Meet Jessica Wedge, Greenheart Travel’s High School Abroad Advisor!
Jessica’s first experience abroad was a trip to France with her high school French class. She proudly paid for the whole trip herself through her job at a grocery story. She has been an avid traveler ever since. She went on a study abroad program in college to the Netherlands and France, and upon graduation, she joined the Peace Corps and spent two transformative years in Cote d’Ivoire as a community health volunteer.
She’s visited so many countries, she’s losing count. She loves biking, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her wonderful friends, husband and two children.
Read on to learn a bit more about Jessica’s favorite international city, a special travel “aha” moment and what cuisine she would happily eat every day.
Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Lansing, Michigan – a solid blue collar auto town. Some famous Lansing-ites besides myself, include Burt Reynolds and Magic Johnson.
Q: What is your favorite international city?
I love Paris and have never been able to spend a big enough chunk of time there to get to know it really well. I love the history, culture, food, and I love speaking French!
Q: What is your secret talent?
I can play the baritone ukulele fairly well! My favorite tune is “Crazy,” made famous by Patsy Cline but written by Willie Nelson.
Q: If you could eat only one country’s style of food for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Definitely Korean food. My husband, kids and I are obsessed with Korean food and can’t wait to go to Korea someday.
Jess’s daughter, Nina, enjoys some Korean food.
Q: Complete the sentence: When I grow up I want to __________.
Be a farmer! I have a big garden and chickens in my backyard in Chicago but I would love to have a legit farm someday.
Q: What is your spirit animal?
This is so nerdy but my kids and I are obsessed with birding. We’ve been lucky to spot the scarlet tanager and the northern flicker here in Chicago. Anyways, I guess my spirit animal would be a goldfinch, such a pretty, sweet, and laid back bird.
Looking for birds in the forest.
Q: What is your favorite travel “AHA! moment” or memory?
That moment when I was living in Cote D’Ivoire and finally was completely fluent in French! It’s an amazing feeling, when you suddenly realize everyone understand you and you understand them!
Q: What is your favorite thing about working for Greenheart Travel?
I love working with such smart and nice group of people! I work from home most of the time, so I also really enjoy coming into the office and having someone else make the coffee!
Jess’s husband and kids plan their future travel adventures.
If you do a quick online search for the “benefits of studying abroad,” you’ll find testimonials from students with broadened perspectives of the world, a greater sense of confidence and an ability to adapt to new situations. For many students and educators, it’s not whether or not a study abroad experience is worthwhile; the challenge is deciding when to study abroad.
As our world becomes more globalized, the push to get a head start and study abroad in high school is motivating a growing number of students looking for a unique academic experience. If you are trying to convince your family and teachers to support your dream of studying abroad in high school, but they aren’t budging on their stance, here are a few reasons that might persuade them to change their mind.
Support and Safety
Greenheart Travel alumna, Sarah, and her host mom during her study abroad program in Austria.
As a high school exchange student, you will have the security of living with a host family and being supported by local coordinators and teachers in the country where you are studying abroad. Living abroad is a life-changing experience, but one that doesn’t come easy. It doesn’t matter if you are a sophomore in high school or in college, homesickness, culture shock and trying to communicate in a new language are all challenges you’ll face while living and traveling abroad. Having a support network is essential in these moments and is much more readily available as a teen exchange student.
Safety is another big concern, and one that is a priority for any organization or school helping students have cultural immersion experiences. Greenheart Travel completes regular check in’s with in-country staff, communicates constantly with students’ parents and our overseas partners about a students’ experience, and monitors the political climate of where each student is placed on a daily basis.
Parents and teachers have the peace of mind of a 24/7 emergency network or are able to call the office and talk to their personal program manager about concerns. Studying abroad as a university student might still offer in-country support, but as independent adults, most parents often has to depend on their son or daughter to keep in contact rather than being able to rely on a school or organization.
Full Cultural Immersion
Greenheart Travel alum, Aden, experiencing Japanese culture during his program in Fukuoka.
