JENA SPRAU

WRITTEN AND DESIGNED BY

THERE AND BACK AGAIN

A YOUNG WOMAN’S GUIDE TO NAVIGATING LIFE ABROAD

safely

Is going abroad right for me? 6What are my options abroad? 10Where should I go? 12What should I pack? 14What should I do (not do) when abroad? 16To tweet or not to tweet 18Staying safe while you’re abroad 20So you want to go backpacking 22�e art of traveling solo 24Dealing with culture shock 26Resources 28

Since you’re reading this I can only assume that you have taken your �rst step toward becoming an unquestion-ably fearless, undeniably formidable traveler.

Before you set out on this transformative journey, there are innumerable options to consider, lessons to remem-ber, and bits of wisdom to take to heart. Going abroad for the �rst time is, understandably, a tremendous under-taking. Luckily, there are other young women who have gone before you that have made mistakes, blunders, and hiccups along the way. Missteps will inevitably occur, but trust that you will be well equipped to handle them like a true and seasoned traveler.

Enjoy the unexpected moments you’ll encounter. Savor them. Seek them. And always learn from them.

ANGKOR WAT, CAMBODIA

IS

GOING

ABROAD

RIGHT

FOR

ME?

Maybe. I truly believe that traveling, whether studying, volunteering, or living abroad for years at a time, is simply not for everyone. While I do wish more people were able to experience the wonders of deep culture immersion, I understand that it’s just not in the cards for certain people. And that’s okay.

But is it right for you? Before you bring up the topic to those that matter, you should have a very real and very intimate conversation with yourself about whether or not you’re ready for the commitment: emotionally, mentally, monetarily, so on and so forth. If you are going to be abroad for an extended period of time (longer than two to three weeks) you need to be realis-tic about what you can expect and what you would like to take from the experience.

If you’re having trouble talking to yourself, start by asking some of these important questions.

1. WHAT DO I HAVE TO GAIN?

2. WHAT DO I HAVE TO LOSE?

3. WILL THIS HELP ME ACADEMICALLY?

4. WILL THIS HELP ME PROFESSIONALLY?

5. WILL I HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM ABROAD?

�is is a great starting place.

You are the only one who knows what you’re truly capable of (and it’s usually a lot more than you think) but you must also be brutally honest when making a potentially life-altering decision.

If I sound pessimistic in these opening paragraphs, this is not my intention. I do, however, believe that the time you are most likely to �rst go abroad (during college or shortly therea�er) is a truly in�uential time in your life. �is decade sets you up for your thirties and forties in a real way, and going abroad is, without doubt, a life-changing experience that will inevitably determine some aspect of your life. If you do decide that going abroad is right for you, know that you are well on your way to learning more about yourself

and the amazing world around you in ways you never knew possible.

So, you answered yes to the question on the previous page (if you answered no, I kindly encourage you to quit reading), and now is the time to prepare for your upcoming journey.

If you’re an undergraduate student, I hope you under-stand that your parents (or whomever determines your �nancial stability) should be the �rst to know of your intentions. And they shouldn’t �nd out via Face-book status. Sit down and present them with research on your school’s study abroad program and where you might be interested in going. Fill them in on the academics, what you will be studying, and how this will bene�t you during your schooling and well beyond. Most importantly, you should make them feel at ease. �ink about the decision from a loved one’s perspective; it would be incredibly di�cult to send a child to a foreign place where they might not know anyone. Right? Show that you’re emotionally mature enough to handle it.

If you are going abroad under di�erent circumstances, perhaps touring or volunteering, you will still need to have conversations with those that will be impacted. Are you leaving a job? You should let your employer know as soon as your plans become concrete. Are you leaving a signi�cant other? You should certainly include them in your prospective plans. Many times international programs, primarily teaching abroad assignments, allow for couples to live and teach together. Just because you have the travel bug doesn’t mean you have to leave a loved one behind.

Now that you’ve made the decision that you are headed to a foreign destination, it’s time to �gure out just what you’re going to be doing there. Do you want to teach abroad? Do you want to study abroad? For one month or one semester? Do you want to volunteer? Are you willing to go unpaid? Like we mentioned, leaving the country for any amount of time and for any reason is a signi�cant life event. Let’s make sure we leave no stone unturned before you take the leap.

WHAT

ARE

MY

OPTIONS

ABROAD?

We’re quite lucky to be young adults living in the 21st century. �ink about it; it has never been quite this easy to gain access to another country. With a few clicks of a button and the gathering of some docu-ments for a visa, you have a seat in the sky on your way to a destination you might never have expected to see for yourself. �at’s sensational.

