Traveling While Studying Abroad
The opportunity to travel and explore some of the world while abroad studying is a goal shared by many, if not most, study abroad students. Unlike later in life when jobs and family constrain their options, students have the freedom and time to take both short weekend excursions and longer trips during school breaks to explore the region of the world where they are studying. This article discusses ways to make the most of this great opportunity.
Planning and Flexibility
Since traveling alone in a foreign country is not a good idea, especially for women, planning some side-trips while abroad may require both advance planning and flexibility. Those who are studying abroad with a third-party provider can often take advantage of group trips that are planned and led by the provider. In most other cases, it is up to the individual student to plan their own trips. For students studying abroad where there are many other international students, it is usually easy to find others who want to travel on weekends and during school breaks. Being flexible regarding the itinerary is necessary, especially if the travel group gets large. Other students make plans well ahead of time to travel with friends or family from home who come abroad to visit.
It's easy to get caught up with schoolwork and social activities and to forget to prioritize one's travel plans. Setting aside specific dates for excursions is one way for students to avoid finding themselves flying home without having seen anything beyond their university locale. Although many say they'll be back again so they can travel more, few actually follow-through once they have graduated and begun their careers.
Finances
Setting aside a specific amount of money for travel and sightseeing is a good way to ensure these excursions don't become victim to overspending in other areas. Transportation, accommodation, attraction entrance fees, food and souvenirs all need to be budgeted for and can add to up to large sums of money if efforts are not made spend wisely.
There are numerous ways that students can save money - students often get discounted rates and are typically not too picky about where they eat and sleep. They can often get cheaper student rates for trains and busses and even some tourist attractions. Paying for accommodation can be the biggest expense so researching beforehand to find hostels or cheaper hotels is important. Expenditures on food are another big variable – being selective about when to eat at a good-quality restaurant versus a fast-food restaurant can save lots of money.
Research
Conducting some up-front research before hitting the road can pay off in numerous ways. Finding out what accommodations are available, their prices and their locations can save money, time and frustration. Youth hostels are a student's best bet where available but finding out ahead of time that a particular hostel is not kept clean or is not near a subway or nightlife may make a cheap hotel a better choice. Research that results in the discovery of a festival, fair or cultural celebration may drive the itinerary for a given trip.
Resources such as the Lonely Planet or Let's Go travel guides can be great starting places for information. Travel blogs and tourism websites specific to the country or region also provide loads of advice and tips for travelers.
Other Considerations
Paying attention to important details will minimize disappointments when traveling. Students extending their stay abroad after completing their study program need to make sure their student visa will still be valid, and if not, may need to obtain a visitor visa. Checking to make sure one's passport isn't due to expire soon is also critical. Another detail to consider is weather, which is an issue in some parts of the world more than in others. Extremely hot or cold weather should be avoided as should times when severe weather is expected such as when monsoons or sandstorms are common. Some tourist sites may not even be accessible in certain seasons, due to weather conditions.
Quick Tips
- Fly Off-Hours - Booking a flight for an unpopular travel time will save money.
- Pack Light - Hostels will have limited space and walking to and from trains, busses and subway stations can be exhausting with too much luggage.
- Be Flexible – Traveling with a group can be lots of fun but requires flexibility and a relaxed attitude.
- Find Discount Rates - Buying rail passes such as a Eurail pass or a hostel membership can save money if a lot of travel is planned.
- Keep Safety in Mind - Keep money hidden, travel in groups and check travel alerts.
Resources
US State Department Foreign Travel Information
Travel Blog: Share Your Adventure
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