Stories From Abroad

     

    Getting Experience

    Stories From Abroad (85)
    Share this
    Do you have a question?
    Find out how it's really done.
    Get inspired by students who
    have succeeded abroad.
    Check out our Stories From Abroad!

    Hear first-hand stories from students who have built essential international skills by studying, volunteering, interning, teaching or working abroad. This is your portal to career-boosting international adventures!

    X
    Profiles (85) | Starred (0)

    Stories From Abroad

    85
    0
    2
    (2)
    1736
    22
    Asia (22)
    1735
    4
    Australia, New Zealand & Oceania (4)
    1888
    1
    Central America & the Caribbean (1)
    1734
    2
    Eastern Europe & Russia (2)
    1737
    1
    Middle East & North Africa (1)
    1731
    5
    North America (includes Mexico) (5)
    1732
    8
    South America (8)
    1738
    11
    Sub-Saharan Africa (11)
    1733
    31
    Western Europe (31)
    0
    1
    (1)
    2100
    13
    Intern Abroad (13)
    2101
    6
    Learn A Language Abroad (6)
    2102
    34
    Study Abroad (34)
    2103
    14
    Teach English Abroad (14)
    2104
    5
    Travel Smarts (5)
    2105
    15
    Volunteer Abroad (15)
    2106
    5
    Work Abroad (5)
    2107
    4
    Working Vacations (4)
    85
    9741
    Adapting To Work In Peru
    51
    9746
    A Cross-Cultural Co-Op In West Africa
    52
    9789
    Loving Life In Lyon
    53
    9762
    American Freshman In London
    54
    9784
    Skill-Building In Bonn
    55
    9774
    Gaga For Ghana!
    56
    9745
    An Unforgettable Adventure In Nanjing
    57
    9792
    Rolling With The Punches In Seoul
    58
    10188
    Now Or Never In Colombia
    59
    11904
    Enthusiasm, Education and Experience in Greece
    60
    9807
    Fast Friendship In Korea
    61
    10851
    Tips From Tasmania
    62
    9790
    Design And Dining In Korea
    63
    9769
    Getting Sporty In Switzerland!
    64
    9758
    Learning The Local Ways Of Addis Ababa
    65
    10163
    English Teaching In Eastern Europe
    66
    9768
    Going Solo In Spain!
    67
    14483
    Finding Home, By Teaching Abroad
    68
    9743
    Hooked On Volunteering!
    69
    9791
    Making Contacts Count In The UK
    70
    10153
    China, South Africa And Beyond!
    71
    14088
    An Eye-Opening Experience Teaching in South Korea
    72
    9751
    A Canadian Globe-Trotter Visits The US
    73
    9737
    Passionate About Panama
    74
    10192
    Out And About In Paris
    75
    9780
    A Year In Marvelous Mexico!
    76
    9765
    Simpatico In Florence
    77
    9782
    Making The Most Of Milano
    78
    10143
    A Warm Welcome In Mexico
    79
    9764
    Do It Yourself! A Proactive Intern In Rome
    80
    9763
    A Professional Visit To Vietnam
    81
    9761
    Communicating Creatively In Spain
    82
    9756
    Springtime In Spain
    83
    9767
    Beyond The Call Of Duty In Africa
    84
    9803
    Ten Years Teaching In Seoul
    85
    85
    Sheila
    Interned in Peru
    University of Waterloo
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    I just had to be truthful, and really figure out what I wanted to get out of the experience. ”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    One thing I noticed was that timing didn’t seem to matter to locals. Things would start late, and you always seemed to end up eating REALLY late!”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    When I arrived in Peru my Spanish was not excellent, but I wasn't afraid to try, and speak, and make mistakes, and keep trying.”
    Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
    “
    Learning how to adapt your body language, vocabulary and tone of voice is key to good cross-cultural communication.”