We’ve already decided that you’re ready to travel abroad for a number of reasons, so now we must deter-mine exactly what you’re going to be doing. Also lucky for us, there are countless opportunities to go abroad for any excuse you might dream of.

STUDY ABROAD

Perhaps I’m partial to study abroad, but I can’t imagine a more convenient and in�uential way to experience another culture for the �rst time. As I’m sure you could have by now guessed, we’re going to start by asking some questions. To begin, how long are you willing to go abroad? I found that studying in Florence for one month was the perfect balance of “I love this place; I don’t ever want to leave” and “Okay, I’m ready to come home now.” �ankfully, my classmates and I didn’t grow tired of the adventure, though exhaustion is a real concern for young adults traveling for the �rst time.

If you are going to spend an entire semester studying abroad, you will need to make academic preparations early on in your college career. Keep open communi-cation with your academic advisor and let them know of your intentions. �ey will want to know the prog-ress of your degree, and depending on that progress, whether you will take major or general education courses. You also have the opportunity to study abroad through an international education company. �ese programs will allow you to visit most continents and will o�en include certain excursions, airfare, and pre-departure services, as well as a solid alumni network. To learn more about private education abroad opportunities, visit Resources at the end of this guide.

TEACH ABROAD

If you �nd yourself graduated but still �ghting the urge

to explore, fear not! �ere are countless opportunities for you to not only satisfy that wander-itch, but get paid to do it.

Per usual, let’s ask ourselves some questions. How long are you willing to be away from home? �e majority of teaching contracts abroad are long term, usually nine to twelve months. Do you have an ESL of TEFL certi�-cate? While these certi�cations are not necessary to teach everywhere, you will likely need these extra quali�cations to teach in European countries.

If you �nd yourself willing to make a one-year commit-ment but you’re without the teaching certi�cate or experience, you are still in luck. By simply speaking English as your native language, you are quali�ed to teach in a private or public institute in a number of schools throughout South Korea. Not only will you have the opportunity to discover this culture and numerous others nearby, you will have your rent and airfare paid for as well as a number of other perks. If you’d like to learn more about teaching in Korea or elsewhere, visit Resources to �nd relevant links and more information.

VOLUNTEER ABROAD

If you would like to volunteer your time and services, you can �nd countless international programs that will gladly accept. Working toward a degree or career in environmental conservation? Consider volunteering to help endangered species in the Galapagos Islands. Have a passion for working with children? Why not volun-teer and teach at an underprivileged school in Chile.

TOUR ABROAD

Would you just like a good old fashioned rendezvous through a di�erent country or around another conti-nent? Let international tour groups lead the way. �ere are several companies that exist to bring you and other curious travelers together as you embark on tours, whether one week or one month, throughout some of earth’s most desirable locations. You can learn more in our Resources section.

WHERE

SHOULD

I

GO?

You have decided that you’ll be going abroad in the immediate future. Bravissimo. But where will you go? Now the research truly begins.

If you have decided that studying abroad is the best option for you, your wallet, and your degree, your university’s international studies o�ce should be your �rst stop. If you’re a junior or senior studying abroad for a semester, it is likely you will be taking major dependent classes. Many universities have sister schools and programs abroad; your major will probably have a set study abroad program and coun-try, so do a bit of research and make sure you know what to expect beforehand. Likewise, you might only study abroad for the summer and are more likely to take one or two general education classes, like art, history, or my favorite, wine appreciation.

If you decided to travel with the assistance of an education abroad or international tour company, there are advisors and tour specialists available to answer any questions you may have. No matter how absurd you think the question is, I promise you it is not. Contact these experts if you have any reserva-tions, concerns, or general questions about the destination(s) you will be traveling to.

Are you traveling independently (read more about the art of traveling solo later) or with a group of friends? Prepare to get organized. Very organized. Sure, you could go into your experience with the lackadaisical attitude that many travelers have, or desire, �oating between destinations with no real agenda in mind. And while this is certainly not an impossible form of travel, I would advise going into any foreign situation with at least a basic under-standing of the culture, the people, what you would like to see, and what you would like to avoid.

But when it really comes down to it, your ultimate destination of choice should be one you consider for a number of reasons. �e people intrigue you, the food, the culture, the history, the architecture. Don’t go abroad, or to a certain city, just because your best friend decided to go there. �is is your future, a�er all.

FORGET THE LANGUAGE BARRIER

One of the biggest concerns I had while deciding where to go abroad was going to a country that spoke English as their native language; England and Ireland were among my premier destinations for the simple fact that everyone spoke a language I knew. And while both of these places are quite lovely and undeniably picturesque, this was terrible logic. I was limiting my opportunities and endangering my entire experience.

