Hey guys!!! Hope life is great!!! Today I'm going to talk about the "no-no's" before leaving to study abroad. I leave for Morocco in 2 weeks and am going bananas over here ( and I hate bananas).
So to save you from the hair pulling, the stress, and anxiety read my tips below.
#Tip 1: Procrastination For someone reason I always have this tendency to think I have a vast amount of time to prepare myself for something planned months away. The reality is that when you are not focused, time has an odd way of passing by quickly. So remember whether it's packing, buying your plane ticket, etc., do it in advance. #Tip 2: Not Learn the language This is an important one, you guys!!! I'll tell you why. When I arrived to Paris, France and Fez, Morocco I didn't know any Arabic or French, which created several obstacles for me. Especially, having to transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris-Orly Airport, it literally took me 5 hours out of my 7 hr. layover to figure out how to get to the next airport. Thankfully, before I blew a gasket, these two French guys helped me out. I was extremely appreciative!!! So the lesson here is ...LEARN THE LANGUAGE even if it's a few words, that's better than nothing. I'm going to go off on a tangent here, and say anyone that I have ever met who's from another country speaks English and their native tongue (sometimes more) whether I met them in America or here in Morocco. I don't think it's fair that people who come to our country make an effort to learn our language, but it isn't vice versa. I think to some degree as Americans we don't feel entitled to learn the native tongue of the country we're visiting because we automatically "know" or assume that they know our language, so why bother? That's a horrible mentality to have because you miss out on what the people and the country have to offer. In addition, learning a language is such a humbling experience. I was very disappointed in myself that I didn't learn as much as I could have before I came. Trust, it won't happen again. #Tip 3: Don't miss deadlines Please guys don't miss deadlines!!! Deadlines are extremely important, when it comes to studying abroad. It permits enough time to correct any mistakes or errors during your application process. In my particular case, I missed out on an amazing scholarship opportunity, because I applied to study abroad after the scholarship deadline. Which leads me to my next tip.... #Tip 4: Don't be spontaneous Calm down!!! I am not saying do not be a risk taker or do not do amazing adrenaline-pumping activities. I am saying be spontaneous, but think before you leap. My spontaneous nature provided me with an experience of a lifetime, however it required me to go the extra mile to fund it, due to me missing the scholarship deadline. #Tip 5: Don't think When planning to travel to a different country, you really have to be open to learning new ideas and customs. If you come with a perceive notion of the country you intend to visit, you have wasted a trip. Because, you will gain nothing from the experience or the people, due to your unconscious willingness to learn. However, if you come with an open-mind and an understanding heart you will gain the world. I really hope my tips helped. If I conjure up anymore I will definitely post them, hopefully in a timely manner (Inshallah~ means "God willing" in Arabic). Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions about studying abroad, Morocco, school, if I miss ice-cream, brownies, and chocolate syrup...whatever you see fit !!! I'm here :) Love always, The Voyager
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Face behind the blog"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching." ~Anonymous
One Voyager. One Life. One Era. Follow me as I embark on the journey of my life. Walking uncharted territory and noting every minute of it. INSTALIFE
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