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Content Tagged Under : Living Abroad
Parachuting won't get you to France (though it'd be nice).
In January 2010, I quit the job I had been working towards for the previous six years.
I had wanted to be a SEAL since high school. I read all the literature available about Navy SEALs. I still wanted to go to college so I applied for and received a Navy ROTC scholarship to The George Washington University. During college, I trained myself physically and mentally. We even had an enlisted SEAL in NROTC who mentored us. The fall semester of my senior year in college I applied for and was accepted into the SEAL training program called...
On a weekend trip in Stratford-on-Avon, during which Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was set to take the stage by The Royal Shakespeare Company, Madeleine McManus and her friends Elise and Richard, who was also celebrating his birthday, walked down an empty street in search for a lively crowd -- at the very least a drink -- in an otherwise barren district in the English countryside. Through the dark, a little bar with few patrons who had just gotten done with a few rounds of their daily pints.
The three walked up to the owner who was locking up his place. They said that they were looking for...
At the end of every study abroad program, there becomes a moment when one thinks to themself, “I wish I knew then what I know now.” Hindsight is 20-20, and studying abroad is no exception. Therefore, I’m here to provide you with some expert advice on what to expect when studying abroad, from IES Abroad Milan student services director, Walter Muto. Walter has been the student services director and self proclaimed go-to man on all things “student life” at IES Abroad Milan since January of 2005. He explains about three main challenges that he sees students face time after time while studying...
Use your skills to make some extra cash.
The most common question I hear from people interested in teaching English abroad is pretty simple: How much money will I make!?
But it can be a tough question to answer. How much money you make really does depend on the country you teach in, your experience, the job market, and a whole host of other factors that you may or may not be able to control.
However, the good news is -- if you’re crafty and willing to hustle a little bit -- living abroad provides ample opportunity to make some extra cash on the side. So if you find that your teaching...
Young Middle Eastern girls stick close for company
I clutched my passport nervously as I waited in the customs line at the Cairo International Airport. I stood alone, my eyes searching the beige Egyptian terminal around me for anything familiar looking. When my turn came to have my passport stamped, I grinned enthusiastically at the male customs agent, hoping to calm my nerves by showing outward confidence. The agent paused, looked at me, and smirked. When I met his gaze, I realized with a sinking feeling that I had done something wrong. I snatched my passport and hustled to where my father...
Konnichiwa! Tips and Tricks for Living Abroad in Japan
“Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.” —Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Japanese culture is an intriguing enigma. Even those who have traveled the country extensively will agree, when it comes to Japanese culture, the understanding of it is a lifelong undertaking, especially for those who interact with the Japanese on a business level.
Though I can only hope to scratch the surface, I...
Etiquette for Living with a Host Family
Living with a host family while studying abroad contributes untold value and learning to your immersion experience. You can learn about everything like local customs, popular food, cultural differences, and so much more from them. But a host family is not just a person or group of people who have an extra room available; they are willing to open their lives to you for the duration of your stay.
Here are some etiquette tips for showing them gratitude and respect as well as learning about their culture.
Greeting...
Bonjour! Tips and Tricks for Living Abroad in France
Ah, France. What girl hasn’t dreamed of being swept off of her feet by a dashing Frenchman in front of the Eiffel Tower? What man hasn’t dreamed of being the dashing man who sweeps a French supermodel off of her feet? At the very least, who hasn’t dreamed of going there with the sole purpose of eating like a king?
When it comes to living in or traveling through France, I’ve heard just about every stereotype out there: “Parisians are rude,” “People of the provence are so nice,” “Paris is so romantic,” or “Paris is so dirty.” It seems as...
Tango dancers in La Boca
Despite the fact that my wife and I love to travel and would give anything to be back on the road right now, there aren’t many places in the world that we’d like to actually call home. Buenos Aires is one of the few exceptions, and it would make a fantastic destination for any expat for a variety of reasons. The culture is unique and easy to fall in love with. The food and wine is amazing, especially if you’re a fan of the color red. The different barrios give the city a unique feel, as though there are several cities melded into one. Add in the parks, the...
The Sorrento coastline in Italy
Editor's note: I'd like to open with "sorry for falling off the face of the earth for the last six weeks." I have a great excuse, though! Reconstructive shoulder surgery can be limiting when it comes to things like typing, and hanging from flying trapezes, and rock climbing... But mostly typing. Good news Is I'm back in the saddle to answer your cultural questions. I'll try not to let the medication haze take this in a weird direction. No guarantees.
In our new series on Go Overseas, we’re helping to answer those cultural questions you may have before heading...
Andrew in Italy
So a lot of my day is actually spent off Go Overseas and on other websites and blogs. I really enjoy reading about and interacting with fellow travelers who are either teaching, studying, or volunteering abroad (this is actually the best part of my job). I recently came across a couple posts that were discussing 'what makes a good global citizen,' and why anyone should care. I personally think that there is no right answer that fits within everyones framework, but it is becoming an increasingly important concept to explore and discuss as more people seek out opportunities...
The Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand
Leaving home to move to a different country, whether it be for teaching, volunteering, or studying, can be a stressful and sometimes overwhelming endeavor. When the country you're moving to is completely foreign and different than your own, it makes that move even more challenging.
The challenges of becoming an expat are also part of the fun, but it pays to do your research beforehand and learn as much as possible about the culture of the country you're moving to. Thailand, while very much on the tourist trail and with plenty of western amenities and...
Culture Shock - Reversed!
What you need to know:
Culture shock is defined as the emotional, mental, and physical adjustment to life in a new place. Though deceiving, it typically does not refer to a single event that triggers an acute awareness of not belonging; instead, it is the compounded response to an ongoing realization of cultural differences.
Reverse culture shock describes the stress and disequilibrium often experienced when one returns home to one's own culture. Surprisingly, reverse culture shock can sometimes be more difficult to handle than the original culture shock.
Culture...
Common Travel Scams
While you may have the time of your life while traveling abroad, remember to stay vigilant and streetwise in order to avoid any scenarios that may cloud your awesome memories. Every country has its own variety of scams, but there are some generic scams to lookout for, whether you are in London, Lebanon, Lisbon, or Libya. Just remember these tips and you will be set for a safe trip!
#MONEY SCAMS
Credit Card – First off, do not give your credit card details to anyone, especially hotel receptionists. For example, they might say they misplaced your credit card information...
Impressions of Living in Africa
When my husband and I learned we were moving to Dakar, Senegal, for two years for his career with the U.S. government, we usually received one of three reactions: 1) Open-mouthed stare; 2) Raised eyebrows; or 3) Open-mouthed stare with raised eyebrows.
I strongly suspected that images of starvation/huts/lions were churning through the minds of those with whom we shared our news. To put my theory to the test, I polled some Facebook friends with this request: When you hear "Africa" or "I'm moving to Africa," what are some of the first things that pop into your...
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