There are two different academic experiences when studying abroad as a teen versus a college student. Studying abroad in university offers a great academic experience, but it is also very easy to find fellow students from your hometown college, or country, and stick to the familiarity of your native culture. There is more independence as a university student, but that also allows for staying in a comfort zone and observing a country and culture from a distance.
Studying abroad as a high school student, on the other hand, doesn’t offer such luxuries. Living with a local host family, attending a school where your classes are in the host community language and embarking on this adventure as an individual student rather than a group, is a unique experience in full cultural immersion. As a teen living and studying abroad, you will have an authentic, cultural experience allowing for a deeper understanding of a country and language, and also yourself. Not to mention you will be experiencing first-hand the sites and historical traditions of academic subjects you might be studying.
“Travel early, so that you may learn more about yourself sooner.” Leah Miller, Greenheart Travel High School in Costa Rica alumna
Stand Out on University Applications
Greenheart Travel alumna, Louise, and her friends from Spain.
When you study abroad as a high school student, you are immediately distinguishing yourself from your classmates. Your overseas experiences gives you tangible examples of why you are prepared to attend a university as a mature and independent individual, thanks to being an exchange student in high school. Plus, you can study abroad AGAIN during your time in university!
Our teen high school exchange students have life-changing academic experiences they would never have had back home. Alumni like Sarah, who studied in Austria and was a member of the symphony orchestra, was able to immerse herself in the tradition of the great composers that lived in Vienna while perfecting her musical craft. Her college applications didn’t just state she was a musician, she was able tell a story of her commitment to her studies, ultimately helping her to be accepted into the University of Chicago.
It’s not only about being able to stand out on college applications. Studying abroad in high school helps students make more informed decisions on where they want to go to university, and what they want to focus on in their career.
Greenheart Travel alumna, Rachael, speaking in front of her school in Spanish, during her study abroad program in Costa Rica.
“Studying abroad in high school has helped me discover my interests, as well as given me a better sense of what I am looking for in colleges. I am more confident, and now know myself well enough to determine what schools and locations could suit me best. I feel qualified to pursue my passions and shape my own future.”
The Return on Investment is Higher for Studying Abroad in High School
Program fees to study abroad in high school can require fundraising, saving and budgeting, but the return on investment can be huge. If you consider that your high school abroad experience could also help you receive future scholarships or stand out on university applications once you return home, the return is even higher.
Yes, study abroad programs in university are a great way to stand out on job applications, just think what multiple international academic experiences will do for job interviews and networking?!
Having a global experience, in high school or later as an adult, are both important and life-changing endeavors. Studying abroad as a high school student, however, gives you a head start on your personal, academic and career success long into adulthood.
Rieley McCullough, Greenheart Travel’s Teen Language Camp in Spain alumna sums it up best:
“Traveling is such an internal experience. This is a time when you discover your true self and get to know the diversity of the world. So do it as soon as possible!”
Need some extra support on convincing your parents or teachers to let you study abroad in high school? Connect with us and we can help you get started on the conversation!
Considering a study abroad program during high school, and curious how to gain and transfer class credits? This is one of the key questions we get from interested students, and is definitely something you’ll want to make sure is organized before you depart for our study abroad adventure.
While this can be one of the most challenging tasks in the application process, with a bit of persistence, planning, and the help of our alumni advice below, you can successfully navigate your school’s criteria to make sure your study abroad program doesn’t delay your high school graduation timeline.
A Variety of Options for Gaining Credits Abroad:
There isn’t necessarily one specific way of getting credit while you’re abroad because every U.S. school handles international credit differently. Some schools are really open to cultural exchange programs and make it easy for their students, while others show more resistance and hesitation.
We’ve seen people do a variety of different configurations to make their credits transfer from an international school to back home including:
Transferring credits directly to equivalent courses your U.S. school offers
Counting credits gained abroad as general elective credits
Independent study credit
Taking summer classes to make up for lost credits
Opting for online classes during their program to stay on track
If your school is being challenging, don’t give up! Although summer study abroad programs are gaining popularity across the country, less than 1% of U.S. students per year study abroad. Unfortunately, this means many schools haven’t had to outline a process or policy for transferring international credits.