Luckily, I had the incredible insight of a veteran travel-er / study abroad coordinator that o�ered me gems of advice I still �nd useful today. She informed me that although citizens of Italy, Spain, or France might not speak English as their �rst language, English is gener-ously used throughout the world. And she was right.

During my time abroad and a�er, I’ve come to realize that English truly is a universal language. Sure, you may have to play a short game of charades to order a meal or get home in your cab, but it’s all an enchanting part of the travel experience. Do not limit yourself because of language barriers.

REMEMBER NON-EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS

When studying abroad, most young people, particu-larly young women, are drawn to European countries. �ere’s nothing more glamorous than sipping ca�e lattes in Rome or shopping in the French Riviera. I get it. However, I believe Europe’s friendly and venerable, neighbor to the east o�en times gets overlooked. Rest assured, studying, traveling, or volunteering in Asia will provide you with the same satisfaction you will receive from other destinations, o�en at a signi�cantly lower cost. It’s not only Asia that you should keep in mind when deciding upon your future destination; Australia, South America, and Africa will o�er you several places to call home for a week or a year, immersing you in foreign cultures and unknown tradi-tions. �e world is, quite literally, yours to discover.

Most importantly, you must do your research before you book a ticket. Talk to seasoned travelers, reach out to study abroad advisors, read blogs and always, always ask questions if they arise.

WHAT

SHOULD

I

PACK?

Now we’re getting to the good stu�. However, I’m afraid my answer may disappoint you. Because my advice to all travelers, particularly young women (and I cannot stress this enough) is to bring as little as you can possibly stand. �is is true no matter the reason you’re traveling internationally. Here’s why.

YOU’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR LUGGAGE

When I was packing to go abroad for the �rst time, it was all too easy for me to pack a gigantic (and I mean gigantic) suitcase when my father was around to carry it up and down the stairs, out of the car, and into the airport for me. He handled my luggage until the moment it was checked on its way to Florence. I quick-ly found out in Italy that I had overpacked.

What’s even more embarrassing? �e clothes I brought along absolutely screamed young, naive tourist and (perhaps worse) were a true, absolute crime of fashion. How can we avoid these rookie mistakes?

Bring classic and timeless piecesI look back at my photos from 2009 and cringe. Jean jackets. Matronly sun dresses. Baggy jeans. Tube tops. Crocs. Oh god, the Crocs. In order to avoid the pure horror I feel when I relive those moments abroad, be sure to pack simple pieces that will not easily go out of style. Consider bringing plain, �tted tanks and tees, dark jeans, simple dresses, scarves, and cardigans. Bring pieces that can easily mix and match yet aren’t bulky so they are easy to pack. Bring one smaller purse for when you go out as well as a day-bag, preferably one with a cross-body strap. Do not bring high heels. You will likely be walking on very old, cobblestone streets at some point. �e two do not mix kindly. Instead, bring a few pairs of basic sandals and a pair of tennis shoes for long walks or strenuous activity.

Only wear your graphic tee to sleep�ere is nothing that yells “I’m American!” quite as loud as a graphic t-shirt. Don’t wear shirts with your school’s mascot or logo. Avoid wearing shirts with your sorority letters. As a general rule of thumb, you should do your best to not blatantly stand out as a vulnerable young woman in a new and foreign place.

LEAVE ROOM TO BRING NEW ITEMS HOME

When I think about what I packed when I began my backpacking adventure and what I ended with, I can’t help but chuckle to myself; I think perhaps one shirt survived the trip. �is isn’t because I was hard on the clothes or they were so tattered the only sensible place for them to be was the trash. No, not at all. �e fact of the matter was that, much like my time studying abroad, I didn’t quite know what to pack. And I quick-ly found out when I began my journey that I packed the wrong things.

�ough backpacking is a di�erent travel experience than most (more on that later) the same advice still holds true: keep it simple and limit what you bring. Particularly true to any form of travel is the fact that you’re going to buy a lot of new stu� when you’re abroad. Not only souvenirs to remember the trip, but items of clothing. If your bag is already stu�ed to the brim, in fact defying all laws of physics before you arrive, you won’t have any room for the new items you purchase. Again, less is better.

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...

