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Information
for Students Currently Abroad
We hope you are having a great time on your study abroad! While
you are there, see and do as much as you possibly can. If you
have the opportunity to travel, just go. You will find some of
your best educational opportunities in your travels abroad! Ask
about student discounts as you travel the world.
You should be
able to access your VT e-mail. This will be helpful in
communicating with friends, family, and advisors. Most
importantly, it is free. While traveling in major cities, there
will be internet cafes that you may use to check e-mail and
other news.
Get to know your
professors one on one. Meet with them and establish a good
rapport. Let them know that you are on an exchange program. You
may find that they will be generous with allowing you time to
travel. They may also be more willing to help you with your
academics, or even give you tips about local highlights and ways
to meet the locals.
Budgeting
Consider what you are spending your
money on. You may not be in this part of the world again for a
long time, so you may want to make tradeoffs between spending
money on travel and going out to eat and drink.
Driving
Most countries
have excellent transportation systems, especially in Europe and
large cities. You will find transportation, such as trains and
buses, efficient, cheap, and simple to figure out. If you really
want to drive in the country you are in, be cautious, especially
if you don't speak the language. Get as familiar as possible
with the road signs before you attempt to get into a car and
drive. Be careful if the traffic patterns are the reverse of
what you are used to, such as in the U.K. This will really throw
off your instincts. Look into obtaining an international
driver's license and auto or accident insurance.
Academics
This section
contains information on transcripts and course registration for
your return.
Culture
Whether or not you are having
difficulty adjusting to the host culture, these pages will be of
great interest to you. Learn about the
stages of
culture
shock.
Discover ways to minimize and
overcome culture shock. Understand how people from other countries
perceive Americans.
Read our hints for
appreciating your host culture. See if you
can answer our list of
questions about your host culture.
Housing
You will probably need to arrange
for housing at Virginia Tech before you return. If you will be
using on-campus housing, contact Residential and Dining Programs
well in advance. To find roommates or an apartment off-campus,
please visit the
Off-Campus Housing website.
Pre-Departure Pages
Our pre-departure pages may also
contain useful information for you.
Money
Matters Make arrangements to
transition your money abroad and learn about financial aid.
Healthcare Issues Get health
insurance and take your prescriptions with you.
Safety
and Security Recognize
potentially dangerous situations.
Communication Make sure all
parties have your contact information. |