How to Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
The good news though is that many of our students who have studied abroad are the first students at their school to participate on a high school exchange program — you could be that trailblazer! Here’s how to get started to get support from your school and graduate on time.
1. Meet with Your Guidance Counselor or School Administration Early in the Process
One of the best ways to ensure that you will gain credit during your international exchange program is to immediately connect with your guidance counselor. Speak with them early in the research process and communicate often to make sure you are on track! We’ve seen freshman sit down with their counselors to plan for a study abroad program their junior year. If you are really passionate about going abroad, it’s never too early to start planning.
2. Ask for General Curriculum Guidelines of Where You Want to Study
Heading into the meeting with your counselor or administrator, you should probably bring along the general curriculum guidelines of your host country (which Greenheart Travel can provide you). Although we can’t guarantee enrollment in specific courses, our curriculum guidelines will list the types of courses that are typically offered abroad so you can consult with your school about the credits they will potentially grant you for your time abroad.
Greenheart Travel alumna, Sarah, and her fellow classmates on a DNA school field trip in Austria.
3. Know What Classes You Need to Graduate and Form a Plan
It is important that you arrange to take any classes required for graduation, such as U.S. History or U.S. Government, before or after your time abroad. It’s also important to outline any additional classes you need for credits that are hard to replicate, such as Health or American Literature, and schedule them accordingly.
If possible, you can try to get ahead on credits by taking summer courses or online courses to avoid the stress of having to transfer credits once you return. The curriculum will vary in every country, so please be aware that a class you take abroad may not cover the same information as the same named class you would take in the U.S. For instance, in Spain “Math” includes Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
“A tip I would give exchange students is to give the study abroad school the curriculum of the classes they would have had taken at home so they could be placed in classes closest to them in their foreign school.” — Claudia Ray , High School Abroad in New Zealand Alumna
What Worked for Our Greenheart Travel Alumni?
Proving Your Academic Work Ethic Abroad
While it can be easy to slack off in class due to a lack of language understanding and a bit of culture shock, keeping up with your studies as best you can will help you successfully transfer your credits. Most of your courses will be graded as “pass/fail” but you could also try highlighting your best projects or papers from your exchange program as supporting proof of your coursework.
“When I turned in my Spanish transcript and the sheet of paper requesting my classes for this next year, they gave me full credit for my time abroad! What I think helped them realize I deserved full credit was that I passed all of my classes in Spain. If I hadn’t, I probably wouldn’t have gotten a credit for the classes I didn’t pass.” — Louise Plever, High School Abroad in Spain 2017 Alumna
Louise and her friends from Spain.
Understand Your School System’s Requirements and Don’t Take No for an Answer
What makes transferring credits challenging, is that there is no one set of guidelines. Every school has its own policy, not to mention additional state laws you might need to navigate. Having some knowledge on possible pain points for your school or guidance counselor can help you be proactive on providing documents and information to support your efforts in studying abroad. If you find yourself with a particularly hesitant counselor or educator, don’t give up.
“Contact your student’s guidance councilor and try to work with them. If you have a problem with the bureaucracy, go up the chain — and keep going up if you need to! We went all the way to the district Superintendent. It was stressful, but we had to understand their perspective and try to work within the system. Thankfully in the end, it is possible and worked out for us. My son was the first student in our district to study abroad!” — Cris Arens, parent of Max Ibata-Arens, High School Abroad in Italy 2017 Alum
Negotiate Class Schedules or Program Lengths that Keep You on Track to Graduate
Sometimes, your school just won’t budge on approving a study abroad program. At this point, it is worth trying to negotiate a shorter length program, such as a trimester or semester international exchange. If your school is supportive, but worried about your credits, be prepared to take extra classes, complete an online course, or register for summer classes to stay on track to graduate. For a life-changing experience though, these extra efforts are worth it.
“I thought I would have a harder time as no one had studied abroad recently at my school at all. But my principal was very understanding, with the agreement that I would need to take more classes or have a busier schedule when I got back. Ultimately, I could get credit for my classes as long as they would be similar to the classes I would be taking at home.” Camden Polzin, High School Abroad in United Kingdom Alumna
What To Do While You Are Abroad to Keep Track of Your Credits?