Mentioned once before, it is important to bring scarves and cardigans with you for a number of reasons. Is it a chilly evening? Keep either item in your purse and take out as necessary. Going into a temple or church? It’s important to keep your shoulders or some-times knees covered, easily achieved with a cardigan or scarf. You should also consider bringing an umbrella. I’m usually the only one of my travel mates to do so, and the only one who doesn’t complain during the unexpected, yet inevitable storm. You might also consider packing a small lock if you will be staying in hostels throughout your travels. �ese are good to have in case you have a safebox in your shared room and would like to lock up important items like your wallet or passport. Lastly, and as cliche as it may be, you’ll want to bring a journal. �e things you see, eat, and experience will almost irrefutably change you and your way of thinking. �ough it may seem trivial, you’ll be thankful you took the time to document, in detail, everything you did during your time abroad.

WHAT

SHOULD

I

DO

WHEN

I’M

ABROAD?

WHAT

SHOULD

I NOT

DO

WHEN

I’M

ABROAD?

WHAT SHOULD I DO

Try one new thing a dayUpon arriving at your destination, you’ll quickly �nd that things aren’t what you’re used to. Perhaps it’s the fact that people drive on the opposite side of the road, speak with accents, or use di�erent utensils to eat. Trust me, something, likely numerous things, will be new to you. While intimidating at �rst, it is a tremen-dously exciting opportunity, and one you should take advantage of. Challenge yourself to try one new thing a day; it could be as big or as small as you like. Perhaps you decide to take a new route home, talk to someone on the bus, order a menu item you’ve never tried, or browse the market you’ve heard so much about but haven’t yet explored. Immerse yourself, get uncom-fortable, and forget embarrassment. When you dive into a new culture in such a real and intimate way, the rewards will be astonishing.

Do as the locals doIf you’re abroad and venture into a bar because it o�ers beer pong on �ursday nights, I hope you won’t mind receiving a virtual, yet gentle slap on the wrist. I lived in Florence for a month, the birthplace of the renais-sance, arguably one of human being’s greatest artistic achievements. And just down the street from the Acca-demia, longtime home to Michelangelo’s extraordinary masterpiece David, was a bar that hosted a beer pong tournament every week. I’m not telling you to avoid bars and clubs. I’m telling you to do as the Florentines do, to visit small pubs and bars, to speak with locals and hear their stories, and to avoid places that attract young college students, lured by the opportunity to become Europe’s reigning �ippy cup champ.

Learn the basicsIf you do decide to travel to a destination in which English is not the primary language, fear not. I have no doubts that the people you encounter will understand and speak enough for you to get by. It does, however, make quite an impression when you make even the slightest of e�orts to communicate in the language native to your temporary home. Always carry a guide-book or dictionary to help you translate, especially when traveling on public transportation. Learn hello, goodbye, and thank you. Download apps that you can use when you need to translate something quickly.

WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO

Drink because you canWhen I toured abroad a�er graduating from universi-ty, I wasn’t new to the idea of being able to legally drink and be served alcohol. �ere were, however, a handful of participants still under the legal American drinking age, and they were sure to take advantage of the more lenient drinking laws abroad. Our �rst stop was Dublin, and though we were only there for three days before heading to London, rest assured there were a few young women that were ready to go home before even leaving the island. Distraught with regret from her behavior the night before, one young woman phoned her then boyfriend from the hotel lobby crying, apologizing for her actions, and promising she wouldn’t go out again for the remainder of the trip. Others didn’t make it back to our hotel and instead opted to spend the night with newly acquainted strangers. If walking home the morning a�er a night out in a place you’re familiar with is embarrassing, the feeling must be magni�ed in a foreign destination, not to mention the safety concerns that arise with these types of decisions. For the sake of yourself and your loved ones, have fun, yet remain in control.

Behave as you would at homeIt’s not to say that the city, country, or continent you’re visiting will be drastically di�erent than the one you normally call home, but it’s very likely that customs, rules, and manners won’t be the same. Take some time to educate yourself about the places you’ll be visiting by reading blogs and guide books or talking to people who have traveled there. Upon arrival, become obser-vant and watch how other people interact with one another. �ere’s no better way to learn about a city and its inhabitants than by taking public transportation. If people aren’t talking, follow suit. (I can’t tell you how many shushes and stink-eyes we got while riding the Metro in Paris with a large group of young Americans on board). Is service di�erent at restaurants than what you’re used to? Deal with it and become accustomed to the changes. Don’t complain or expect people to adjust their behavior simply due to what you’ve learned growing up. Be polite and do your best to be accom-modating. It will make a di�erence.

TO

TWEET

OR

NOT

TO

TWEET

�ink back to a moment ago when you asked yourself why you wanted to travel. Your answer was probably in regards to personal ful�llment. Achieving dreams, meeting new people, discovering new cultures, and stepping outside of yourself and your comfort zone to experience a way of life you’ve never imagined.

