GRIP, Internships Abroad Tips for a Traveler

Lynk - Hong Kong

To the new or experienced traveler, here is some of my advice for adjusting to and making the most out of time spent abroad:

1.   In regard to adjusting, take a day to wander. By wander, I mean REALLY wander--don't look at Google or Apple maps, but walk patiently and forget that you're in a new place. Don't respond to any texts just yet. Along the way, you might get hit with a wave of emotions; I was nervous and scared, especially from the new sensation of being undeniably alone in what suddenly seemed to be a bigger world around me. While you might have planned out a list of destinations to hit beforehand, the best destinations can sometimes be quite integrated into the city or landscape. New land itself is a thrilling destination to be explored, and you will find pockets that interest you in the strangest places. 

2.   Witness everything for better or for worse, even if you have trouble appreciating it. Nowhere in the world is perfect--I mean, how could we expect it to be if what I like might be different from what you like? You might spend your time abroad in a place where you find a lot of things you just can't get used to or truly appreciate, but you'll also find things that you wish you could bring back home with you. Perhaps it's the little hole-in-the-wall shops, the extravagant museum, or the sacred temple you find yourself most at peace in. You don't have to love every part about the place you're in (and certainly don't try to force yourself to), but I believe that anything brought up on this Earth that still stands is meant to be seen by someone. So don't brush something off until you've taken the time to witness it. 

3.   "The cost of stability is often diminished by opportunities for growth" – Sheryl Sandberg. A quote that I hadn't quite internalized until my trip abroad, the feeling of instability was most shocking to me. Especially being a first-time traveler, all the invariable factors of being abroad hit me at once. Did I exchange enough currency? What if I got lost? Will anyone be able to understand me? How can I ask for help? Naturally being one to overthink every situation, the fact that my life was quite in my control but so unpredictable was stressful. As I began to witness the little corners of the city, however, and after I took the time to aimlessly wander, I was inevitably growing. The growth one experiences in their time abroad would, of course, depend completely on who they are and where they are. But keeping this quote in mind, think less about what it might take to gain an ounce of stability in your situation. How have you (or how can you) take advantage of the wonderful place you're in to grow and develop?

4.   Keep writing! Apart from these GRIP blogs, I have taken anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour each night to write my own journal. I've found that keeping a record of my unfiltered and raw thoughts keeps me grounded to the fact that I'm on a trip abroad, and that while I can enjoy every minute of the day, I will one day return to a place I call home. I can unapologetically express the best and worst thoughts, knowing that if I want to remember a specific day later in the future, I can find a snapshot of that day. If journaling doesn't work for you, there are other ways to capture your time and keep it on record--perhaps creating a photo album, making short bullet points on your phone, or keeping a vlog will work for you. Every day is worth taking note of!

5.   A friend back home once said, "you can be so happy that every day you thank your lucky stars for where you are." Being this lucky is a rarity, and what can top it off is sharing what you have experienced someone else. Whether that entails calling a friend/family member for hours or, like myself, starting a travel Instagram to show pictures to my friends, making the most out of YOUR time abroad doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed by others, too.