Student Voices
Cal Poly Humboldt Student Voices from Abroad
“Be open and expect nothing!”
Anonymous
“Walk around by yourself (if possible).”
Anonymous
“Do everything you can! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and this is your chance to do it.”
Anonymous
“Travel at every opportunity, don’t worry about money - you’ll get more. Journal, journal, journal, you don’t want to forget anything.”
Leon, Spain
“Live with a host family. It’s the best way to practice the language and learn about the culture!”
Leon, Spain
“Make friends with locals.”
Anonymous
“Take advantage of RyanAir and MegaBus!”
Anonymous
“ Be persistent, control your endurance, have fun!”
Anonymous
“Keep an open-mind and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! Make the best of your experience!”
Anonymous
“Sometimes it sucks. That’s okay, Don’t give up.”
Anonymous
“Stay where your feet are, always say yes to adventures, eat new food, don’t be afraid to cry in beautiful places, call home at some point.”
Anonymous
“Don’t go with Duetuche Bank Account; go with different bank.”
Anonymous
“Get a tram/train pass.”
Anonymous
“Talk to locals! You’ll learn more from them than any class!! Viva Espana!”
Anonymous
“Don’t be afraid to travel alone. This is your experience, take it all in.
Anonymous
“Do your research; the right information is key.”
Anonymous
“Keep a journal that you daily, weekly write on because you will want to see where you were and always see the things that you saw through your words and thoughts.”
Anonymous
“Try to see what normal life is.”
Anonymous
“Don’t stay indoors. There’s a ton to do in your down time.”
Anonymous
“Research your local public transportation. Look into local music/ art shows. If you are studying in the UK get a National Trust card - for castles/ gardens.”
Anonymous
“Prepare to be unprepared. Expect the unexpected!
Study Abroad in India
“It doesn’t matter what other international students do. YOUR experience is the amazing one.”
Anonymous
-Anonymous
"If you're going to England, buy a 16-25 railcard. It will save you a ton of money on train passes so take advantage of it! Travel as much as possible."
-Bilateral exchange in UK
"Don't feel pressured to do things differently than you usually do. I'ts ok to be yourself. If you travel to different countries, try traditional dishes they have there. If you want to travel Europe, the most affordable way is to get a EURail Pass, or to fly using RyanAir or EasyJet. Hostels or Air B&B homestays are a fun way to meet new people and share experiences and stories."
-Bilateral exchange in UK
"Lick a green ant's butt!"
-Bilateral exchange in Australia
"Be adventurous! Don't be shy. Take pictures, keep a journal to document your trip & state of mind."
-Bilateral exchange in Townsville, Australia
"Go pet a kangaroo, wallaby, koala at a wildlife park... you'll be surprised by how soft they are! Use 'I'm an exchange student' as an ice breaker and make heaps of friends and start great conversations!"
-Bilateral exchange in Australia
"Smile like you mean it and people will receive your energy and embrace your attitude. Don't pass up a chance to meet a new person or try something new. Save your money for travel and go!~"
-Cairns, Australia
"Don't believe what people tell you about the weather, be prepared for anything!"
-Anonymous
"Things may not always go as you expect os try your best to tolerate ambiguity and the unexpected."
-Kathmandu, Nepal
"Use Ryan Air, it will take you places for cheap! Go to the Color festival, make a local friend, what they can show you is that much more valuable than what you see online!"
-Germany
"Play ping-pong."
-Bilateral exchange in Montpelier, France
"Budget extra $$$. It will be more enjoyable if you can tralve more/be frivolous occassionally."
-Bilateral exchange in Montpelier, France
"Be flexible -- you can't control your surroundings but you can control your attitude. Maintain a positive outlook. Apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Save up your money -- it's the best experience of a lifetime and money well spent!"
-Cal Poly Humboldt Summer Program in Quito, Ecuador
"Double and triple check Visa and entry information for your destination."
-Bilateral exchange in Xi'an, China
"Meet as many people as possible and keep an open mind."
-Anonymous
"Don't compare cultures. Instead of saying this is wrong or annoying or stupid, think "hmm this is different," then try and consider why certain things are the way they are, because they may not be effective in the United States but are somewhere else."
-Anonymous
"Keep an open mind & be adaptable."
-Cal Poly Humboldt Summer Program in Quito, Ecuador
"Get a coach card. Shop at poundland. Budget wisely. Travel on breaks."
-Bilateral exchange in Bradford, UK
"Research exchange rate / cost of living"
-Anonymous
"Say yes to any and every adventure!"
-Bilateral exchange in Tasmania, Australia
"Accept every invitation."
-Bilateral exchange in Bremen, Germany
"Take culture shock seriously -- even in an English speaking country! Be prepared to talk about America to everyone you meet - they will ask questions!"
-Bilateral exchange in Lancaster, UK
"Travel as much as you can!"
-Bilateral exchange in Bremen, Germany
"My advice to students who want to study abroad is to not be afraid to try new things. Don't sit and think about it, just go and do it!"
-Summer program with CEA in French Riviera