You’ve been approved and are ready to embark on your study abroad adventure. It can be easy to overlook the details of transferring credits once you return home, but there are steps you still need to take.
Document Your Class Schedule for Your Records
When you arrive in your host country, record a detailed list of your class schedule including subjects, amount of hours per subject, a brief synopsis of the class, etc. Ask your teachers to sign the form to guarantee it will be seen as legitimate by your home institution. Keep one copy for your records, send one copy to Greenheart Travel, and send one copy to your U.S. high school.
Inquire about Your Grading System in Your Host School
On the first or second day abroad, you should ask a school official if it is possible to receive grades or a certificate of attendance. Please keep in mind that the grading system in other countries is different than the U.S. Most host schools will not grant grades or transcripts as it is too difficult to evaluate your work due to the language barrier. If your host school is able to award you grades, they won’t be an exact match to what you would get in the U.S.
Gather Your Documents Before Returning Home
It is your responsibility to acquire official documents confirming your academic work before you leave your host country. Greenheart Travel cannot obtain grades, transcripts, or confirmation of attendance from host schools. Keep all the school work you complete while abroad, so you can hand it in to your teachers upon your return home.
If you have formed a good relationship with a teacher, community leader, local coordinator, etc., ask them for a letter of recommendation. It will be your responsibility to translate it into English and ask them to sign the translated copy. You can include this document with your college applications.
What To Do Once You Return Home?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to grant grades/transcripts is entirely in the hands of your U.S. high school. Schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor and teachers when you return home. Share your course material, so they can determine the credit they will grant for the work you completed abroad.
While this process can feel daunting and often out of your control, with planning and consistent communication, you don’t have to compromise your dream to study abroad. Not only will you be able to use this learning process for college applications, you will be a leader and trendsetter enabling future exchange students to pursue their dream of international education.
Have advice not mentioned in the article? Share your tips on transferring credits below in the comments!
You will encounter many amazing things on your study abroad program, but you will also encounter things that really irk you. It’s inevitable. For example, friends from home or people from your host country may think they are saying the right thing, but it will have the opposite effect.
My post this month involves what not to say to high school exchange students; because, trust me, we probably already know or it’s potentially insensitive to us or our host community.
5 Things You Should Never Say to Students Studying Abroad:
“I miss you, come home!”
Just stop after saying, “I miss you.”
No, Susane, who I haven’t spoken to since sixth grade, you do not miss me. When you don’t ask how I’m doing, or how I’m adjusting to my new life, what you are really implying is that you want me home for your own selfish needs, or you are just filling up your Facebook feed.
Imagine the impact that kind of message could have on someone who is homesick or having a hard time adjusting.
When someone urges you to come home it feels like you are being asked not to change or grow. “Home” is now a relative term to me. My ‘home’ isn’t where I was a year ago because I’ve changed since moving to Austria. While I may return to Chicago, I will bring a part of Vienna ‘home’ with me.
Instead of encouraging me to return to my previous life, please encourage me to live life to its fullest in my host country.
If I had a euro for every time I have heard “du musst mehr Deutsch lernen” (you have to learn more German), I could buy myself a new car. Thank you, Captain Obvious, for your astute observation. One of the reasons I’m studying in Austria is to learn the language. Learning a language along with a new culture in a short period of time is hard.
I understand that as a native you would like me to understand what you are saying, and be able to have a conversation without me having to look at a translator app. What you may not realize is that I would like the same thing, but I need the time and experience to get there. Pressuring me to be 100% fluent is not realistic. Expressing your opinion on my lack of language skills is not a “motivational tool”, and it’s counterproductive.
Instead, just please help me out. Feel free to correct me—I’ll appreciate it. It’s how I will learn.
“How is your trip going?”
It’s much more than a “trip.” This isn’t a weekend getaway to Miami. I’ve committed to living in a different culture in a different country on a different continent all while speaking a language I’m just learning. It’s called an “exchange” program rather than a ‘trip’ for a reason.
I’m living a whole other life. I understand that you mean well, but please consider the difference.
