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Here are some tips to keep in mind in the weeks before you leave your own country to study abroad:
One of the reasons you are going abroad is to experience a culture different from your own-embrace those differences with a positive attitude and you will enjoy your time away from home much more.
You're not a tourist-you are living abroad. This is an exciting opportunity to find out what it's like to take care of yourself in another country-a big achievement.
Contact students at your school who have gone to the same country and ask about their positive and negative experiences, since both will impact your acculturation. Take advantage of the Internet to find out about the country you are about to visit, including weather, food, shop hours, transportation, photographs, etc.
Try to sample and learn to enjoy as much of the local food as possible. Spend time in the grocery store just looking around to get an idea of the kinds of foods eaten in your new location - this familiarity will make you more comfortable when ordering food in a restaurant.
Learn a few phrases in your new language. Even if you already have language skills, don't be surprised if no one understands you in the beginning-or you don't understand them at first. Patrick Cammack, a student from Atlanta, Georgia studying in Italy said, "Living in a foreign country and trying to learn the language is one of the most interesting challenges I have ever experienced."
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