    May-Lynne
    Interned in Ghana
    University of Waterloo
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on The International Workplace
    “
    I wanted to work at a small organization because it’s the best way to get a lot of responsibility and the most field work. A lot of larger organizations offered administrative desk jobs, but I knew I wanted to be in the field.”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    While Ghana is very professional and is becoming more developed, many cultural factors (like religion and household seniority) play major factors in the workplace. ”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    As a woman, if I wanted to help out with carrying things or running an errand, an unwilling male would be encouraged to instead. ”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    Don’t be afraid! Don’t feel left out. Don’t be a foreigner. Learn the language. Be a local. ”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    Entering another country means you must adjust to their way or living, not the other way around.”
    Kristina
    Studied in France
    Carleton University
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    Studying international business was a good reason to go abroad and experience how globalization has affected the business world.”
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    The visa application process is long and confusing. There was definitely a lot of confusion along the way. But don’t be discouraged; it’s completely doable.”
    Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    Read a lot! Read about the history, culture, and people of the city you’re planning on staying in. Gather as much information as you possibly can. ”
    Her thoughts on Taking It All In
    “
    Through Facebook I signed up for a few exchange student groups in my host cities, which allowed me to participate in events they organized and get to know a lot of people.”
    Her thoughts on Language Learning
    “
    The big success for me was the fact that my language skills improved tremendously. I came to Lyon barely being able to keep up with a conversation and left being able to speak with ease.”
    Her thoughts on Boosting Your Career
    “
    During my stay I was able to network a lot and meet not only other students, but also professionals.”
    Her thoughts on Personal Growth
    “
    My travels also improved my communication skills, my cultural understanding, independence, leadership skills, and helped me develop a thicker skin.”
    Kimberly
    Studied in the UK
    SUNY: University at Albany
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    Ever since I was young I’ve been fascinated with Europe. Experiencing a culture different from my own was something that I knew I had to do. ”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    Americans are loud! Even at the pubs and clubs in London I felt like we were being the loudest ones! ”
    Her thoughts on Taking It All In
    “
    Savor every moment. Take in all the sights, smells, and noise and appreciate it! And remember: the most amazing experiences aren’t planned!”
    Erika
    Worked in Germany
    McGill University
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    I was surprised how integrated I became within my adopted community. I ended up getting to know a lot of locals. I was invited to a wedding and even joined a marching band!”
    Her thoughts on Language Learning
    “
    For me it was really a matter of building my confidence in the language, because simple things such as making a phone call felt like big obstacles initially. ”
    Sylvia
    Studied in Ghana
    SUNY: University at Albany
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    Since I was a little girl, my dream has been to travel the world. I’ve always wanted to fill my passport and have stamps from countries in all seven continents. ”
    Her thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    All I could talk about was Ghana: how much I had fallen in love with the country, and how much I wanted to go back, this time to do humanitarian work and be a volunteer”
    Her thoughts on Taking It All In
    “
    The second I walked in to a slave castle and could really smell Ghana’s past, it hit me: that’s when I truly realized “Wow Sylvia, we’re in Ghana.” ”
    Her thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    Ghana had become a part of me – as cliché as that may sound. I had learned so much and had so much fun that I wanted to stay forever. ”
    Her thoughts on Boosting Your Career
    “
    Witnessing great poverty in Africa made me want to help in the progress of a Third World country. Ghana changed my life, and helped me find my career path. ”
    Ashley
    Studied in China
    Stony Brook University
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    A million miles away from my family, in a foreign land, with a language that is 100% different from English? Sounds like an adventure to me! ”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    If you looked at students from a distance, you could tell which were Americans from far away!”
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    Don’t be afraid to call the people in charge of a program to bombard them with questions: it will help narrow down your options and find the best one.”
    Yenny
    Taught English in South Korea
    Wilfrid Laurier
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    The decision to leave my family and country for a year was just the ticket my mind and soul needed to adjust to a career lifestyle. ”
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    The key to finding a job online is to be available to talk at almost any time. In some cases, if you don’t respond to a recruiter within a day, they will move on. ”
    Her thoughts on First Impressions
    “
    It is my eighth month here in Seoul, but if you asked me in my first month whether I thought I would still be here now, I would have said no.”
