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Should I Go Abroad for 1 Month or 6 Months?

January 9, 2018/in Intern Life, Internships, Study Abroad /by Adelante Abroad

The obvious answer is you should go abroad for as long as possible! Everyone wants to travel abroad, that’s a no brainer, but obviously you clicked this blog post because you are trying decide between one or six months.

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A one month internship or study abroad program is usually a faculty-led program by your school, volunteering or teaching English. All of those choices are very good options and one should consider those if you have the time and money. However, you are really limiting yourself to learning about the culture and living like a local by only going for one month. You might have a week or two of language courses, depending on where you go and your program, and that leaves you two weeks to really be immersed in the culture. To me, a one month program is like a sample at Costco. You get a taste of it and you leave wanting more.

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If you were to consider taking a one month program, you should do it as a way to earn college credit. A faculty-led program is expensive but you do get to earn that credit abroad, which is always a nice thing to experience. Plus your course will be taught in English! So you don’t have to worry too much about being completely lost in the textbooks.

A six month internship or study abroad program is something I would highly recommend and encourage people to take. Six months is a long time in a country you’ve never lived in and – to me – that is so exciting! You have that adjustment period of about a month (it’s different for everyone) and after that you have five months to really just live like a local and be completely immersed in the food, culture, traditions and festivals! In six months, you will be knowledgeable about the city and country you are living in. It’s a no brainer you’ll adapt to your surroundings but it’s the most rewarding when you get to say you’ve experienced life abroad for six months.

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People will be in awe and will ask you tons of questions about your time abroad. If you’re there for a month you’ll leave saying, “I wish I stayed longer,” or “I wish I picked a six month internship instead.” Do you want to sound like that? I know I wouldn’t.

I was featured in a video with Alexandria, Adelante’s digital marketing specialist, discussing why you should take an internship for more than three months. There is some useful information in that video and reiterates some of the points made in this post. Take a look and see why it’s important to take an internship or a study abroad program for more than three months.

Regardless, the decision to go abroad is a huge one! You should congratulate yourself for just wanting to study or intern abroad. Do what makes you comfortable. If going for a month is your thing, then by all means sign up for a month! But if you’re looking to really experience life abroad, a six month program would be best.

About Our Contributor:

Drew is Adelante HQ’s Social Media & Marketing intern for Fall 2017 and is currently a Public Relations major at Cal State Long Beach. He has participated in a youth exchange program in Dakar, Senegal and an international basketball tournament in Japan. One of his many traveling goals is to step foot on every continent on this big blue planet, and yes, even Antarctica.

6 #HowToAdult Realities When Going Abroad

November 1, 2016/in Intern Life, Internships, Study Abroad, Travel Tips /by Adelante Abroad

We All Have Had Those #HowToAdult Moments

Whether you’re 13 or 30, you’ve been through some kind of stage in your life where you had to start doing things without the help of your family. It’s definitely tough in the beginning, and you may not even realize how tough it was going to be. But eventually, it starts to become second nature.

The same reality goes with travelling abroad. Whether you choose to intern or study abroad for a few months, here are the realities on #HowToAdult when going abroad.

#1: You’re in Charge of Everything

Unfortunately, your parents or guardian can’t come with you to your abroad program. I mean, they could, but is that really what you want? Weren’t you trying to travel so that you could get away and explore on your own? Sooner or later, you’ll learn that you have to take charge of everything while abroad; fortunately, many programs provide you with some helpful resources prior to your travels.

Did you know that Adelante Abroad gives you a pre-departure orientation (PDO) packet a couple of months before your trip? That packet provides plenty of information on the area that you’ll be living in, plus helpful tips on going to different places. It can be a great resource to show you the next step in your travels.

#2: You Need to Learn How to Cook

While some internships are based in large urban cities, many programs are centered in rural areas, where grocery stores and restaurants are not as close by. What does that mean for you? It just means that you’ll have to experiment with local ingredients and mix them up in a kitchen pot. Yup, that’s right. You’ll need to cook.

