GRIP, Internships Abroad Five Tips - Advice from a GRIP Returnee

Galapagos Education and Research Alliance - San Cristobal Island, Ecuador

1. Try all of the new foods that you can. If you see someone eating or ordering something that you don't recognize, get it too! Not only will you be trying something different, but you might find new favorites. There's also a lot we can learn from traditional cuisine which goes beyond the surface level – it can reflect historical influences and the surrounding natural resources, while it can be central to social events. Therefore, food is often a defining aspect of many cultures, and if you stick to what you know you'll be missing out on understanding the culture of your host country while abroad. 

2. Speak the local language as much as possible. There is no better way to learn a language than to immerse yourself in it, and no better opportunity to do so than when abroad. It can be tempting and more comfortable to fall back onto English by finding English-speaking friends or colleagues, but embarrassing yourself in another language is sometimes just a part of the learning process. I would also recommend learning as many expressions and idioms as possible; those are the nuances which at least for me make learning languages far more entertaining. 

3. Be active in pursuing friendships. At times, living abroad can be daunting, especially if you initially go by yourself. However, it can also be intimidating to reach out to strangers to do things with you, or you may be nervous about language differences. By asking people to do specific things and following up with them, they will be far more receptive and it will make a huge difference in helping you adjust. 

4. Learn about the history and political dynamics of the area, even if you're not a history or political science geek. Understanding the context of where you are is crucial, and I found myself always wishing I had known more. 

5. Make a schedule of your time abroad and an organized to do list. With work or classes, time seems to run out quicker than you would expect, and it always seems like there are things you missed out on doing by the time you leave. But by being proactive and planning ahead, you can ensure you make the most of your abroad experience.