Nowhere in that initial thought process did you think, “I want to go abroad so I can upload some really awesome photos.” Right? So why, then, does social media become such an important and overwhelming element of our lives abroad?

As a traveler and observer, it has become wildly appar-ent to me that, sadly, some people travel with only the desire to check-in at the Ei�el Tower, create a Facebook album with a clever title in another language, or Insta-gram yet another photo of a delicious foreign dish. And because of this, we lose sight of the real joy that travel brings us.

I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of it. When I �rst studied and lived abroad, I would recount nearly every day’s happen-ings for my Facebook followers. I drank wine, I visited cathedrals, I made Italian friends. Instead of truly cher-ishing each and every moment I spent there, no matter how big or small, I was preoccupied with how I would cleverly phrase a status or tweet to really get the point across that I was actually living this.

And as time has gone on, I’ve come to realize this is no way to travel. Instead of living behind a camera lens, I take time to appreciate my surroundings, the people I’m with, and the fact that I may never be in that place again. Yes, I still use social networking sites to keep in touch with friends and family while away, but I do my best not to boast about the experiences I’ve had or exhaust these websites and the functions they serve.

Not only will your travel experiences be richer and more rewarding if you stay clear of over-use, you will be able to actually talk about what you did and where you went in person. Yes, an actual face-to-face conversation about what you and your friends or family members have been up to since you’ve been gone. Trust me, it’s so much more rewarding to tell a story knowing your friends haven’t already read about it via tweet or status update.

Or maybe you’d like to really challenge yourself by taking a temporary (or permanent) social networking hiatus like so many have done before.

A�er a night out while living in South Korea, I returned to my apartment with a cheeseburger in hand, kicked o� my shoes and went straight to the computer. With-out second thought, I double clicked on my browser and opened Facebook. A�er a disappointing lack in updates, I sat and thought. Why did I do that? Why was the need to check my pro�le, the longing for a new noti-�cation, so strong? I decided that Facebook had more in�uence on my life than I would have liked and deacti-vated my account, going without the social network for four months.

To my surprise, the transition was exceptionally easy. Actually, it was a relief. No pressure to present my cyber self in a certain way. No need to weigh in on current issues or make sure my friends knew exactly what was going on in my life. Best of all, it was a way to discon-nect for a while as I backpacked through southeast Asia.

Before starting your travels, take a second to evaluate your Internet use. How o�en do you check your pro�le? Tweet where you are? Check your noti�cations? Are you doing it once a day? Once an hour? �en ask your-self (and answer very realistically) will your social media habits weigh upon your experience? Are you more concerned about people at home knowing what you’re up to? Or are you trying to make the most of your experience for no one but yourself.

It’s important to understand that while Facebook, Twit-ter or Tumblr provide incredible forums that prompt conversation and debate, your online world should take a back seat to the real one. Don’t worry about letting others know you’re at the Colosseum. Take it in, enjoy the moment and realize how fortunate you are to be standing there.

A good rule of thumb I use while traveling is to check my virtual world no more than three times a day (and even that’s pushing it). Once you cut your online time, you’ll begin to appreciate your surroundings in a di�er-ent way.

STAYING

SAFE

WHILE

YOU’RE

ABROAD

As young women that travel, one of the inevitable concerns you’ll meet are that regarding your safety. When I told friends and family I was going to teach in South Korea, I was surprised to learn how little others understood of the country’s current state. And while the north and south are still technically at war, and families are being impacted in a very real way even today, I feel con�dent in saying that South Korea was, without doubt, the safest country I have ever been to. I was met with similar concerns while traveling to Colombia and was quite taken aback when a stranger, whom I had no interest in receiving advice from, told me I shouldn’t enter the country. A�er I had already landed in Medellín.

But here’s what people that haven’t been to these desti-nations can’t tell you: what the situation is actually like. Colombia was so vibrantly beautiful. Never once did I feel in danger and, more importantly, never once did I put myself in harm’s way. Gone are the days of a drug and crime-ridden nation; now visitors from all parts of the world are welcome to get to know Colombia’s diverse and wildly stunning scenery. Your great aunt knows nothing of what it‘s like to stay a week in Bogotá, so why are you letting her in�uence your decisions?

�is isn’t to say that you should completely disregard a loved one’s concerns; truthfully, there are dangerous parts of the world that you shouldn’t visit, nevertheless live in for extended periods of time. Yet, stereotypically speaking, relatives that grew up in generations before us weren’t given the incredible opportunities that young people have today.