Never cooked before? That’s alright. It is strongly advised to practice some basic cooking skills before travelling. Even if you’re not interning or studying abroad and just travelling on your wanderlust journey, cooking could save you hundreds of dollars on your trip.

You don’t have to be a culinary major to understand the foundations of cooking. Check out this WikiHow on cooking, or check out these 30+ dishes that anyone can make (quick tip: pasta is a great dish for starters).

#3: You Won’t Have a Cleaning Maid

You may have a host or hostess who comes in every so often to fix leaks or cracks where you’re staying, but they won’t be picking up dirty laundry for you. Although many of our parents teach us the importance of keeping a clean room or doing the dishes in early adolescence, not having someone remind you to clean up on your own may be a new experience.

Even the most seasoned college students and those who have lived alone for years can often forget a pile of clothes on the floor or even to vacuum the carpet from food crumps and dirt. Did you really think it just vanished magically?

Cleaning does not have to be difficult. Set up a reminder once or twice a week and dedicate a couple of hours to straightening up the house. You’ll be surprised what 20 minutes a day can do for an apartment. Look up “life hacks” online for quick tips on keeping your place looking nice and organized with little effort, too.

#4: Without a Budget, You Probably Won’t Last Too Long Abroad

If your parents have given you money before, and you’ve spent it all in less than a day, then this trip may be the best thing for you. Travelling abroad means being away from family, meaning being away from your constant cash flow that you were used to back at home.

It’s completely okay if you’ve never set up a budget for yourself before. Do you know how many adults in their 30s and 40s STILL don’t know how to budget? There are some easy ways to ensure that you don’t spend your entire savings halfway through your trip.

Do some research before you leave to determine how much money you need to save up. This includes cost of food (groceries and going out), transportation (bus and train passes, etc.), and souvenirs for yourself and your family.

Add some additional funds for emergencies (you never want to go without a backup). Then decide how you will split up your money each week. Write down what you spend and try not to go over your weekly budget.

If for some reason you end up spending more than planned, or there was an emergency, do not be afraid to contact your family for help. They may have extra money saved up for situations like these. However, this, of course, is a last resort.

#5: You Will Make Friends from Different Cultures

Here’s a shocker – you’ll probably meet other people just like yourself when you travel. And you’ll also probably meet people NOT like yourself when you travel. And that’s totally okay!

As you continue with your travels, you are going to meet people that you like a lot and people that you don’t like a lot. Your journey going abroad will bring these obstacles, but you will learn how to make friends with people from all over the world, many of which you might have not attempted to be friends with if you stayed at home.

You’ll learn different cultures and languages (especially if you’re in one of our Spanish countries), and those friends will be helpful as well in your journey as you learn to adjust to your solo travel life.

#6: You Will Learn How to Be Independent

If you haven’t figured it out by now, you will probably have to do everything on your own. Congrats! You’re officially “adulting”!

By all means, we encourage you to be as independent as possible. Not only will you master your adulting skills faster, but you will have a far better experience once you learn the ropes. And if you still need help, you can always ask your family (and your Adelante Abroad team) for some assistance. We’re always here to help and want to make this “adulting” abroad experience the best one ever.

5 Bad Travelling Abroad Advice You Might Receive

September 27, 2016/in Study Abroad, Travel Tips /by Adelante Abroad

Travelling abroad is an amazing opportunity for anyone who is looking to try something new in their life and engulf themselves in a different culture. Many of our candidates have heard from family and friends about why they shouldn’t travel, and we’re sure that you will start hearing that as well when you begin your plans. Here are common advice that you will receive before travelling abroad – ignore them!

There’s Not Enough Time

There’s only 24 hours in a day. Perhaps you’re only travelling for a week or two, and you’rebeing told that you won’t be able to do everything that you want during your travels. Make every moment the best moment when abroad.

Plan your trip ahead of time with things that you would enjoy the most. If you believe that your time may be limited, stick with what you’re the most interested in. You can even take advantage of making friends with locals by asking them for suggestions on great places to visit.