    Jessica
    Volunteered & Taught English in Colombia
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    I poured over the Internet. Searching for the perfect organization became my second job. Knowing exactly what I wanted from a program made it easy for me to sort through all the organizations out there.”
    Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
    “
    I got to know so many people just through body language. I learned that I could follow a conversation through gestures, facial expressions and tone.”
    Her thoughts on Personal Growth
    “
    Living in a different culture for such a long time changes your perception, which was apparent on my return home. I looked at everything differently and challenged the things that I considered normal.”
    Katie
    Studied & Volunteered in Greece
    University of Wisconsin: Oshkosh
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Boosting Your Career
    “
    I wanted to find a trip that would create meaning for my major, and help with my goals. I knew that as a future educator, this could be incredibly beneficial for my career.”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    It’s important to have a go-with-the-flow attitude, and to be able to adjust when plans might not always go the best they can.”
    Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
    “
    It was such an empowering experience to actually get through to someone who speaks an entirely different language than you, and for you actually to understand each other.”
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    I started almost a year in advance. By starting early, the process seemed more exciting than stressful, because you are getting ready at your own pace and building towards a remarkable trip!”
    Chee
    Studied in Korea
    University of Wisconsin: Oshkosh
    Read His Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    His thoughts on First Impressions
    “
    The biggest surprise was how big Seoul was. Coming from a small town and being thrown into this busy, chaotic metropolis was an adventure in itself.”
    His thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    To truly understand some things you must experience them first-hand. Reading a book can only tell you so much.”
    His thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    I quickly found that eating out in Korea is one of the cheapest and most fun things to do. There are always places to eat and you never eat alone.”
    His thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    I missed having my own room. I had to get used to sharing space – but it was just another way of making friends.”
    Heather
    Working Vacation in Tasmania
    University of British Columbia
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Taking It All In
    “
    I made a point of getting involved in the local community. That's really the best way to have a good experience anywhere. ”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    After I landed, it took me a month to find my first retail job and three months to find my second one. Staying flexible is an important part of the job-hunting process.”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    I attended a poetry festival, took a dance class, volunteered at the farmers’ market and got involved with the local “couch surfing” community. I built quite the network of lasting friends!”
    Mai See
    Studied in South Korea
    University of Wisconsin: Oshkosh
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    Studying in South Korea had always been a personal goal, so when my school finally offered the program, I knew I had to sign up.”
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    I really wanted to make sure that the application went smoothly. I never doubted myself and I was never negative about all the work I had to put in.”
    Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    I took out a loan and worked a lot before I left. I made sure to save money from each paycheck to put into my Korea fund.”
    Rebecca
    Worked in Switzerland
    University of Waterloo
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on The International Workplace
    “
    One of the challenges in my workplace was that my colleagues were also the people I lived with. It was challenging to have my “colleague lenses” on, rather than my “friendship lenses.” ”
    Her thoughts on Taking It All In
    “
    I traveled to many cities -- London, Amsterdam, Berlin -- each country gave me a different perspective. ”
    Her thoughts on Personal Growth
    “
    For me, education is a lifelong process, and this is only the beginning. I am already planning my next international exchange. ”
    Celine
    Interned in Ethiopia
    UBC: Sauder School of Business
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    I've always wanted to go to Africa and see for myself what it’s really like there; and being a commerce student, I also find it interesting to see how different countries conduct business.”
    Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
    “
    If there was a misunderstanding, we could always use our hands or try with English, but we always tried in Amharic (the local language) first! ”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    The most important thing for me was to go with an open mind, and have zero expectations. You have to adapt and things aren’t always the way you want them to be. ”
    Lindsey
    Taught English in Georgia
    Flagler College
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    I wanted to teach English abroad to build my resume, travel and immerse myself in a unique culture.”