Attending university has almost become a part of the American landscape; the idea is woven into our fabric from the time we enter elementary school. In high school we take classes and prep for college exams that will determine our next four years, and then the rest of our lives. And during this instrumental time, we’re given an easy entrance to study and live abroad. I believe the opportunity to explore, and the motivation to, has never been greater. Times have changed, and so has your opportunity to access the rest of the world. Take advantage of your desire to travel, no matter how obscure it might sound to your grandmother.

LET’S GET REAL

While you shouldn’t let fear or another’s lack of knowl-edge in�uence your decision to travel, you do need to take time to educate yourself on your destination of choice. A simple online search is a fantastic place to start. You’ll receive �rsthand knowledge from women currently living in the city or country you desire to visit, and you’ll have a better understanding of what you might expect day-to-day. I’ve traveled, volun-teered, lived, toured, and backpacked throughout 24 countries, and each has been progressive and modern in unique and varying ways. But before each trip I always take time to research the destination, whether reading a blog post or speaking with someone who has been there before so I can better equip myself for what’s ahead.

Day or night, be aware of your situation�ough we’ve touched on the topic previously, it is important to note that staying safe while out, day or night, should always be priority. Little did I know that accepting ciders from Antonio in Florence would turn into an aggressive invitation to go home with him. While I made it very clear that I had no interest or intent to do that, he made it very clear that accepting these drinks was sealing the deal. I escaped that uncomfortable situation with a good laugh and an interesting story, but nevertheless, these scenarios are very much a reality. And while I’m reluctant to keep stereotyping, it is true that young, college-aged women abroad may have a tendency for promiscuity, and a reputation that proceeds them. If you have no intent to cross that line, do not cross it. Don’t even blur it.

Also understand that your attention to safety doesn’t end when you’re sober. While sightseeing one inno-cent a�ernoon in Cambodia, I was robbed. A motor-bike pulled alongside me and snatched my belongings from my lap; I was soon helpless and bagless. A friend of mine had a camera stolen out of her purse on a train in Amsterdam; another was robbed in Barcelona while asking a polite stranger (who turned out to be not-so-polite) to take a photo. Again, I say these things not to scare you, but to make you aware of the possible scenario you may �nd yourself in if you don’t remain alert and aware at all times.

SO YOU

WANT

TO GO

BACKPACKING

Ah, yes. �e infamous, epic, and perhaps somewhat elusive backpacking trip. If you’re like me, a movie from the early 2000’s documenting several young men jour-neying across Europe encountering half-clothed women and an overabundance of alcohol comes to mind. While I’m certain that’s not entirely unrealistic at times, under-stand that most experiences backpacking are quite di�er-ent. (Instead, my mates and I o�en encountered several snorers and people who packed impossibly loud).

Naturally and unsurprisingly, your experience will di�er depending on a number of factors. Where are you going? How many people are you traveling with? Are you going solo, with a group of friends, or with an organized tour? How you backpack will depend on what you want to gain from your experience.

If traveling alone or with a group of friends, the best advice is to do your homework beforehand. Try to have a rough idea of where you want to go, but not necessarily when you want to get there. While back-packing throughout southeast Asia my friends and I knew the route we would take from �ailand into Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and back to �ailand, but we didn’t set expectations for exact dates we would arrive and leave. Your plans will probably change and you should remain �exible, but more likely than not you’re going to visit the same countries you had in mind before taking o�.

Also important to take into consideration is whether or not you will need a visa to enter the destination you wish to visit. While most European and South Ameri-can countries are more lenient with tourist visas, several Asian countries require more preparation to enter. If visas are necessary to obtain, make sure you have the appropriate items (usually passport photos, a few documents, and cash) before attempting to visit.

Having an idea of what you want to see is important, but just as important is talking to fellow travelers you meet along the way to learn of their recent experienc-es. While at your hostel (the only real way to backpack as far as I’m concerned) ask those you meet about the places they have visited thus far and whether they recommend you go. Where did they stay? Would they stay there again? Any places of interest you might want

to check out? Any areas or tourist traps you should avoid? �is advice is more valid and up-to-date than anything you’ll �nd in a guide book.

When possible, do the planning yourself. My travel companions and I made an early mistake of allowing a travel agent to book us a package from Bangkok to Chiang Mai that included a train, hostel stay, and trek-king adventure. We thought we were practically steal-ing the getaway it was so cheap, although the ease at which we were able to negotiate the price should have been a colossal red �ag. Upon arrival we quickly realized that we should have opted for a bus instead of a train and a better-located hostel. Most importantly, we should have done the work ourselves at a signi�-cantly lower cost. Remember, you have the resources available to plan a trip without the help of an agent, so don’t feel it necessary to turn to them for assistance.