You Don’t Have the Money

There are several ways to save money or make extra income for your travel plans. Did you know that you could save almost $2,000 a year on average for opting out from buying Starbucks every day?

Many travelers have taking extra part time work to save up for their trip. Others have budgeted all of their expenses for savings and even held garage sales for items that they no longer need. There are even some jobs that will allow you to work remotely while travelling – you could get paid while travelling!

You Won’t Finish School on Time

There are several ways to travel while continuing your studies! You can look into study abroad programs for a semester or part of summer, or you can look into an intern abroad program related to your major area of study. This may even help speed up your college program, rather than prolonging it!

Even if you choose not to do either program, you can spend summer or spring break travelling abroad, which is a peak time of travel for several other students your age!

You’ll have to Travel Alone

So what? Solo travel has had many positive stories from veteran travelers. Not only are you able to do whatever you’d like without asking someone else, but it helps you learn how to enjoy being by yourself.

If your family is worried and does not want you to travel, remind them that eventually you will have to leave their nest and be on your own – so why not now? Research all of the ways to stay safe during your travels, and check in with them when you have a chance to lessen their worries while you venture out on your own.

It’s a Different Language

There are several resources, both online and off, that can help you learn a language. What’s the quickest way to learn a new language? Go to a country that speaks it, grab a language book, and start a conversation with a local! You will make many mistakes in the beginning, but you will be an expert in no time! Plus, you might even make a new friend or two!

So what’s stopping you? Apply now for one our internship programs!

Dealing with Loneliness Abroad

September 20, 2016/in Intern Life, Study Abroad, Travel Tips /by Adelante Abroad

Considering studying or interning abroad and worried about being away from home for too long? Loneliness abroad is a completely normal feeling, and anyone can have some discomfort while in a new place, whether it’s culture shock or being on your own for the first time.

Here are some ways to ease your transition when living abroad:

Put Yourself First

Allow yourself enough space and comfort when adjusting, and give yourself a break if you need to. Your physical and mental health are the most important; taking care of yourself always comes first.

If you’re feeling under the weather in any way, give yourself some time to rest – use Adelante Abroad’s resources provided during your trip if you feel the need to visit a local doctor in your city. Use common de-stress methods such as breathing exercises, yoga, writing in a journal, or even soaking up in a bubble bath. Do whatever you can in order to feel “at-home” in your new place abroad.

Search Online for Other Expat Blogs

Chances are that someone else has travelled to the same city that you’re going to (okay, pretty high chances). Our team provides you with as much information as we can about the neighborhood you’re staying in and the resources available to you with your package; however, there are several websites and blogs made from expats currently living or have experience living in the same area.

Adelante also provides you with access to a private Facebook group before and during your travels so that you can network and potentially meet up with other Adelante Abroad candidates staying in your city.

Join the Club

Outside of working or studying within your program abroad, you can join fun clubs or groups in your neighborhood area, where you can mingle and network with locals who share a common interest with you. Try looking for a group on Meetup, for example; you might even discover a new hobby while abroad!

Take a Class

You may sign up for any classes offered locally during your free time while abroad. Take up an art class with other like-minded locals, or even take tours in nearby museums to learn more about your city’s culture. You can learn something new while also meeting someone new!

Get Uncomfortable

If the above ideas are not available, you can go out and introduce yourself to new people in the city. While this may be a scary thing to do for you, getting out of your comfort zone may be the solution to your homesickness. Ask the locals about the best places to purchase lunch or dinner, offer to spend time with someone, or even give a simple gesture to a stranger.

Please note: Make sure to follow any resources provided to you before and during your trip about safety when going out alone in the city. By staying safe and following city guidelines and tips, you’ll have no problems meeting new people and having a happy experience.

Get Used to Being on Your Own

Being homesick is a feeling that should be taken seriously, but it can also be temporary. Many candidates abroad experience this for a couple of weeks and then adjust to their environment soon after.

