2. EDITORIAL
M
aking the decision to go The way I coped was by pretending I
on exchange is a brave wasn’t going. Even two days before catch-
one. You looked around ing my flight, after my goodbye party, I still
your own country and de- wasn’t aware of what I was getting myself
cided that there was more to life than just into. It’s only when my mom was hug-
the things you already know. That’s pretty ging me, teary-eyed and sobbing, that it
much how I decided to go for a study in dawned on me. I was doing something
another country. I come from a family of not many people did. I was going on an
–
television watchers. Unlike them, I wasn’t adventure that would change me. The
happy to look at the world on a screen; I person standing there, holding my mom,
wanted to experience it first hand. wouldn’t be the same one holding his
The build-up to go on exchange is a mom when he got back. That’s one scary,
weird one though. You made this big de- but exciting thought.
cision, took this leap of faith to go, and I know through the great people I met
applied for a time abroad. You convinced and the amazing things I did, I could nev-
your parents, friends and yourself. You did er be the same. Now it’s your turn. This
all the paperwork and got accepted. And magazine is here to prepare you for your
then you wait. Mentally, you’re already in journey and to help you along the way.
a different place, thinking of the amaz- Inside you will find stories and tips, writ-
ing things you will experience. Physically, ten by people who have gone through it
you’re stuck in your own country, waiting all. Something we all agree on – you’re in
for the day you arrive at your destination. for a great experience.
–
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3. contents
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AROUND LIVING
PREPARATION ADJUST AFTERMATH
THE WORLD ABROAD
7 18 30 42 54
12 20 32 48 56
ADJUST
7. Stress free packing 17. Party people 28. Culture shock 41. Keep in touch 53. Same same
but different
8. Top 5 study 18. 360° around 30. Changing direction 42. Granny’s words
destinations the globe of wisdom 54. Sweet memories
32. The multicultural
10. The struggle of 20. Overseas love challenge 44. Traditional dishes 56. When reality
language learning strikes back
22. Word up 36. How to avoid 47. Sunshine after the rain
12. Money talk homesickness 58. Did you go back to
24. How do you eat? 48. Your room, your home your exchange country?
14. Are you ready to 38. Making friends abroad
go on exchange? 50. Don’t go broke 59. Just us
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4. Stress free
TIPS
for future
travellers
1. Make a checklist before
leaving and write down the
most important things.
Insiders’ advice
2. If it’s possible, don’t
take a suitcase with you. It
may seem easier but not on
Whether you’re going abroad for two years or just half a bumpy roads, sand, or thick
year, the key to packing your bag always comes down to snow. A backpack is con-
venient for shorter trips.
the same thing: planning.
3. Don’t bring too much
I
t’s very important to think about where in What are the things that you brought and stuff. You’re going to buy
the world you’re going to. What are the never used? new things anyway and you
weather conditions there? Can you buy Gizem from Turkey: “I brought and bought always end up having too
the different products you are hopelessly way too many clothes and shoes. Some of much luggage. And then you
addicted to in this country? Someone who is those I actually still haven’t taken out of my suit- have to leave things behind.
going to live in Turkey, England, or Brazil has case. Now I’m mentioning this, I really feel em-
different packing priorities than someone who barrassed about it!” 4. Make sure that you have
is going to China, Norway or Curaçao. In the good insurance and watch
end, the whole packing your bag process is Amir from Iran: “I took so many books and your luggage at all times dur-
“Tomorrow belongs to the people something very personal. Several students who DVDs with me, but I’ve never used my TV or ing your journey.
already went abroad will share their packing ex- DVDs since I got here. Before I left I thought I
periences for future travellers like you. would have enough time to watch them. I was 5. Get the map of the city
who prepare for it today” wrong, as an exchange student you’re never where you’ll travel to, to ori-
What was the most important thing that alone.” entate yourself before you
you packed? actually reach it.
Carlotta from Italy: “I still get homesick a lot. Danish from Pakistan: “I brought a typical
African Proverb I took a lot of pictures of my friends and family Pakistani dress and I wore it once, but people 6. Take enough cash mon-
with me, in case I was going to feel lonely or sad looked at me like I was from another planet. I ey in local currency with you
during my stay.” decided to never wear the dress again.” for the first days of your ar-
rival abroad.
