The cultural difference between the UK and your foreign destination is a tricky matter. The difference in culture is probably one of the major reasons you decided to spend some time abroad. Then again, though that would be to your advantage, the nature and extent of the differences may not be what you expect. Even if you decide to go to a European or Western country, you may experience what is commonly known as culture shock. Different people react to this in different ways. The important thing is for you to be able to handle such differences in an appropriate manner.
When you first arrive in a foreign country, your initial reaction would probably be euphoria – a feeling that wow, I can’t believe it, I am in this country! You may experience a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety at the same time. Ride with it, enjoy it! Yet at the same time, be cautious about your expectations. What we believe is not always the same as the reality that awaits us. Your preconceived ideas about routines and schedules, facilities and amenities, and customs and habits may be quite different from what you will actually experience.
This is where reality sets in and you may experience a feeling of frustration and inability to cope. This stage is perhaps the most critical stage of all. You need to be able to deal with the strangeness around you. Actually experiencing things that are different from what you are used to may incite homesickness, anxiety, and even boredom. How to deal with this? Don’t sweat about the small things and always keep an open mind. You are in that country to learn and broaden you horizons. What good would it do you if everything were the same as in the UK?
Eventually, you would learn to cope with the cultural differences. Making new friends will hasten your adjustment. Keeping in touch with family and friends from home will keep you grounded. More and more, you will see that the differences are not so bad and that you can live with them. In fact, you will probably get to appreciate them as time passes by!
One of the most important things you have to consider when going on any trip outside of the UK is your provisions for health related emergencies. No matter how healthy you are, different conditions in a foreign country may trigger some health problems. Of course, there is always the possibility of getting into an accident. We do not mean to be negative about it, but as the saying goes, better safe than sorry.
In addition to that, you do not always have a choice on whether to have a health insurance policy or not if you are going to a different country to study. Depending on which country you go to, you may be required to take out a student insurance policy. So before embarking on your summer program, make sure that you inquire about such requirements.
If you already have health insurance (and other types of insurance for that matter) in the UK, inquire with your provider regarding the type of coverage. Make sure that they will cover you during your stay in a foreign country. Also ask about affiliate hospitals and medical institutions in your destination. If your policy does not cover you, you should consider taking out one specific to your purpose. When taking out a new insurance policy, or sorting out the details for your existing one, look out for which types of incidents are covered. If you plan to engage in a lot of physical activities, make sure that those kinds of activities are covered as well. You should also look into the possible additional charges that may be incurred due to the fact that you will be using the policy outside of the UK.
Some academic institutions – especially those from the UK that send students to other countries – may have arrangements with health insurance providers. It would be wise to inquire from your study abroad office or whatever department handles summer program. You will probably get a better coverage, or at least a more suitable coverage. In addition to that, you may be able to avail of your policy at a better rate than if you were to do it yourself.
Perhaps while at home, you have never given much thought to your finances. It might be that your parents help you out with this. Or maybe, you do give it some thought if you are already self-supporting. However, managing your finances at home is quite different from what you will have to do when you go to another country to spend your summer. This time, you will really be on your own. You have to work with what you have, without easy access to making more money.
For some, it is merely a good idea to plan and manage their finances. For the student on a summer program, it is as absolute necessity. The last thing that you would want to happen is to run out of cash in a foreign country. When planning for your summer trip, you have to bear in mind that you have to allot money not only for basic necessities such as board and lodging but for leisure activities as well.
The first thing you must do – even before you leave the UK – is to check the monetary exchange rates. You would also want to have some local currency when you arrive at the country of your destination so have a small amount changed before leaving the UK. Another thing would be to map out a general idea of what you will be spending when you get there. Allot enough for what is necessary and then make a list of what you can afford to do with what money you have.
Check with your bank if you can use your ATM card in foreign countries. Make sure you inquire about the charges they apply. Once you arrive in your country of destination, make sure that you know where the ATMs are as well. You can also use your credit card. Again, check on the charges that will apply. Another option would be to bring along some traveler’s cheques. This is perhaps one of the wisest courses to take as lost or stolen traveler’s cheques can be replaced. The basic idea is not to bring a large amount of cash with you.
