A broad, Abroad: Wisdom from abroad
Advice for students overseas
By Sarah Jones
Last Updated:3:43 PM EST 4/22/09 Section: Lifestyles
Traveling (and consequently studying) abroad is certainly not always glamorous, and my Easter week was probably the best illustration of that.
So, always the positive thinker, I'm going to turn the follies of my 10 day tour de Italy into an opportunity to dispense advice (which I always love to do).
I won't bore you with all of the details, but I'll let those of you who are considering a stay abroad in on a few secrets so you can avoid some of the more … interesting instances.
So, here we go:
Research hostels, but have an open mind.
No, I haven't encountered anything like the movie. However, you should still read the reviews on websites like www.hostelworld.com.
The fact is, with 20 or more 20-somethings sharing toilets, showers and rooms it's going to look like Mr. Clean's worst nightmare.
However, if you read the reviews you can avoid many troubles, like bed bugs for example (something we encountered in Florence).
Travel in small groups, or expect difference of opinion. Herding eight diverse people around a country is not an easy thing to do. We are all blessed with our uniqueness, but somehow we aren't blessed with the capability to time our bladders or eating schedules. Also, leave all your issues at home.
Expect to spend money, but spend it wisely.
Develop herculean haggling skills (or learn to make your friend who is skilled at haggling do it for you).
The fact is no matter how much you try to hide it, you look like a tourist, you sound like a tourist, heck, you probably even smell like one, so you better be on the lookout.
Everyone wants your money. In Naples a kind old man helping five of us find a train to Pompeii wanted five euro each for his services.
Watch out for Vespas.
This one is kind of self explanatory, but its harder than you think. Let's just say the world is their highway, not excluding the back of your leg (as one of my friends learned first hand).
So, always the positive thinker, I'm going to turn the follies of my 10 day tour de Italy into an opportunity to dispense advice (which I always love to do).
I won't bore you with all of the details, but I'll let those of you who are considering a stay abroad in on a few secrets so you can avoid some of the more … interesting instances.
So, here we go:
Research hostels, but have an open mind.
No, I haven't encountered anything like the movie. However, you should still read the reviews on websites like www.hostelworld.com.
The fact is, with 20 or more 20-somethings sharing toilets, showers and rooms it's going to look like Mr. Clean's worst nightmare.
However, if you read the reviews you can avoid many troubles, like bed bugs for example (something we encountered in Florence).
Travel in small groups, or expect difference of opinion. Herding eight diverse people around a country is not an easy thing to do. We are all blessed with our uniqueness, but somehow we aren't blessed with the capability to time our bladders or eating schedules. Also, leave all your issues at home.
Expect to spend money, but spend it wisely.
Develop herculean haggling skills (or learn to make your friend who is skilled at haggling do it for you).
The fact is no matter how much you try to hide it, you look like a tourist, you sound like a tourist, heck, you probably even smell like one, so you better be on the lookout.
Everyone wants your money. In Naples a kind old man helping five of us find a train to Pompeii wanted five euro each for his services.
Watch out for Vespas.
This one is kind of self explanatory, but its harder than you think. Let's just say the world is their highway, not excluding the back of your leg (as one of my friends learned first hand).
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Bob
posted 10/15/09 @ 9:50 PM EST
Great read from a great writer! You really make that awesome trip come alive. I just had to support the "drinking the amazing wine and eating pizza, pasta and gelato every day" part. (Continued…)
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