    Her thoughts on Taking It All In
    “
    The soccer club was a great opportunity for me to get to know my students better and help them build skills.”
    Her thoughts on Homestays
    “
    I developed a close relationship with my Georgian family and remain in contact with them through email and Skype.”
    Ashley
    Studied in Spain
    University of Evansville
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    Instead of looking at it as something that would take me away from the familiar, I decided to view it as an adventure that I was fortunate to experience. ”
    Her thoughts on First Impressions
    “
    All of a sudden I wasn't having fun any more. I was awakening from the dreamy version of studying abroad, and what I saw when I finally opened my eyes was the plain truth.  ”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    My experience turned out to be a success because I made it my own, and I grew to accept the city’s flaws along with its charms.”
    Her thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    I was apprehensive about returning because I had learned so much and wanted others to recognize that I had changed. ”
    Seth
    Teach Abroad in Hong Kong
    Read His Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    His thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    I like knowing I've lived in a place where things are done very differently, and everything still functions.”
    His thoughts on The International Workplace
    “
    Respect the way they run their classrooms abroad. And try to fit in.”
    His thoughts on Personal Growth
    “
    Simply put: When I'm teaching abroad, I feel at home.”
    Uma
    Volunteered in Guatemala & Peru
    College of Saint Elizabeth
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    I am originally from Guyana. Growing up in a Third World country gave me a real insight into how hard things can be. Now I want to give back as much as I can. ”
    Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    There are no excuses! If you have a burning desire to serve, you can make it happen. ”
    Her thoughts on Homestays
    “
    Going with my volunteer program, we stayed in a local host home and ate traditional cuisine three times a day. This approach to going abroad made me feel like I was much more a part of the culture than I would have been staying at a hotel. ”
    Janna
    Had a Working Vacation in England
    University of Waterloo
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    I looked into many options for finding a job abroad but the one with the best result ended up being from a personal contact I didn’t even know I had! ”
    Her thoughts on Homestays
    “
    The people who helped me get a job offered me a room in their house. Taking them up on the offer was one of the best decisions I made! I became part of the family.”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    Be willing to change your plans and meet new people. If you start talking to the people beside you in your hostel, chances are you will make friends for the day. ”
    Her thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    You never quite get past the odd feeling of life happening without you at home, but you are busy building your own memories that outweigh the losses.”
    Megan
    Studied in China
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    At the end of the day, we have more in common than we think! It was fun to celebrate the similarities and recognize the differences.”
    Her thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    Sometimes students psych themselves up too much, anticipating a tough transition. Be flexible, patient and write down everything you remember from your trip. ”
    Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    Plan early and be up-front about your goals with your academic advisors.”
    Tina
    Teach Abroad in South Korea
    University of Waterloo
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    When it comes down to deciding which country and program to choose, do a ton of research and conduct informational interviews to find out what’s best for you.”
    Her thoughts on Personal Growth
    “
    While abroad, I realized my passion for teaching and developed a greater understanding and appreciation for every teacher around the world.”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    You will encounter difficult situations abroad, but it's important to stay open-minded to new experiences, people, cultures and perspectives.”
    Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
    “
    Remember to use body language to communicate! Smiles are universal – they work with anyone, anywhere. ”
    Erin
    Studied in the USA
    Mount Royal University
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Boosting Your Career
    “
    My exchanges helped give me clarity on my educational path. I really believe that when I look back on my years as a student, it will be my exchanges that stand out.”
    Her thoughts on Personal Growth
    “
    My study abroad term resulted in a little longer in school to complete degree requirements, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! ”
    Mara
    Interned in Panama
    Centennial College
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on The International Workplace
    “
    Interning was much more about my personal growth as a global citizen rather than prowess with MS Office or project management tools.”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    It's all about perspective! Adapt and just go with the flow, or risk losing your mind.”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    Be sensitive, but don't take anything too seriously. It isn't personal, it's just the way things are.”