Anastasia with her area representative, Marion, in Austria.
“Why do you do ________ differently?”
Sigh.
I’m not from from around here. Because you have been doing something/living a certain way for however many years doesn’t mean everyone else around the world does it that way, too (I admit, I’ve had to learn this as well).
I won’t instinctively know your country’s mannerisms because I am not a native. That’s why I am here. To learn.
“How did your parents let you move away for a year? I could never do that!”
My parents “let” me live abroad because they understand how important it is to experience other cultures in order to grow (see above). They believe in me enough to provide me with this experience.
An exchange is about going outside of your comfort zone to expand your horizons. If you want to live in a little cultural bubble, go ahead.
When You Assume, You Make an…
Don’t assume that I’m stupid.
Just because I can’t articulate my thoughts properly in a second language doesn’t mean I’m unable to do it in my own language. Learning another language is extremely difficult and requires a lot of energy. When I take a little longer to reply, please understand I am literally switching over to a different vocabulary and grammar structure.
I am also sifting through cultural references, looking for related experiences. This can be overwhelming and exhausting. High school students abroad are some of the bravest people out there. Please don’t belittle or mock them because they aren’t quick to answer. They are trying their best!
Anastasia swinging with her host mother in Austria.
Don’t assume that since a couple of people from one country do something that everyone else from there does it, too.
Stereotypes are a tricky topic. It’s something we all do subconsciously. If we don’t have extensive knowledge about a culture, and are provided very little information about it apart from references such as Hollywood films, the wrong things are often blown way out of proportion.
This one cuts both ways, and I have heard it from both sides. For example, when you mention Austria and Germany to Americans, many of us immediately think of:
Dancing in the mountains wearing Lederhosen and swinging a stein of beer (I’ve learned never to mention “The Sound of Music” to Austrians)
Nazis and Hitler
When I have asked Austrians what they think about Americans, I have heard:
We are fat and unhealthy people
We all own guns
We all know not everyone does these things. Some Austrians wear traditional gear for special occasions and don’t support Hitler’s ‘beliefs’. And not every American is an unhealthy gun freak. Yet, we all still continue to push these overused stereotypes.
A figurine wearing Lederhosen and holding a stein.
It can be hard to say the ‘right thing’ to foreigners in your country. You never know how something might be interpreted differently in their homeland. Just try to educate yourself and use empathy. Make it an opportunity to learn about a different culture instead of shying away from it. And take precautions with your words.
What you may think is friendly or “just a joke” can be interpreted a different way and hurt someone’s feelings. Please be a good ambassador for your county and help us be great guests.
Have you studied abroad? What would you add to this list? Tell us below!
Students who choose to study abroad in high school experience many positive and well researched benefits. They will gain independence, confidence, hone their language skills, and gain lifelong friendships. It can be intimidating to imagine leaving your comfort zone, but our students tell us over and again how glad they are to have taken this leap!
From this program I learned a language, traveled to beautiful and historic sites, made great relationships, and really expanded my comfort zone. I feel more prepared for college and making friends after having to do it in a foreign country and language.
– High School Abroad Student
High School Study Abroad student, Clayton, with his host family in Australia.
We are SO excited to have a growing number of homeschool students enrolling for our high school programs. I am glad to see this, and not only because I am a homeschool mom myself, but because what better complement to a homeschool experience can there be but to study abroad!? Who knows better than a homeschool student, how much there is to be learned when you are free from the confines of a traditional school experience?
Contrary to popular belief, homeschoolers are not shut-ins, they are engaged participants in the real world who can easily relate to someone outside their grade level. Homeschool students tend to be very self-sufficient and independent. They understand that they are responsible in large part for their own learning. These are all qualities that can be very helpful in being a successful exchange student.
High school students dressed in kimonos in Japan.
Of course our students do attend school during the program, but especially in countries where the instruction is in another language, you are not expected to perform at the same level as the local students. So, the school component is more about the over-all experience of living the day-to-day life of a teenager in that country.
