Pre-Departure: Czech Republic “The Calm Before the Storm”- A week before departure – by McKenzie Harris

Prague – White bridge over river in daytime – Unsplash Photo @leachmar

“The Calm Before the Storm”- A week before departure

Hi everyone!

This first entry in my study abroad record will hopefully orient you to where I am in my preparations for studying abroad, as well as go over the main steps I’ve taken up to now. For those of you who are here for fun pictures and stories about what I’m up to in Prague, you will be sadly disappointed by this post, as it will hopefully be very dry compared to my future ones. This post is also partly to test if I know how to post things on WordPress. As of right now, I don’t really know how to use this website, so fair warning: the formatting of my posts and pictures will be quite lackluster.

My completed pre-departure tasks from earlier this year:
– Visa application
– register for classes
– buy plane tickets
– register with STEP
– paperwork both from my host school and home school’s abroad department
– make a budget estimate with my advisor
– figure out how to switch my cell service provider to get a better international plan

As summer made its way into the year and my abroad trip got closer, I switched my focus to the more exciting things—learning the language, deciding what to bring, and researching the Czech Republic.

The notebook I’ve been using to record what I’ve learned of the Czech language.

An example of an average ill-organized page!

I think part of being a respectful traveler is making an effort to learn some of the country’s language. Since I’ll be in Prague for 4 months, I’m trying to learn as much Czech as I can before I leave. I’m focusing more on learning common words and conversational phrases than grammar, thankfully (I’m not going anywhere near the seven Czech cases any time soon!). My main resources for language learning have been youtube (mainly Czech with Kateřina but there are many good channels!), duolingo, a podcast (One Minute Czech), and quizlet flashcards.

Part of my packing list.

Ideas for the things to do in Prague!

In addition to learning Czech, I’ve also had fun researching Czech history, customs, geography/things to do, and food. For these things, youtube has been my best source (travel vlogs, tour guide videos, etc). As you can see above, I made a list of ideas for things to do and places to go while I’m there, and nearly all of these items came from videos I’ve watched. There are so many places in Prague itself that I want to see, not counting all of the cool places outside it. I’m very excited to try some Czech dishes, like knedlíky (dumplings), svíčková (cream sauce over a roast), bramboráky (potato pancakes), and trdelník (a swirly pastry!).

I leave for Prague on Sept 2, which is a week from tomorrow. As the date looms closer, Prague feels no more real than it did when I applied to this program, but I’ve gotten some nerves about the trip that I didn’t feel until now. I’m nervous about being lonely in a new country, and about the way that every simple task feels complicated in a foreign place. I’m also nervous about things like my safety, transportation, and the immigration process.

But I’ve prepared as best I can, and I hope that will allow me to be flexible while I’m traveling and adapt to the inevitable complications that may arise. During this trip, I hope to lean into the experience of being alone in my dream city, because there’s freedom in being my own company, I think. I also hope to meet interesting people, participate in my interesting psychology classes, take too many pictures, and share them here with all of you.

Na shledanou!

Pre-Departure: Japan ” Waiting, Waiting, Waiting” – by Ethan McConkey

Akita International University’s Nakajima Library – Wikipedia

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

To say everything has gone smoothly in preparation to study abroad would be a vast overstatement.

Frankly, I’ve spent most of my summer being worried about whether this will even work out. Regardless, I remained in good spirits. It was nice to know that the things I was worrying about then were leading up to a (hopefully?) rewarding experience.

At the risk of sounding like all I do is complain, I’ll say that pretty much everything from getting medical forms signed by a doctor, to getting required and requested vaccinations, to getting plane tickets has been downright stressful. This was by no fault of anyone involved, of course; It was just the way things unfolded.

Both Western and my host school have been very accommodating and helpful throughout this whole process, and I don’t want this to sound like I am discouraging anyone from studying abroad.

What’s important is that all of the difficult stuff is in the past now.