    Heather
    Studied in France
    Indiana University Bloomington
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Homestays
    “
    To stay on track and not go over the amount I had from the loan, I chose the homestay option. It allowed me to save money on food and practice more French.”
    Her thoughts on Homestays
    “
    I found that the homestay portion was imperative to improving my French. My host parents did not speak English, so this forced me to use my French skills.”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    Everything is a challenge when you are somewhere new that you've never been before – but an exciting challenge!”
    Heather
    Studied & Learned a Language in Mexico
    University of British Columbia
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Taking It All In
    “
    Volunteering at a local primary school for blind children was a good challenge to my Spanish language skills and gave me an opportunity to step outside the upper-class world I was living in. ”
    Her thoughts on Language Learning
    “
    If you’re going on exchange to learn a language, make a point of speaking it from the time you arrive. If you fall into the trap of speaking English, you’ll never get comfortable in the host language.”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    The Day of the Dead celebration made a real impact on me. It was wonderful to see people building shrines around their loved ones' graves rather than carving jack-o-lanterns to scare away spirits.”
    Kristina
    Studied in Italy
    SUNY: University at Albany
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
    “
    The most important thing about cross-cultural communication in Italy was using hand gestures. If I didn’t know how to say a certain word, hand gestures were a universal way I could communicate!”
    Her thoughts on Personal Growth
    “
    I used to do everything in a hurry. Now I try to take things step-by-step and notice everything around me. ”
    Her thoughts on First Impressions
    “
    Be prepared to arrive not knowing anything, feeling like an outsider – but leave feeling like you found a new home. ”
    Davis
    Studied in Italy
    College of William and Mary
    Read His Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    His thoughts on Motivation
    “
    I didn’t make the final decision to go until two of my friends returned from their years abroad. I couldn’t resist their stories! ”
    His thoughts on First Impressions
    “
    At first, I was constantly excited; everything was so new and Italian. Every street was magnificent, every person European, every piece of clothing beautiful. ”
    His thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    At some point in June, I had a moment of pristine clarity: I was no longer the naïve, awkward American boy I had been when I arrived in September. ”
    His thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    Somehow I had integrated myself into the culture. And after months of freezing weather and many hardships, I had emerged a new person.”
    His thoughts on Language Learning
    “
    I studied hard. I completed a grammar workbook, I studied a dictionary and a book of verb conjugations, I listened to music, I read short novels, and I begged classmates to speak to me!”
    His thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    They acted as if I had never left, even though I was bursting with excitement about my year in Italy. I wanted to tell them EVERYTHING, but they couldn’t have been less interested. ”
    Mariah
    Volunteered in Mexico
    St. Ambrose University
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    I absolutely love helping others. I’m very involved in a variety of volunteer experiences at home and I wanted to continue with this type of work while I was abroad.”
    Her thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    I felt like my time abroad had gone by so fast. It was a dream that I wanted to keep dreaming.”
    Her thoughts on Language Learning
    “
    By putting myself out of my comfort zone I was forced to speak the language. After my experience, I feel that studying abroad is one of the very best ways to learn a language.”
    Her thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    I always made sure to respect the different cultural values held by the locals: eating when and what they ate, greeting the way they did, and wearing the same types of clothes.”
    Tanya
    Interned in Italy
    University of Wisconsin: Oshkosh
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Boosting Your Career
    “
    When I wanted to make a career change I looked back at what impacted me the most as an undergrad -- and that was studying abroad.”
    Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    I’m so glad that I started looking into it months before I had to travel, because that was an extensive process. ”
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    There was no official application, just me taking an idea and running with it! ”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    By looking at my experiences as adventures instead of challenges, I shaped those experiences positively. ”
    Her thoughts on Communicating Abroad
    “
    The most important thing that I learned when 2087 was to take things with a grain of salt, be flexible, and laugh at your mistakes. It’s just as hard for the people you are trying to communicate with as it is for you! ”
    Her thoughts on The Application Process
    “
    My number one tip would be not to give up on something you really want to do! I heard a lot of “no” before I finally heard “yes”! ”
    Behrang
    Worked in Vietnam
    University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
    Read His Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    His thoughts on Boosting Your Career
    “
    Talking with other foreigners gave me insider advice on how foreign job searches are conducted. ”
    His thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    Have confidence! There really is no reason to be shy with superiors or strangers. ”
    His thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    In most cities in Asia, you're constantly surrounded by people, severely limiting your "me time".”