If you want to backpack or embark on a similar-style trip without the burden of planning, then a tour with an accredited company may be right for you. While this type of travel certainly makes it easier for you to travel with ease, it o�en inhibits your experience and what you want to see and do. Free time is available, however your schedule is strict. If you fall in love with a certain destination you don’t have the option to stay for an extra day or two. If you’d rather move on, you don’t have the option to hop on an earlier train. Tours may be ideal for �rst time travelers who would like to be lightly immersed in other cultures, to see what they like, or don’t like, and to �gure out where they plan to return or not.

A FEW ESSENTIALS

Set a budget and stick to itYou can get by with a little when backpacking. Stay in budget accommodations, avoid taxis, and share meals to further reduce costs.

Don’t forget to bring...A lock for the safeboxes that are provided at most hostels. A fold up blanket/pillow will help during inevi-table long plane, bus, and train rides. Tennis shoes. We met someone who trekked in crocs. Don’t trek in crocs.

THE

ART

OF

TRAVELING

SOLO

MEETING A GROUP ABROAD

We can de�ne traveling solo in a few di�erent ways. �ere are those who are traveling without knowing anyone pre-departure, yet will meet a group of fellow travelers almost immediately upon arrival. �is might be the case for those studying abroad or embarking on a tour. How do we avoid the uncomfortable tension that might arise from these very situations?

Make friends before you leaveI can’t imagine a scenario in which your university, education abroad company or tour group doesn’t give you access to a social media group, email chain, or web forum in which you and your travel mates have mutual access. You can use this as an opportunity to �gure out which airport your soon-to-be-best-friends are travel-ing from, who is going on a certain excursion, so on and so forth. Ask questions if you have them, as other people are likely to have them as well. Or simply tell them how excited you are to experience this journey together.

Let the experience consume youI remember well the feeling I had sitting in O’Hare en route to Dublin before my tour. �ere were two girls that looked vaguely familiar, sitting cross-legged on the �oor eating trail mix and looking as anxious to board the plane as I was. I thought it would be weird to say hello as they clearly had an already established relationship. I then realized it would be weird not to say hello. So I did. �ese girls ended up becoming very good friends, one of which I visit regularly almost four years a�er our tour ended. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and say hello. Chances are they’re just as reluctant to speak up. You’re going to embark on an incredible adventure together, you might as well get the greeting out of the way early.

STAYING SOLO ABROAD

Perhaps you’re really traveling alone; you don’t know anyone who lives in this particular destination and you don’t have plans to meet with friends or family. It’s you and only you, and it’s one of the most refreshing travel experiences you’ll have.

Stay in a hostel, stay in a shared roomWithout doubt, the easiest way to meet fellow travelers

is to stay in a hostel. If you’re traveling solo, book a mixed or shared dorm room. Don’t feel comfortable staying with someone of another gender? Worry not, as female-only rooms are available. Invite yourself along for dinner or drinks and engage in conversation with these friendly “strangers.”

Do exactly what you want to doWhile I was in Paris, I opted out of visiting the Louvre. Not only did I avoid disastrous lines and crowds, I got to explore a more intimate part of Paris and enjoyed getting lost in unknown neighborhoods. �ough I hope to return one day to walk through the museum’s halls, I’m certainly not disappointed in my decision. When considering your itinerary, book only things that truly peak your interest. �is trip is all on your time; you can do as much or as little as you’d like.

Stop and enjoyWhen traveling with friends, it is inevitable that we will be in some kind of rush. We’re always looking forward to the next stop, the next night, the next item on the to-do list. While traveling solo in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it was nice to feel less inclined to always be on the go. I slept in. I read my book over breakfast every morning, which consisted of a few slices of toast and tea. I got lost. I sat and people watched while enjoying a good cup of co�ee. I took photos without the worry of being le� behind. My pace in Kuala Lumpur was much slower than what I had become accustomed to, but it was incredibly energizing.

Get uncomfortableIt’s easy to get through an embarrassing moment when you’re with a friend. Falling down in public is less humiliating if you have someone alongside you can jump up and laugh with. �ings get more compli-cated when you’re solo, especially when traveling in a foreign destination. I had to challenge myself while in Malaysia, but I’m so happy I did. I ate a traditional Indian dish (with my hands, for the most part) outside the Batu Caves. I visited the National Mosque. I played with some monkeys. Is it weird to do these things alone at �rst? Of course. But that’s what travel is all about.

