Collegiate Times

Studying abroad is possibly one of the most exciting and mind-opening experiences a college student can have during their all-too-brief years in school.

However, according to the Virginia Tech study abroad website, only 4% of undergraduates have studied abroad. This is especially surprising for a school like Virginia Tech, with an extensive study abroad program that offers students at least 8 different types of programs, allowing participants to travel during the summer, semester, or even an entire year while they are enrolled at Tech.

Last semester, I studied abroad through Virginia Tech’s Center for European Studies and Architecture, based in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland. About a month ago, I returned from my experience.

I would strongly encourage any student who may be considering studying abroad to begin researching your opportunity now, you won’t regret it.

As a veteran of the program, I hope to help others who may be considering going abroad with a few of the things I learned overseas. One of the biggest things I learned was how important language is when studying abroad.

Though you don’t have to have any substantial foreign-language knowledge to go overseas, there are a few tips about the language barriers that will benefit anyone leaving the States.

I was exposed to so many different languages; I could never remember where I was or which language to speak.  I learned some Italian before leaving for Europe and already knew Spanish, so they both helped. I would definitely recommend studying the basics of any language of a country you are going to visit.

 Even though there are areas and countries that speak mainly one language, it is very common for areas, especially in Europe, to have several different languages spoken by people in the same place. As if this was not confusing enough, the dialects change from canton to canton [in Europe, something like region to region], so some people are very difficult to understand.    

What I have found is that if you make an attempt to speak the language, whomever you are talking to will put in an effort to help.  Another helpful fact is that in most major cities, many people speak at least some English, in an attempt to connect with tourists for business opportunities.  

I recommend doing your best to speak their language first, at which point the other person will try out their English skills.  Even in some of the smallest bars in the smallest towns, people are eager to speak and improve their own English, which is very helpful when you do not speak or understand their language.  

If you are going to be in an area for a substantial amount of time that speaks only one language, I suggest getting phrase books.  While some of the phrases seem ridiculous, they also help to connect certain words with things you will need to know, such as directions, numbers, and food items.  

Another fun game is simply pointing, because charades are universal.

No matter where you go, the most important two phrases to learn are “excuse me,” and “thank you.”  They both show you are a polite and friendly traveler, and people are more willing to help.

The one thing to remember is that it never hurts to ask for help.  Most major cities are filled with tourists, and someone is bound to be able to help you, you just have to ask.  Always be polite, and you will receive the best from the people around you.