Set weekly and daily goals for yourself, such as creating a routine before your internship or classes, or making at least one new friend each week. Focus more on absorbing your new environment and less on reminiscing with people back home (maybe call your family here and there to let them know you’re okay).

Going abroad is an amazing opportunity, but it is okay to go through regular ups and downs while travelling. Remember that this is only a temporary part of your once-in-a-lifetime experience!

An Equine Study Abroad Experience in Scotland

June 9, 2016/in Study Abroad /by Adelante Abroad

One of our most popular programs, Equine Studies in Scotland, is currently underway in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hear from Rachel, one of this year’s Equine students abroad as she reflects on life in Scotland and her experience in the program so far.

Waking up to baby sheep playing in the field, the horses waiting to come in for the morning, and the birds chirping outside the window still doesn’t feel real. We have been here in Edinburgh, Scotland for two and a half weeks so far, with just ten days left until we leave to be stateside again. Even in this short time, we are still adjusting to the time schedule. With Jordan being from Kentucky and me being from Georgia, Scotland is 5 hours ahead of home for the both of us. Food, sleep, even talking to our family has been a very big change due to the fact that most of our college friends are only waking up when we are about to finish our classes for the day! This adventure has definitely been one for the books!

Being a horse back rider, obviously riding was a big part of why my best friend Jordan and I chose this program. Getting to ride at the Scotland International Equestrian Center has been amazing with our trainers Sam and Liz, as well as the numerous horses we ride each day. Classes here are equally engaging, as we get full hands on experience doing things like labeling the anatomy, watching fitness training, and even equine massage techniques. We also had the privilege of meeting some of the students that go to this college as well, which was a HUGE culture shock. Yes, we are all in college, but we were on average about 2 years older than most of them. At home, we would be considered the young ones, here they start early and finish even earlier. It was nice though, having them here to explain to us what all the Scottish phrases meant!

Aside from actually being on campus, we have traveled to many historic places in Scotland including Loch Lomond (home of the “Paramount Mountain” otherwise known as Ben Lomond), the Highlands, Perth Races Gold Cup, and countless castles. We plan to journey to Loch Ness this weekend to see the place where the myths began, and possibly get a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monsters for ourselves;) We will also get to explore the ruins of the 500 year old Urquhart castle. If there was one thing that I could bring home to the States with me so far, it would definitely have to be one of the Highland Cows, or as they are traditionally called, Hairy Coos (although my dad is dead set on having me bring home a kilt for him to wear, no mom, I wont put you through that). Oh well… he will have to settle for a coffee mug.

Is it really almost time to go home?

– Rachel C.

Interested in participating in this amazing program next year? Check out all the details here for our Equine Studies in Scotland study abroad program. As an alternative, we also offer veterinary studies for six weeks in Scotland as well!

Setting Expectations for Your Program Abroad, Part I

September 3, 2015/in Intern Life, Internships, Study Abroad, Travel Tips /by Adelante Abroad

As with most other services or businesses, all over our former interns and study abroad candidates have the opportunity to review their experience. This entry responds to the most salient issues that crop up in intern reviews.

Sometimes the biggest issues are ones that are totally avoidable with a little bit of preparation, research, and a tempering of expectations. Now let’s clarify, we’re not saying set the bar low… rather, set realistic expectations as opposed to over-romanticizing the idea of your travels. As almost any experienced traveler will tell you, there’s the good and the bad in every destination or travel experience; things rarely ever go as planned or as advertised.

And with that, let’s look at a couple of qualms we’ve heard over the years:

1. “I loved my program but I didn’t like the city I lived in.”

As a program provider, there’s not much we can do about this one, unfortunately. However, what we can say is that this is an easily preventable predicament.

Step 1: Do Your Research – if you’re going to be doing an international program in a foreign place, you’d better be prepared for what you signed up for! These days there aren’t any secrets with the internet; so take some time to do research outside of travel blogs and the sites/articles getting all the top hits on Google. Get firsthand knowledge or experiences from others. You can even see or watch street activity via Webcams to see what’s like to walk the streets everyday!

