I wake up in a dark dorm room with the curtains defending me against the harsh morning light. I groggily get out of bed at 7:40 a.m. and don my gho. The gho is the men’s formal dress in Bhutan, the equivalent of a suit in most other countries. It’s almost like a robe. The colors and patterns vary depending on the situation’s formality or personal preference.
Studying abroad can be a daunting experience for those who don’t know what to expect. I have travelled to different countries since I was 16 years old, and my decision to study abroad awoke the butterflies in my stomach. Maybe I was overwhelmed because I was going to France and didn’t speak the language, or because their culture was vastly different than my own. I knew firsthand that culture shock was a very real thing.
It is so bittersweet reminiscing about the traveling I did across Europe last fall. I already want to go back. There were so many countless memories and experiences I had abroad that created such a significant time in my life that I will never forget. Now that I have gained my expertise about traveling, I thought I would share a few tips for future students going abroad.
As a huge study abroad advocate, I am constantly talking to students about how I can help them get started on the path to an amazing study abroad adventure. One concern that I find most common among prospective students is their fear of the language barrier.