One of my favorite homeschool terms is life learning – which to me means personalized, active and interest-led learning from life. High school abroad is one of the best life learning experiences you can find! I definitely hope my own kids study abroad when they are high school age, and I can’t wait for them to discover the world!
Studies show that only around 1% of students in the United States embark on a high school exchange program overseas, and we hope to grow that number in the years ahead. Making the commitment to study abroad, however, is no small feat. To help make these academic experiences open to as many students as possible, each year Greenheart Travel offers scholarship opportunities to high school students looking to study abroad.
With the start of the school year fast approaching, we are thrilled to announce the winners of our 2016 Greenheart Travel Correspondent and Global Explorer Scholarship awards for our High School Abroad destinations. Stay tuned for articles, photos and videos from them during their adventures abroad in the months ahead!
I am very excited to studying abroad in Costa Rica because I have never left the United States, and I know that there is a lot to experience apart from here! I can’t wait to meet new kinds of people and try unfamiliar things, all while improving my Spanish language skills!
My number one goal for myself along this journey is to gain a better understanding of the culture in Costa Rica and to see more of the world, and really take it in and appreciate it to the fullest.
I’m thrilled to be able to travel to and spend nine months studying abroad in Ireland. I am looking forward to being immersed in Ireland’s fascinating culture and learning more about it’s customs and history. I am so excited to have unforgettable experience during my time in Ireland.
While there, my goal is to create relationships that will continue throughout my life and develop a new understanding of the Irish culture.
I am excited to travel abroad to Germany, because I love experiencing other cultures. It reminds me that the world is a wonderful place that is meant to be cherished and explored.
One goal I hope to achieve while I’m in Germany is make friends that I will keep for the rest of my life. I also hope to learn about the Germans, and in turn, learn about my heritage.
Follow our scholarship winners during their travel adventures this fall, and stay tuned for more stories in the months ahead!
Have any tips for learning a new language and studying abroad? Share them below!
Studying abroad in high school takes a lot of planning, both personally and academically, and can seem a bit daunting in the beginning. To help ease the minds of those looking into a high school program overseas, we asked Isabel Wolfer, an alumna of the High School Abroad Sweden program, to host our recent Personal and Academic Impact of Study Abroad webinar.
Isabel shared how her study abroad program has impacted her life personally; she still remains in close contact with host family members, friends, and even her Swedish high school teachers to this day. Studying abroad also had a huge academic impact on Isabel and has helped her navigate her studies at George Washington University.
While some would argue that studying abroad can disrupt credits and getting into college, Isabelle inspired our viewers with a different experience. Because of her class work in Sweden on Genocide Theory, Isabelle advanced into upper level classes in college in the field of genocide and passivity during the Holocaust. She is now receiving $5,000 in funding for a research project at Yale University.
Are you ready to study abroad but need some reassurance?
Check out the webinar hosted by alumna, Isabel Wolfer, and get inspired to start your study abroad adventure!
From the moment I saw a picture of the scenic landscape, I have always wanted to visit Norway. Little did I know, this dream was going to become possible after learning I would be going abroad in Europe for the fall semester of my junior year of college. After my departure, my mom posted a picture on her Instagram of me in Prague during my first week. After my Norwegian relatives saw it, they reached out to my mom. These relatives stayed with my mom and her family when they were growing up as an exchange program during high school and I have always heard stories of the time they spent together when they were younger.
After some planning and booking flights, I found myself on a plane to Stavanger, Norway to meet my Norwegian relatives for the first time. I was so excited to see where my grandpa’s side of the family came from. My eyes remained glued to the airplane window, waiting for those beautiful scenic landscapes to appear, and sure enough, they did. I was already blown away by Norway’s beauty and I learned quickly that Norway is compiled of many different islands. I was eager to get off the plane and finally meet these relatives who were such a big part of my mom’s life growing up.After finally getting off the plane I was greeted by my relative, Olav, with open arms and eagerness to show me around the beautiful Stavanger.
