’re going somewhere different, so expect it to be completely different! Be prepared to make changes in your lifestyle and be adaptable. No matter what happens, if you look on the bright side and remember why you came there, you’ll have the time of your life. My mom would always say you can enjoy any place in the world as long as you keep a good attitude.
3. Packing for Your Trip
The weeks leading up to your trip fly by until it’s time for the hardest part… packing. Packing for my trip was arguably the most daunting aspect. My best recommendation for packing is to watch YouTube videos of other people packing to travel there. Do some research on the weather and current fashion trends. For example, in Ireland, it rains daily. Coming from the southern U.S., I didn’t even own a rain jacket.
Make a list of things to buy that can wait until you reach your destination. It’s a good opportunity to take home little “souvenirs” and prevents you from buying things you won’t actually need. I didn’t purchase a single thing for my study abroad trip until I arrived in Ireland.
Finally, pack basics! Creating a capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match is key. It’s easy to make tons of outfits, and it won’t feel like you’re wearing the same thing every day. Plus, you can buy fun accessories abroad if you have all the basics already. You’ll be grateful for that extra space in your suitcase when it’s time to bring them all home.
Interning abroad is a great way to grow as a person and discover so much about yourself. Choosing the right place and equipping yourself with adequate knowledge will set you up for a transformative experience that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life!
Savannah St. John is a student at the University of Memphis and an ISA Featured Video Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Dublin, Ireland.