DEALING

WITH

CULTURE

SHOCK

DEALING

WITH

REVERSE

CULTURE

SHOCK

It should come as no surprise that your way of life will dramatically di�er once you’ve arrived at your chosen location. We’ve already touched upon di�erent ways to deal with this transition (being observant, being polite, and being accommodating among others) all of which will make assimilation more pleasant for all parties involved.

Perhaps more di�cult to deal with, and probably more unexpected, is the culture shock you will assur-edly feel upon returning home. I remember well standing outside a department store in a line thirty people deep one blistery November evening. Women and men of all ages were crowded around each other �ipping through coupon books and talking about bargains, mapping a direct route to the electronics they were a�er, making sure no man, woman, or even child stood in their way of success. I was utterly fasci-nated and completely in awe.

But why? I grew up in America, and Black Friday rituals were nothing new. My curiosity had stemmed from the fact that I had lived out of the states for the last ��een months where there was no Black Friday; no race to the sofa-armchair combo, no �ght over the last �at-screen TV, and certainly no dispute over who really grabbed that digital camera �rst. Standing in that line, I thought fondly of my time abroad, about the spectacular things I would encounter on a near-daily basis and sometimes long for again.

I missed my friends, the food, the adventure, and the unknown. But then I stopped to realize I had so much to discover (or re-discover) at home.

Whether you plan to travel for a month or a decade, and no matter where you travel to, coming home will not be an easy transition. You’ll feel anxious, excited, and nervous to be back with friends and family you missed so dearly. Yet it’s important to understand that it’s not easy to go from adventure and exploring the daring unknown to sitting on your parent’s couch within the same week. Not to mention the fact that you will certainly forget about everyday things that those close to you are still accustomed to (tipping comes to mind).

You may be faced with an internal struggle, a doubt as to why you don’t have a plan in place or why you haven’t yet reached your full potential upon your immediate return. You may question how you could be so independent abroad only to come home and rely so heavily on others.

Understand that you must give yourself time to relax, to cope with the change, and to process how di�cult it might be to realize your once familiar way of life may never be that familiar again.

Besides allowing yourself a break, there are other rem-edies to aid your reverse culture shock. A simple way is to keep in touch with friends you made abroad. Cross-country (or cross-world) communication is easier than ever. Find friends on Facebook or Skype and make it a point to send an e-mail or make a phone call at least once a month. You’ve made amazing friends while traveling, don’t let them forget you care about them.

And although your friends and family at home might not understand the decisions you made abroad or comprehend the scope of it all, they still care. Talk to people when they ask questions, answer them honestly and remember to keep them in mind; they’ve had amazing adventures during your time away, too.

Most importantly, cherish your experience. It’s hard to remember details of trips, the names of people you met, or that outstanding restaurant you dined at. Luck-ily, it is easy to keep a journal or blog while traveling and you’ll be thankful you did when you can look back whenever you like to truly remember, and appreciate, the amazing things you did.

Regardless of where you call home, it’s important to remember that extraordinary things await you there, as well. So o�en I think my own city, state, or country won’t o�er me the same things others will, and though in many ways that’s true, it’s also incredibly unfair. Remember that you don’t have to cross an ocean to �nd things that will continue to inspire you.

EDUCATION ABROAD PROGRAMS

AIFS www.aifsabroad.com/programs.aspCEA www.ceastudyabroad.comCIEE www.ciee.org/study-abroadIES Abroad www.iesabroad.orgTEAN www.educationabroadnetwork.org

TEACH ABROAD

Dave’s ESL Cafe www.eslcafe.comFootprints Recruiting www.footprintsrecruiting.comLanguageCorps www.languagecorps.comTeach Away www.teachaway.comTEFL Academy www.internationalte�academy.com

TOUR ABROAD

AESU www.aesu.comContiki www.contiki.com EF College Break www.efcollegebreak.comIntrepid Travel www.intrepidtravel.comTopdeck www.topdeck.travel

VOLUNTEER ABROAD

Cross Cultural Solutions www.crossculturalsolutions.orgGo Eco www.goeco.orgGo Overseas www.gooverseas.com/volunteer-abroadProjects Abroad www.projects-abroad.orgUnited Planet www.unitedplanet.org/volunteer-abroad

GENERAL TRAVEL RESOURCES

Go Abroad www.goabroad.comInterExchange www.interexchange.orgTransitions Abroad www.transitionsabroad.comSTA Travel www.statravel.com

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W W W . R I S E A N D R O A M . C O M