He began to tell me how I came at the perfect time of year, before the winter where it starts to get dark around 4p.m. He explained how many people in Norway struggle with seasonal depression because it gets dark so early. The first stop we made was at the “Sverd I Fjell” statue, a symbol of unity for Norway. Once we arrived at their home, they made me a snack after a long day of traveling. They explained how the shrimp and salmon are customs of Norway because they are fished right here. I then met their two sons, who were around the same age as me. At first we didn’t really know what to talk about but once I started asking about their interests, they began opening up and asking me questions about my life home in America.
The next day we would be traveling to Stord where my mom’s side of the family originated from. We took the fjord about an hour from Stavanger to Stord where Olav’s parents greeted us. They were quiet and spoke less English than Olav did, but they tried their best to communicate with me. On the way to Olav’s parents’ house we stopped alongside the road. I was confused at first but Olav explained this is where my grandpa’s mom used to live. After taking a picture we continued on to the house where his parents were quick to show me pictures of what the house used to look like followed by a diagram of the family tree. I found this really helpful since we’re distant relatives. The diagram definitely help put things in perspective and made me understand the family dynamic a little better. Olav’s parents also showed me pictures of my grandma and grandpa in the places I had just visited, this immediately brought a smile to my face, knowing that my trip here means a lot to not only me, but family too.
After traveling back to Prague for the rest of my semester, I showed my mom pictures of my time in Norway, and having not been to Norway before, my mom said my trip to Norway inspired her to make Norway the next trip on her list. Visiting Norway was an experience that I’ll never forget. Being able to travel to a place where your family came from and that’s so near and dear to my family’s heart is a once and a lifetime opportunity. If you’re planning on traveling abroad, don’t be afraid to ask your parents they know any family near where you’re traveling to!
“When am I ever going to be able to see or do this again?”
This is a question I frequently asked myself while studying abroad in Prague, Czech Republic during the fall of my junior year of college. Being thrown into a new adventure, I used what any millennial would use to get to and from places– a smartphone.
Whether it was just getting around the different cities I visited, taking pictures or checking in with my family back home, I found myself constantly using my phone the first week of my travels. Although I have pictures to document visits to famous monuments, I wish I had disconnected from my phone earlier in the journey.
Getting off the grid and using an old school map
While visiting Munich, Germany for the famous Oktoberfest festival, I was forced out of my comfort zone when my phone died after a long day of traveling. That day I used what my generation deems “old fashioned” — a paper map. My friends and I were able to navigate the crowded sidewalks and read foreign street signs that we weren’t accustomed to. While walking the streets of Munich, paper map in hand, I noticed and was able to appreciate many things I did not when using my phone. The architecture, people and the streets in Europe are nothing like anything you will see in The States, appreciate it while you can! Although it took a little longer than it would have on a phone, my friends and I all agreed that we were much more proud of ourselves for getting there without using modern technologies.
After feeling so pleased with myself in Munich, I chose to use a paper map for the duration of my travels abroad and it was one of the best decisions I made during my four and a half months in Europe.
Starting off my abroad experience by going to the famous beer festival, Oktoberfest, in Munich, Germany!
Phone Plan? What phone plan?
I decided to choose a plan where I had unlimited SMS and very limited data. I relied on WiFi and only used the data if there was an emergency. I found that it allowed me to communicate with the new friends I had made while abroad to make plans but it still permitted me to disengage from my phone and engage with my surroundings.
When I needed to communicate back home, there were plenty of wifi based options that I could use, making a phone plan even more unnecessary. Skype, what’sapp, Facetime, Google Voice, there are so many options. FOMO is definitely something you can experience while you’re abroad. Having everyone together at home while you’re having a new, amazing opportunity can be hard. It is important to limit Skype calls and check-ins to ensure that you’re disconnecting from back home and connecting with new friends and opportunities presented to you abroad. Something my family and I did while I was abroad for the semester was Skype once a week and have quick periodic texting check-ins letting them know what I did that day or what I had planned for that week or weekend. So parents, don’t freak out if you’re not hearing from your kids every day because no news is good news!
But what about taking pictures?