    His thoughts on Boosting Your Career
    “
    Network as much as you can so that when you do look for a serious job, the transition is more seamless and you know where the opportunities are.”
    Emily
    Studied & Learned a Language in Spain
    SUNY: Oneonta
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    It’s important to prepare yourself for the shock of being in a culture that’s completely different from your own. ”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    Although Spanish culture is different from American culture, it doesn’t mean that either one is wrong or right. They are each unique.”
    Her thoughts on Motivation
    “
    I wasn't making as much progress in Spanish class as I thought I should have been, so the best option for me was to become fully immersed in the culture – where I’d have no choice but to communicate in Spanish!”
    Ashley
    Studied in Spain
    Lebanon Valley College
    Read Her Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    Her thoughts on Homestays
    “
    What surprised me the most about my time abroad was the home-stay component. It had been the part that, at first, worried me the most, but it ended up being the most rewarding. ”
    Her thoughts on The Right Attitude
    “
    What do you need? The three c’s: confidence, creativity, and comfy shoes!”
    Her thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    I was always greeted with friendly kisses on the cheek and hugs. This was unusual to me at first, coming from America where our typical greeting is a handshake. ”
    Her thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    All good things must come to end, but for now I have the photos and the memories to reflect on.”
    Scott
    Volunteered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Carleton University
    Read His Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    His thoughts on Motivation
    “
    I wanted to further develop my skills and experiences in community development work, and to help refugee populations escape from conflict zones.”
    His thoughts on Adaptation
    “
    I learned very quickly that a person living in these circumstances has to be extremely flexible to deal with changing situations and different challenges whereby every day seemed fraught with another situation or event. ”
    His thoughts on Language Learning
    “
    Language is extremely important when attempting to build a bridge across a cultural divide. ”
    His thoughts on Cultural Differences
    “
    I found that the willingness of people to share, to work hard, and to learn as much as possible, were shared values that allowed me to partially bridge the cultural divide. ”
    His thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    I ensured that I scheduled a few days to “decompress” in the UK before heading back home. The idea of decompressing was to get used to being back in the so-called “modern world” before having to interact with family members.”
    His thoughts on Coming Home
    “
    I found that I felt a profound sense of injustice, given the amount of excess wealth is available in our society. For a while I felt a certain sense of disgust and anger. ”
    Gary
    Taught English in Korea
    Read His Story From Abroad
    Previous Pause Next
    His thoughts on Pre-Departure Preparation
    “
    I suggest trying to find out the working conditions beforehand, or try contacting a friend or acquaintance that lives in the area to see what advice they have.”
    His thoughts on First Impressions
    “
    One of my first big surprises was the amount of hours some students are required to study. They're usually even too busy to participate in extra-curricular activities.”
    His thoughts on The International Workplace
    “
    The best advice for teaching cross-cultural would be the same as teaching local students: have patience.”

