Studying abroad is one of the most amazing and wonderful experiences you will ever have. Everything is new and exciting. New people, new food, new sights and sounds. You will meet people from all over the world: Laos, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Japan, France, England, Turkey, and the list goes on and on. Every time you get out of bed in the morning will be the start of a new adventure.
However, if your not prepared for the first week in a new country, it can be overwhelming. To help make your transition a little easier, I've come up with some tips for surviving your first week abroad.
1. Consider Taking a Shuttle
Getting from the airport to where you need to get your housing can be difficult. You can take a train from the airport and then a bus to the meeting place. It's a pretty cost effective method of travel, but you have to carry your luggage (up to 50 pounds or more) on the train and bus. The trains and buses can sometimes be crowded depending on what day and what time of day you arrive.There is also a Lufthansa shuttle but you still will have to take a bus to the meeting point. I took a shuttle bus (TLS) from the Frankfurt airport to the meeting point in Heidelberg. The driver met me and a few others at the airport and helped us with our luggage. The driver was very nice and informative. He dropped us off write at the meeting point. The shuttle was not too expensive (about 35 euros). You can book a shuttle online as late as three days before you arrive in Germany. The shuttle is slightly more expensive, but it does make your first hours a little less stressful.
2. Ask Questions
Make sure you ask any questions at the meeting point. When your are in a new country, there are literally no stupid questions. It's always better to be 100% sure than being unsure of what to do or where to go. Also, do be afraid to ask local people for directions or help. In my experience, most people are very willing to help you IF YOU ASK THEM. They are not as likely to come over to you and ask if you need help. If your German skills are not good enough to ask what you need to ask, make sure to politely ask the person if they speak English before you start talking to them in English. People seem to be more responsive if you do so.
3. Keep in Contact with Friends and Family
Before you make new friends in Germany, it can get a little lonely. Skyping and emailing is a great way to keep in touch. Skyping is great because it allows you to see your family and friends. Seeing a familiar face can be very comforting in the first few days. Another great way to keep in contact is creating lots of Facebook posts. Posts allow you to share your experiences with your family and friends. Posts will allow your friends and family to talk about what you are experiencing and them feel just a little less far away.
4. Get Lost
One of the best ways to get to know a city and make it feel like home is getting lost (make sure you bring a map with you so you can get back home from your adventure). Pick a location and only use back streets. Going down back streets will really help you get a better sense of the city. If you take the back streets, you will also find a lot of cool little shops and locations that you might not find if you stick to the main streets. There are some great bakeries, local bars, and restaurants hidden away in back allies. There is also some great architectural details on people's houses that you can't find on a commercialized street. Once you have been lost and forced to find your way back, you will not forget that area of the city. If you go exploring enough, you will be navigating the city like a local in no time.
The first few days can be rough, but if are willing to go with the flow and have an adventurous spirit, you will quickly adapt to your new home and be on your way to having the most fun of your life.
