- Even though you may be in an English speaking country, you will still find yourself not understanding everything being said.
- With that said, get to know the common phrases of the culture and language. They're fun to learn and use in conversation.
- Food from home does exist here (Ben and Jerry's rejoice!)
- However, food isn't always the same, or named the same thing. It's important to adapt to new brands and names of food. You'll find your favorites.
- When eating out, try local or cultural dishes. You'll never know what you like
- Appreciate the scenery around you. It's easy to get caught up in the quick pace of life, especially once classes get into full swing, but you're abroad! Enjoy it!
- Talk to your family when you can. It may not be every day, but they want to share the experience with you. Trust me.
- Talk with the locals. Yes, you're American, but they're just as intrigued with you as you are with them.
- The faucets (well, taps here) are different. No more is the one faucet providing an even mixture of hot and cold water.
- Make friends with tea. Everyone drinks it.
- British children are the absolute cutest....and have the best names!
- Tour around the city you are in. It's far too easy to travel to other countries and ignore the city you chose to study abroad in.
- Take care of yourself. It takes time to adjust to a new area, so spend some time by yourself if you need it. Take a shower, take a nap, or go buy a coffee and a snack. If you've ever been stressed at school before, you know how to cope best with stress. The same applies abroad.
- Be patient. It takes time to get into a new routine, let alone in a new country.
- And last, but certainly not least, driving on the left hand side of the road will make you feel like you are on a roller coaster. Period.
I'm sure as the next few months come along, I'll have more words of wisdom to share, but this is just a preliminary list for starters. It's hard to believe how fast a month flies, but I can't wait for all the adventures that are to come these next three months!
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