Front Entrance to Akita International University – Wikipedia

My Goals for Studying Abroad

The thing I hope to gain most while abroad is experience in, and knowledge of, another country. My career goal is to teach English in Japan, either through a program like JET or Interac, or through manual job search, with help from connections. One of the things that can really strengthen an application to these types of programs is lengthy experience in Japan (or any country other than your own.)

I am an over-researcher at heart. I tend to plan things out a little too much. It’s out of excitement usually; Preparing to be in a new place surrounded by new people gets me thinking about what I can do while I’m there. When I was a kid, I loved researching other countries, geography, language, vexillology, religion; Anything you can think of related to countries and their identities, I probably had a stint of being really into it.

I took a year of Japanese classes at my local community college when I was in high school, and since then I’ve done self study of the language to get up to the level I want to be at before I arrive. I plan on taking language classes while at AIU as well, so I need to pass a certain level of exam to test into the right class. This is definitely the largest part of my Strategy to Overcome Perceived Challenges that May or May Not Happen. (Title is a WIP, more on this later.)

I’ve also done a lot of research on Akita city and the surrounding area, and I really hope to meet someone with a car so I can do some proper exploration.

What am I excited about?

What am I not excited about? I get to experience something that not everybody gets to, and I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do so.

I’ll get to meet all sorts of new people, see things I’ve never seen before, go and do things I’ve never done before, all while learning firsthand about the language and culture of a country so different from my own.

Something that has been echoed to me throughout my journey to getting all of this sorted out so far as that most people have one of two responses to studying abroad. “I studied abroad and I loved every second of it!” Or, “I really wish I had done study abroad.” The last thing I want is to regret not going.

What am I worried about?

What am I not worried about? I’m flying halfway across the world when I’ve never even left the country before, and there is a lot of uncertainty involved about how everything could go.

I think that if I wasn’t worried about anything, that would be more concerning than how I feel now. I’m not worried to a point where I’m scared of going, and the thought of changing my mind and staying here has never really crossed my mind. Again, if I were to change my mind, I think it would become my greatest regret in the future.

So, although I am worried about a lot of things, I am sure I will be able to adapt and overcome.

Strategy to Overcome Perceived Challenges that May or May Not Happen

Continuing to learn Japanese and study as much as I can about Akita and the surrounding area has left me feeling pretty prepared for what’s to come. (I think) I understand how to get around the city, what it will cost to get from place to place, and whatever a Suica is.

Plenty of introspection has also helped me come to terms with the fact that I am going to have to put myself out there. At the risk of sounding shallow, as a peace offering I have purchased a bag of a local Washington State sweet, Chukar Cherries. I’ll be living with anywhere from 1-11 other people (though I think it’s probably pretty unlikely to be at either end of that spectrum) and nothing brings people together faster than sweet stuff.

I’ve also been accepted into a themed living program, in which I will essentially be living with my club-mates in the Japanese language club. In addition to that, I have reached out to a sports club, Kyudo, which is a kind of archery.

Overhead view of AIU – AIU’s website

Conclusion

I am equally as excited as I am worried, and I think that’s a good thing. This phenomenon has lead me to do lots of research, and I don’t think it is possible to do too much in a situation like mine. I have less than a month to go and I couldn’t be more happy. I know I am going to have to put myself out there to make the most out of my experience, and I am not afraid to do so.

I am ready to do everything in my power to make the most of this experience!

Pre-Departure – Spain – “Epiphanies” by Anna Sutherland

T-minus 4 days until I depart for Spain. I have always been a planner, plain and simple. Studying abroad is no different and has required patience and most importantly research and preparation. For anyone who is planning to study abroad I cannot emphasize enough not to leave things for the last minute, specifically packing. This I found out when I packed the last three days before leaving for Miami to spend a few days relaxing before I leave for Spain. I’m currently write this blog at 8:05 pm sitting on a hotel balcony in Miami Beach with a beautiful view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the bright lights of the hotels around me. I’ve had a few epiphanies over the past few days.

