I am studying abroad, what advice can you give me?

Don’t wear white tennis shoes. It is an instant give away that you are American.

Learn as much as the language as possible (that’s if you’re not there for that sole reason.)

Learn French; Flemish (almost like Dutch) will take more than one semester. Prepare ahead of time to be flexible, tolerant, brave and not call yourself “SmellyBoy.”

Make a copy of your passport, license, and whatever important documents you’re taking with you and leave the copies at home so that incase you lose anything you at least have backups. Also keep the phone number of the person who organized your study abroad trip in your wallet and another copy somewhere other than your wallet (incase it gets lost or stolen). Alssso the phone number of who to call in case a medical problem arises. we had a 4 hour mandatory safety meeting before we were allowed to go abroad, this is really all I can remember

Don’t worry too much about what clothes you wear; white sneakers or not, people will know you’re an American from a mile off. Just don’t be an obnoxious American and you’ll be fine. Even at the height of anti-Bushism, I never felt animosity in Europe and it’s much better now. Just remember to keep an open mind and that you are there to learn more than to judge.

My experience was back in the 90’s spending a year in an Irish Boarding School but from what i remember of our travels as a group throughout europe people were very accepting and friendly (Of course this was before George W. Bush mucked things up). Just behave as what you are… a guest in the country. If at all possible avoid any and all political discussions in which US foreign policy is being discussed (as you will have to either defend or condemn and both will put you in a tough spot). Ask as many questions as you can concerning the local culture and try not to make any comparisons to home unless asked to. Be friendly, humble and receptive. You’ll do fine.

Wear your sunglasses so that broad can’t see you studying her.

don’t call her a broad, women hate that.~

What advice can we give you? It’s the same for all people traveling abroad, I think: open your mind; talk with as many locals as possible; try all the food; travel (Belgium offers you a great location for quick jaunts to other countries) and last but not least, Don’t Be An Ass. Follow all these and you should have a wonderful time.

Have a great time!!

@tb1570 that “Don’t Be An Ass” advice is about the hardest to follow, but great advice anyway.

@gailcalled My girlfriend is studying over there now, I’ve been told by her and everyone helping me prepare that the locals rarely speak Dutch or French and usually prefer to speak English. I’ve been planing to study Dutch a little bit before I head over there but nothing else. Why do you say I should learn French?

It is the other language used in Belgium and it is fun to try out, even though all those depressingly tri-lingual Flemish speak English (and probably some Spanish and Italian, and German.)

How can you study abroad without a smattering of the language of origin (or one of them?).

@gailcalled I see what you’re saying! I do want to take a dutch class while I’m there but I don’t know if I’ll have the time to, while taking classes in my core curriculum. Great advice though, thanks :)

I’m calling you “SmileyBoy” from now on. The Dutch practically clean the sidewalks with a toothbrush daily.

Veel succes met het programma.

I studied abroad in Spain and everyone thought I was British. I just didn’t correct them:)

Things I would have done differently in my semester abroad:
1. Not hung out with all americans
2. Not carried around my bank card. I was pickpocketed twice and had to have my bank ship a new one, cancel, etc. Big hassle.
3. Spent less time on my computer in internet cafes and more time exploring
4. Done all sorts of host city sightseeing things early on. I put them off then ran out of time.
5. Participated in night life more.

My biggest advice is to travel a lot! Once in Europe it’s so easy to get around. Two most important resources:
www.ryanair.com
www.hostelworld.com

Ryanair is amazing, I promise there’s no catch. It’s just simple, no snacks, no magazines, no barf bags (almost a problem once) and some luggage restrictions.

Take advantage of being young to get train discounts and stay in youth hostels.

Also, keep a journal or send lots of detailed emails already. I got back from study abroad in June and I’ve already forgotten so much since I didn’t keep good track of things.