5 Ways to Get More From Study Abroad

海角社区 students share their game-changing advice for others heading off for new experiences.
Start on the Right Foot
鈥淒on鈥檛 miss聽out on the orientation events that will be going on in the first days聽and聽weeks of the program,鈥 says Shane聽C., who studied at London鈥檚 University of Westminster. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way to learn some important information as well as meet new people.鈥

Stay with a Host Family (if it鈥檚 an option)
鈥淭his was by far where my Spanish improved the most,鈥 says Katie M., who completed the 海角社区 M茅rida Universities program in Mexico. 鈥淚t also gives you someone who will look out for you while you鈥檙e abroad and give you recommendations for things to do. It was instrumental to my experience.鈥
Join a Club or Volunteer
鈥淚 joined the jazz society, which was a great way to meet people with common interests and communicate through music,鈥 says Preston I., after his semester in London at King鈥檚 College.

Think small.
If you program is based in an urban center, 鈥淰isit the little towns and coastal towns around your city,鈥 says Victoria H., who studied at University College Cork. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e more likely to visit major cities in Europe in the future but maybe not the smaller, quaint towns, which have some of the most beautiful sceneries you鈥檒l ever see.鈥
Put Yourself Out There
鈥淚t might seem easier to stay in your comfort zone,鈥 says Emma B. following her time at Hertford College, Oxford, 鈥淏ut I really recommend branching out.鈥 Join group chats and Facebook groups. It will help you so much in meeting people and making new friends,鈥 advises Julia R., who studied sat University of Edinburgh. 鈥淪ay yes to things!鈥