Many, understandably, use their cell phone as their camera because it’s convenient and cheaper to use. If you do choose to use your cell phone as your camera, be sure to pick up a few disposable cameras or digital cameras as well, especially if your phone is doubling as a map because there’s a good chance your phone will die on you, leaving you camera-less on the London Bridge (Yes that happened to me. Regrets). Worried the photos won’t turn out? Ask around, maybe someone in your family will be willing to lend you a digital camera as a backup! GoPros also take great quality photos and allow you to be engaged with your surroundings and not distracted by the content on your phone.
Snapchat has become more and more popular, especially with millennials. Although it’s so tempting to share everything you’re doing while abroad with those who aren’t there to enjoy it with you, it’s important to find a balance between sharing and oversharing. While abroad I found a balance after realizing that there’s a time and place for Snapchat. I only used Snapchat at idle times. By that I mean when I commuted to and from school or going to and from sites, I left my phone in my bag. Only after enjoying the sites or coming home for the day was when I snapped a quick picture of the site or what I saw that day.
Paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland.
Embracing being outside my comfort zone
Looking back I understand why I was so connected to my phone in the beginning. I was in a new place and I knew no one in my program. I was definitely out of my comfort zone. And I know I wasn’t the only person who felt this way, it’s normal for someone taking on a new adventure to be reserved at first. Take for example Jen, author of JenRunsTheWorld blog. She participated in the Teach in Italy with Greenheart Travel. One of her travel tips was turning off your phone and internet;
“Because of my lack of a constant internet connection in Italy, I have been able to enjoy life a little bit more. In addition, I also haven’t been able to make or receive calls or texts unless I was connected. My life has felt a little more peaceful and I’m glad I’m not as dependent on my phone anymore.”
Enjoy your abroad experience because the second you get on the plane to go back home you’re going to be wishing that you’re staying!
Have any tips for how you disengaged from home and immersed yourself in the local culture? Share them below!
My favorite subject in high school was French, and when I learned there was a 10-day trip to France I could join it was all I could think about. It was really rare for people to go anywhere in my hometown of Lansing, MI, and my parents weren’t willing to pay for this trip (although they were super loving and supportive of me going!).
Instead of giving up, I learned all about the opportunity, the program prices, how much spending money I would need and then spent the next year or so, working and saving EVERY penny! This wasn’t a get-rich-quick job opportunity. I bagged groceries at a store near my house where I walked to work, and built up a network of families that would hire me to babysit.
Looking back on it, I’m not sure how I juggled my schoolwork and jobs, although it didn’t seem difficult at the time. Maybe when you are working towards something great, you just somehow fit it all in.
In the end, my hard work paid off and I was able to save enough and got to France.
Of course, I couldn’t stop traveling after that and I learned from this experience that usually, if you put your mind to something, you can make it happen. It seems like a basic lesson to learn, but what I also took away is if you don’t spend money on things, your savings add up!
In this case, I always used my savings for an adventure abroad, and travel is much more satisfying than having things.
I know it is intimidating to consider a study abroad program, or any travel experience, especially when you see the price. I assure you there are many ways to afford this and don’t give up. You are making in investment in your future, in experiences that will help you grow and develop and will offer you countless, happy memories.
If you can babysit or get a job, awesome! Now, every time you get paid – put it in the bank. It sounds so simple but seriously, just don’t spend it or spend as little as possible and you will see your account grow and grow. It’s a good feeling and the more you save, the easier it is!
A second option to help pay for your travels is fundraising. If you plan far enough ahead and try every approach, you will be able to add to your travel savings. You can start a fundraising website, reach out to family/friends, and get creative! Quite a few Greenheart Travel high school students successfully saved money and fundraised for their programs and are also great resources for ideas.
Here are a few of our participants that made the commitment to travel abroad:
Maddy Crowell fundraised her program fee to study in Ireland, by making and selling necklaces.
Hannah Patzer worked at the Milwaukee Art Museum to help pay for your study abroad program in Sweden.
Jaime Gastelle used her painting skills to crowd source and fund raise for her program in Italy.
It takes a lot of time and determination to commit to studying abroad, but with enough passion and patience your hard work and discipline will pay off. Every Starbuck’s coffee you don’t buy at home can go toward your savings for travel, and sipping a latte in a new country is always more fun.