    Pages

    All Job Boards (458)
    All Job Boards
    458
    All NGOs (1417)
    All NGOs
    1417
    Au Pair Resources (40)
    Au Pair Resources
    40
    Awards and Grants Resources (54)
    Awards and Grants Resources
    54
    Business and Finance Job Boards (63)
    Business and Finance Job Boards
    63
    Business Directories (17)
    Business Directories
    17
    Canadian Federal, Provincial and Territorial Government Profiles (60)
    Canadian Federal, Provincial and Territorial Government Profiles
    60
    Canadian Government Resources (29)
    Canadian Government Resources
    29
    Children and Families Abroad (17)
    Children and Families Abroad
    17
    Country Guides (71)
    Country Guides
    71
    Cross-cultural Skills (79)
    Cross-cultural Skills
    79
    Engineering Job Boards (58)
    Engineering Job Boards
    58
    Engineering Resources (80)
    Engineering Resources
    80
    Expatriate Networking Sites (31)
    Expatriate Networking Sites
    31
    Foreign Students Working in the US (9)
    Foreign Students Working in the US
    9
    Freelancing Abroad (29)
    Freelancing Abroad
    29
    General Job Search Books (18)
    General Job Search Books
    18
    Global Education and Social Action (41)
    Global Education and Social Action
    41
    Health and Medicine Job Boards (49)
    Health and Medicine Job Boards
    49
    Health Career Resources (66)
    Health Career Resources
    66
    International Associations With Clubs on Campus (44)
    International Associations With Clubs on Campus
    44
    International Development Career Resources (74)
    International Development Career Resources
    74
    International Internship Organizations (265)
    International Internship Organizations
    265
    International Internships and Student Programs With Canadian Governments (33)
    International Internships and Student Programs With Canadian Governments
    33
    International Internships With the US Government (40)
    International Internships With the US Government
    40
    International Job Hunting Resources (13)
    International Job Hunting Resources
    13
    International Law Careers Resources (107)
    International Law Careers Resources
    107
    International Law Job Boards (27)
    International Law Job Boards
    27
    International Studies in the US and Canada (13)
    International Studies in the US and Canada
    13
    International Trade Resources (25)
    International Trade Resources
    25
    International Volunteer Organizations (474)
    International Volunteer Organizations
    474
    Internship Directories and Advice (43)
    Internship Directories and Advice
    43
    Internships With the UN and Other IGOs (155)
    Internships With the UN and Other IGOs
    155
    Language Careers (31)
    Language Careers
    31
    Learn a Language (99)
    Learn a Language
    99
    Licensed Teacher Abroad Job Boards (30)
    Licensed Teacher Abroad Job Boards
    30
    Licensed Teacher Abroad Resources (32)
    Licensed Teacher Abroad Resources
    32
    Loans for Studying Abroad (19)
    Loans for Studying Abroad
    19
    Low-cost Travel (60)
    Low-cost Travel
    60
    NGO Directories (34)
    NGO Directories
    34
    NGO Job Boards (47)
    NGO Job Boards
    47
    Re-entry (12)
    Re-entry
    12
    Regional Job Boards (103)
    Regional Job Boards
    103
    Relocating Abroad (26)
    Relocating Abroad
    26
    Resources for International Students Studying in the US or Canada (51)
    Resources for International Students Studying in the US or Canada
    51
    Stories From Abroad (85)
    Stories From Abroad
    85
    Study Abroad Resources (184)
    Study Abroad Resources
    184
    Teach English Abroad Job Boards (97)
    Teach English Abroad Job Boards
    97
    Teach English Abroad Resources (63)
    Teach English Abroad Resources
    63
    Tools for Travelers (73)
    Tools for Travelers
    73
    Top International Blogs & Podcasts (73)
    Top International Blogs & Podcasts
    73
    Travel Health and Safety (41)
    Travel Health and Safety
    41
    UN and Other IGOs (255)
    UN and Other IGOs
    255
    UN and Other IGOs Job Boards (26)
    UN and Other IGOs Job Boards
    26
    UN and Other IGOs Resources (69)
    UN and Other IGOs Resources
    69
    US Government Profiles (76)
    US Government Profiles
    76
    US Government Resources (35)
    US Government Resources
    35
    Visas and Passports (25)
    Visas and Passports
    25
    Volunteer Directories and Advice (52)
    Volunteer Directories and Advice
    52
    Women Living and Working Overseas (16)
    Women Living and Working Overseas
    16
    Working Vacation Resources (60)
    Working Vacation Resources
    60