Studying abroad continues to be one of the highlights of attending college, and many Syracuse University students take full advantage of that opportunity.

A lot of these students, though, worry about things like packing, meeting host families and settling into a new atmosphere. In a lot of ways, it mirrors the experience of going off to college for the first time.

About 40 percent of SU students go abroad to one of SU Abroad’s eight overseas centers or through Syracuse’s World Partners programs, which include Prague and Australia, said Jennifer Horvath, manager of marketing and communications at SU Abroad. Students can also choose to study abroad through other school programs.

“You’re not necessarily going with your best friends, you’re meeting a whole bunch of new people and you’re kind of having to fit in a group all over again,” Horvath said. “Especially if you’re going to a big overseas center like London or Madrid, you’re going with 200 or 250 other people and you have to get used to your new city. It’s an adjustment.”

Horvath is currently helping the fall semester students settle into their new homes, but some past study abroad students have lent their own advice.

Senior international relations major Claire Rupert recommended attempting to learn the language of the country in which you are studying. She says it can go a long way in helping you fit in.

“The natives will respect you a lot more if you even attempt to speak the language,” Rupert said. “Even if you order a box of water instead of a bottle.”

Rupert, who studied in Strasbourg, France, suggested packing light, not only to avoid fees, but also to have room to bring things back.

International flights set limits on how heavy luggage can be. These limits decide whether the airline will accept your bags. It can also delay checking into a flight. Most airlines will charge at least $100 in baggage fees if it’s too heavy.

“I went to Europe with one of my suitcases three-fourths empty and came back with it filled to the point where it was almost considered cargo,” Rupert said.

Students can always buy supplies when they arrive, especially smaller items like shampoo and towels. Another tip to keep extra weight off is to bring basic clothes that can be worn with multiple outfits.

Sierra Cruz, also a senior international relations major, is currently climbing mountains and chasing llamas in Santiago, Chile. She has been studying there since June and is now taking classes to improve her Spanish.

Cruz suggested students pay attention to the climate and season of the country to which they are traveling.

When you finally arrive in your host country, wander around, get a feel for the culture and try new things, like camping in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador or traveling to Prague for a weekend.

For those about to embark and those planning to do so in the second half of the school year — spring applications are due Oct. 10 — Horvath recommended trying any and every opportunity that a program offers.

Said Horvath: “Take advantage of all the opportunities that are there, especially events that are optional and just part of the program. Just say yes. The staff is there to support you and to help you make this the best experience that it can be.”

Published on August 28, 2013 at 2:18 am

Contact Hannah: hrtibbet@syr.edu