Now that you have mastered the first five tips, here are the last five. After conquering these 10 easy tips, you’ll be well on your way to jumping out of your comfort zone and experiencing all that your host city has to offer!
Tip #6: Buy a piece of clothing!
There’s nothing like looking like a local! Spending a few months in a completely foreign environment can be exhausting, especially if you feel like an outcast all the time. While you probably maintain your American identity for most of your time abroad, it’s a great idea to buy some local apparel from your host country. Try wearing something different that reflects the wardrobe and culture of the locals. If you choose to wear a traditional piece of clothing, make sure it is worn correctly as to not offend the natives, but other than that, have fun finding something different – it will also take you into stores you might not have normally visited!
Tip #7: Go to an opera, ballet, or play!
Never imagined yourself going to an opera? Then make that the first stop on your list of study-abroad to-dos! Attending an event that you would not usually go to at home, opens your eyes to something completely different. Also, countries all over the globe offer many theatrical events that often represent the culture of that city. Attending a show is a great way to experience something totally different than what you might go to in your home country.
Tip #8: See local live music!
Not many things top seeing live music – especially when it’s music is from another country! Enjoy the beats and rhythms of new music in your host country, which is probably far from the music you listen to at home. This is a great opportunity to do something very different in your host country. Not only will you be able to enjoy new sounds, but you might also meet new people, venture out to a new place, or even try a new food – triple whammy!
Tip #9: Attend a local tradition!
Each country has specific traditions that are popular to the unique culture. These traditions may be educational, religious, holidays, or just certain things they celebrate everyday. Try one on for fun and see if you like celebrating the same things as the natives of your host country. Perhaps you could even continue to observe these traditions with your friends or family once you return home. There’s nothing like bringing home a souvenir that keeps on giving every year!
Tip #10: Get your hair cut by a local stylist!
Now this could seem to be the most frightening of all but I assure you it can be achieved flawlessly when done correctly. Take a moment to learn a few key words to explain what you want to the hairstylist if you don’t speak the language, or find a picture to bring with you. Don’t be afraid to bring along a friend for moral support, who may also be able to help you explain to the hairstylist what you want done. You could even get your hair cut how the locals wear their hair! Once you return home, your friends and family will surely be envious of your bold decision to cut your hair while abroad.
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