Read more: Pre-Departure – Spain – “Epiphanies” by Anna Sutherland

Pre-Departure: The Start of a New Journey in Granada, Spain by Anna Sutherland

What does study abroad mean to me? Study abroad represents to me opportunity, growth, and new experiences. It is an opportunity to continue my education in a different country while experiencing a new environment and learning more about myself simultaneously. It is the start of an exciting and new chapter of my life. This fall I will be studying abroad in Granada, Spain for three months. I had a decent amount of knowledge on Spain prior to deciding to study there partially because I have friends in Spain and learned about aspects of their culture. I am a double major in Spanish and Political Science and Spain is the obvious country to study in to master my Spanish skills even though they technically speak Castellano. Once I narrowed down the country the city was next and was chosen through careful consideration of classes offered. Another consideration was the region being that in Spain there are more languages spoken than just Castellano. Catalan in Barcelona, Euskera in the Basque Country, Galician in Galicia, and Valencian in Valencia each autonomous community with their own language and culture. This was an important aspect to consider unique to Spain. Each country is different, and the research involved may vary for each individual study abroad experience.

Read more: Pre-Departure: The Start of a New Journey in Granada, Spain by Anna Sutherland

Pre-Departure: What are your goals for your international experience? By Brandon Beyler

My main goals are to engage in countless adventures, become a better Spanish speaker, learn about Spanish culture and history through various experiences and coursework, and begin to understand what it is like to live in a foreign country. I want to understand various aspects of Spanish culture, uncovering historical and contemporary perspectives, and as a result become a more thoughtful, aware, and compassionate person.

Read more: Pre-Departure: What are your goals for your international experience? By Brandon Beyler

In my academic pursuits while abroad I not only want to learn about topics that concern Spain and Europe to strengthen my understanding of geography and related disciplines but also be exposed to the character of higher education in other countries. As a geography major, I would like to further strengthen my ability to solve complex issues through the UPF human and social sciences program, giving me unique and diverse perspectives on new issues and issues I may have already encountered. Through my studies, adventures, and experiences I hope to meet new people, especially like-minded travelers. Not to say that Spain is not enough for me, I would like to also travel elsewhere in Europe and beyond so I can experience a variety of cultures and landscapes. I hope to visit the places that I have always wanted to visit in Spain and Barcelona, like that of the basilica, the skate plazas, the mountains, and the Barcelona beaches. In the end, I aim to expose myself to many things that will force me out of my comfort zone, especially the comfort zone that I have cultivated in the US.

What do you hope to gain and how much research have you done on your host country and culture that will better prepare you for this experience?

I hope to gain travel skills, many memories, Spanish speaking skills, and much more. I would like to leave Spain knowing that I am a stronger traveler, a better Spanish speaker, and knowing that I have made many memories that I will never forget.

I have done a good deal of research about the country and on top of this, I already have a good deal of knowledge about the country from past Spanish coursework and my exploration of Spanish literature like Don Quixote. I also listen to lots of Spanish pop music so I have gained some cultural experience through this and I think it will help me to connect with the people and culture of Barcelona and Spain once I’m there.

My program, API- Academic Programs International, provided me with a handbook with a bunch of information about Spain and Barcelona that I found really helpful. They highlight things like that Spain is generally a safe country and that most incidents that do occur happen late at night with inebriated travelers. They do state however that to protect yourself you must be cautious, aware of your surroundings, and keep your eye on your belongings, among many other tips. Through this, I have also learned things like that socialization usually happens outside the home in Spain, Barcelona has an extensive public transit system, they have an obsession with soccer and I received information about the many events in Barcelona.

I also have done some research online trying to hear from people who have lived and traveled in foreign countries and specifically Spain, through sites like Reddit, I think these are really helpful because you get, for the most part, to the point and relatively accurate information and tips from a verity of people. Some highlights from Reddit are that it is important to keep your valuables in your front pockets as pickpocketing is the most common danger in Barcelona and Spain, to stay extra safe in transportation areas because they attract thieves, and to not make yourself look a target! I think these safety tips will help me become a better traveler so that I can do all the things I want in Spain and still be safe while doing them!

I have also researched skateboarding in Spain in that it is a popular destination for its unique plazas and skateparks that serve as good skate community hangout sports and great skate playgrounds.