Step 2: Reflect – After doing your research, what are you supposed to do with all that new information? Well, it’s time to process it in the context of you. You know yourself better than anyone, so be honest with yourself… Will I like this city? Am I compatible with it? Can I adapt? What will I struggle most with? Some places are more agreeable than others when it comes to meshing certain personalities. So think about how you may fare in any particular destination. Either way, one thing we can guarantee you is that there isn’t any one place on the planet that absolutely has it all, bringing us to…

Step 3: Prepare Yourself – Murphy’s Law: anything that can happen, will happen… especially in travel. Refer back to step 2, think about what you may have problems with but be ready and able to roll with the punches. We can’t stress this enough. Bottom line is there will be things you’ll have to deal with, what can separate a good experience from a bad one is the realization and mindset of “alright, this kind of sucks but it’s alright I’ll deal with it and everything is going to be ok.” Trust us, if some seemingly catastrophic event occurs, we’re willing to bet you’ll live through it. If anything, it will become a great travel story down the road.

2. “My internship wasn’t what I expected.”

Let’s first address this qualm by saying there are a host of different things not limited to the following that can affect your internship experience; how long you will be going for, what time of year it is, your previous experience, your Spanish skill level, and even how proactive you are upon your arrival. Now, let us elaborate:

Longer programs almost always are more beneficial to an internship experience. Let’s face it, companies are not going to give you VIPs (Very Important Projects) if you’re only there for a month. Conversely, they’re far more likely to give you meaningful work if you’ve spent time at the company, gotten to know the culture, and if they have gotten to know you also.

Time of year matters. Take Spain for instance, most North Americans like doing programs abroad in the summer time. However, in Spain the months of August are extremely slow. Businesses close down for days, have atypical operating hours, and it is not uncommon for bosses to be gone for weeks. So, adjust your program abroad time frame accordingly or temper those expectations if you plan on being there in the summer.

As with any position in the workforce, your skills (in this case, technical and language) count! Your company abroad will likely base your workload on the skills you possess. In other words, if this is the first and only experience you have in a given field with limited Spanish speaking ability… don’t expect to get those VIPs! Rather, work on the little things, turn your weaknesses into strengths. Give yourself the elemental skills in your field, get more comfortable in your Spanish speaking.

If you feel confident and want more work, be proactive! A past intern complained about not having anything to do. When we spoke to her supervisor, the supervisor responded with “Well, she was always in her cubicle and on the computer looking busy.” Companies, especially the larger ones, aren’t always going to stop everything and cater to a one or two month foreign intern. Sometimes we forget that even though this is our experience of a lifetime, this is just life going on for a Spanish, Chilean, Costa Rican, etc. company. If you want more projects and responsibility, approach your supervisor for it!

Above all else, how can I make my internship experience count? Don’t forget where you are… in a professional setting in a foreign land. Not many are privy to this opportunity. At the very least, learn as much as you can and take anything and everything in. Learn about the company’s culture, how people conduct themselves, how business operates in an international setting. Befriend a co-worker, learn as much as you can from them, inquire about the ins and outs of their job. If you put your mind to it, there are an infinite amount of things you can take away from an international internship experience.

UPDATE from Scotland: Photos from Equine Summer Program ’15

June 11, 2015/in Study Abroad /by Adelante Abroad

Our Summer equine students are currently in Edinburgh, Scotland in the middle of their program! We recently got some updates and photos from them, check it out below.

“I’ve very much enjoyed Scotland and cannot wait to show everyone back in the states all of the beautiful pictures. It is so amazing how helpful everyone is here on campus including the cooking staff, my teachers, riding instructors, and so many more. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about Scottish culture, including learning how they pronounce certain words differently than I do! It’s difficult for me to pick my favorite moment so far for this trip… There have been too many amazing experiences! I would recommend this program to anyone, studying equine or not!” – Jody S.

“It is absolutely amazing here! So beautiful! Our advisor, Jackie, is great as well. She really goes above and beyond for us! Can’t believe we only have 11 more days here to go.” – Cheyenne L.