Letter for my youngest sister foe study
Answers
Dear Sis:
As I am writing this you have just arrived in Manilla, probably feeling a mixture of emotions and most definitely disoriented from jet lag and the humidity. First of all, I just want to tell you how much I admire your courage to abandon the familiar and make a home halfway across the world.
You asked if I had any advice from when I studied abroad in Poland and so here are some of my thoughts.
Travel as much as you can. Travel broadly and deeply within your new city, new country and nearby regions. With countries like China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam nearby, don’t hesitate to take advantage of cheap airfare and explore as much of this facinating part of the world as possible.
Get to know the locals. It may be tempting to stay with individuals from your study abroad group, namely other Americans. Instead try to branch out and befriend Filipinos and other international students who can provide you a gateway to their culture and a different worldview.
Go outside of your comfort zone. Try local foods from street carts, drink beer at a bar where you are one of the only Americans. Wander the streets without any destination in mind and follow your nose when you catch the scent of something delicious. Be daring, but not reckless.
Keep a blog. It need not be fancy. All of us back at home would love snapshots of your daily adventures, whether you are exploring a new city or just showing off your your new apartment. Best of all, it will serve as an invaluable memento of your time abroad when you look back on this experience years from now.
Lastly, back up ALL your photos. Trust me, I learned the hard way and sadly now only have a few visual memories from my time abroad.
Love,
Your older (but questionably wiser) sister