I have learned from a website called donquijote things like that physical touch during communication is not an invasion of privacy, Spain’s way of life is generally relaxed, flamenco music is popular, and most people take a nap for a siesta after lunch between 2-4 PM, among other things.

Reddit also gave me some good spots to go to like the Boqueria and various clubs and said not to be alarmed by the fact that people smile less and stare more in Spain and that dinner is late.

What are you most excited about? What are you most scared or nervous about?

I am most excited about exploring Spain and Barcelona and meeting the great people of Spain and those from other universities. Being in a foreign country for a long time, something I have never done, offers me a unique opportunity to truly interact with the environment and culture on a deeper level, creating relationships with people and places and apprehend the many things that form Spain and Barcelona, like that of the Spanish wine drinking and Mediterranean beaches.

I am most scared about using my Spanish because it is not full proof, and I know I will make mistakes when conversating with Spanish speakers. In this, I am also nervous about trying to learn and use the Catalan language of Barcelona and the surrounding region. Lastly, I am worried that I might not know or observe some cultural customs and may disrespect or discomfort people.

What strategies have you implemented that will allow you to overcome these challenges and take full advantage of your opportunities?

As for working past my fear of misusing or coming up short with my Spanish or cultural competency, I think, first of all, I need to understand that there is no need to worry as long as I put in effort and use the many tools that are available to me. Generally, I think being spontaneous will help me become a better Spanish speaker and force me to learn by trying, making mistakes, and making corrections. I also think that approaching, interacting, and communicating with people with the proper greeting, respect, and sincerity can help people be more understanding of any cultural or linguistic mistakes I may make.

For taking advantage of my opportunities, I think that it is important for me to just do things even when I don’t feel like it or am too tired or something because I will never know what the next moment will bring, how exciting. Also, I believe that having good people around helps me find more opportunities and makes the ones I have that much better when I can create memories with others. I think it is important to have a general plan but not be too strict on what I do in terms of activities and adventures; saying that I find being spontaneous and going with the flow tends to make the most of opportunities presented to me at each moment and will help in capitalizing on the study abroad opportunity as a whole. Lastly, both in trying to speak Spanish and the Catalonian language and in doing anything abroad, I have learned to not be afraid to make mistakes or make myself look stupid because I know both will in the end make me grow more whole.

donquijote Spanish culture website: https://www.donquijote.org/spanish-culture/

Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/TravelHacks/comments/u76dha/tips_for_traveling_to_spain/

Australia: Pre-Departure” “Are we there yet?” by Bree Daigneault

Elizabeth Quay Bridge in Perth at sunset.
I plan on experiencing not just Perth but Western Australia (okay well maybe not all of it, as it’s a pretty big state). I hope to make friends that are just as interested as I am in seeing the city, the beaches and the more rural areas. So I’m going down under with a big ole smile on my face and tons of charisma baby. After all, how could I not?

Continue reading

The Czech Republic: Pre-Departure by Leatha Starks

Charles Bridge at dusk
If I had to narrow it down, I think as of right now, I’m most excited to get there and marvel at all the amazing architecture! Many people have told me that Prague is a beautiful city and I just can’t wait to see it for myself. Pictures can only show you so much, you know? I want to smell the air, taste the food, hear the people. All the senses!

Continue reading

South Korea: Internship: Pre-Departure by Tara May

 

I write this post as I wait in the airport (SeaTac Airport, that is) – I think it’s funny that everyone recommends showing up three hours before an international flight, just to ultimately wait two and a half hours until you can actually board and leave.

Continue reading

England: Pre-Departure: ISEP Exchange – One Year Studying Abroad in Europe” by Luke Griffin

“When you think about all of the things that you need to get done before you depart it can seem really overwhelming. But if you make a list (for example writing down all the papers I have to collect or what I need to pack) it can seem much more organized and you can start working your way through it. Once I got started with a list like this everything became much more manageable and in the long-term the paperwork and preparation is a momentary (but still important) stress that’s nothing compared to the excitement that I’m going to be able to study in Europe for an entire year.”

Continue reading