The Foreign Service Journal, December 2005

D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 83 S CHOOLS S UPPLEMENT leading, and most likely enjoy the rest of your time as you would at your American university. By the end of your term abroad, you’ll understand everything that you once considered foreign. You might not even want to return home! Here are some suggestions to ease the transition: Reach out. It may seem obvious, but particularly when you’re home- sick, it can be difficult to befriend local students. Many Americans abroad find themselves stuck in their American bubble, always hanging out with the other students in their pro- gram because it can be difficult to go out and meet foreign nationals, par- ticularly if you don’t speak the local language. But do it anyway; you’ll be glad you did. Join student clubs. Campus organizations are a good place to start, particularly those that cater to your Continued on page 84 Five Things I Wish I’d Been Told Here are some other snippets of advice, things I wish people had told me before I went to Scotland: Bring shower shoes. This is especially important when you plan on staying in a youth hostel. Believe me, you’ll regret it otherwise. Experience local nightlife for yourself. Of course, be careful and go with a group, but there’s just no substitute for seeing “Eurotrash” first-hand! Take overnight trains to save on hotels when traveling. Don’t be surprised that most people will be able to tell you’re American, whether by your accent or your tennis shoes. I once had a stranger in Edinburgh, say to me, “You’re American, aren’t you?” When I asked him how he knew, he responded, “You just have that cheery look about you.” Similarly, don’t be surprised to encounter anti-American sentiment. Almost any- where you go, you will be expected to defend yourself and U.S. policy on a wide range of issues. To make this easier, brush up on U.S. history and politics before you go abroad, as well as the basics for the location in which you’ll be studying. Be honest about how you feel and support your ideas; most people will be glad to listen even if they don’t agree. Brush up on U.S. history and politics before you go abroad, as well as the basics for the location in which you’ll be studying.