Hans from Belgium: “I brought some things When you go somewhere you collect a lot
that have a sentimental value to me: my ‘student of stuff. What did you do with it? 7. Write important informa-
bible’ from my student association and a hand- Oleksii from Ukraine: “I bought a lot of clothes tion and phone numbers
ful of pictures. I kept it to a minimum because I here. It’s impossible to take it all back home. I’ll down in case of emergency
knew I had to pack for two years. Then there’s have to donate some of my stuff to friends, the or theft to cancel credit cards
hardly space for all that useless stuff.” second-hand shop or just throw it away.” etc.
PREPARATION
Mahes from India: “I’m very used to different Nienke from the Netherlands: “If I stay in a 8. Start your abroad expe-
kinds of spices and seasonings that we use country for a longer time, I think ahead and give rience already during your
for cooking in India. So when I moved abroad, I some of the stuff to friends, send it home by travel, make new friends, en-
took more than 30 kilograms of spices with me.” mail or just throw it in the trash the day I leave.” • joy and have fun!
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5. Sunny beaches
Top
or astonishing ski
areas, big historic
cities and cultures
that are completely
different than yours. It is all
out there and waiting for you. At
this moment there are already
more than 2.5 million students
studying abroad and you will
soon be one of them. The big
question is: which country do
5 1
study destinations
5
2 4
5
FRANCE
France, again a beautiful country with an amaz-
ing historic and geographical variety - from the
pearl white beaches in the south, to the pictur-
esque countryside, the snow-white Alps and
the wine growing valleys. France has a an in-
ternational reputation for their quality of degrees.
Nearly every course is taught in French, there-
fore a reasonable knowledge of the language is
necessary. France is known for its study pro-
grams which are specialized in areas such as
politics, business, art, fashion and architecture.
Costs
The cost of tuition is low compared to other
western countries, a tuition fee of around $ 213
is not rare at all. The costs of living really de-
you want to go to? pends on the way you live, an estimation for
students is around $ 852 per month.
3
UNITED STATES
The U.S. has more top universities than any other
1 4 GERMANY
One thing is sure; when you go to Germany
2 3
country in the world. Six universities are in the top you will never get bored. You should definitely
10 of the World University Ranking. Schools from not miss out on events such as the Oktober-
Harvard University to Julliard are world famous fest, wine festivals and the famous annual
and welcome international students. Overall, Carnival in Cologne. Overseas students do
they can offer you high quality education, inno- not have to pay more than domestic stu-
vation and creativity. Other advantages of study- UNITED KINGDOM AUSTRALIA dents for tuition, and some universities do not
ing in U.S. are the almost unlimited choices in All British universities have a world-class reputation for high quality ed- Australia’s relaxed lifestyle, combined with their low costs for studying charge any tuittion at all. Last but not least,
study programs and that an American degree in- ucation. They are magnets for international students. With some of the and living, allows you to explore and experience the hugely diverse and German universities have a high quality of ed-
creases your future career prospects. However, most beautiful medieval architecture. The old school halls of residence beautiful array of nature and wildlife that the country has to offer. Plus, ucation and they are offering courses taught
the U.S. has tough student visa requirements combine historic beauty with safe accommodations close to your place five of their universities are in the top 50 of the World University Rank- in English more and more.
and the universities demand high tuition fees. of study. However, the tuition costs and living expenses are higher ing. As a student you will probably end up in one of Australia’s busy Costs
Costs compared to other European countries. cosmopolitan cities, be sure to pack your swimming shorts or bikini The enrolment fee is $ 1 420 per year to an in-
The cost for tuition can range from $ 5 000 to Costs because surfer’s paradise will be just a stone’s throw from your home. stitute and the cost of tuition is $ 994 approxi-
$ 25 000 per year, but varies widely between dif- An average bachelor program in the U.K. costs between $ 9 723 and Costs mately per year. Living expenses are around
ferent schools. A rough estimation for living ex- $ 24 310 per year and the average living costs per academic year (9 Your living expenses in Australia is usually around $ 16 000 per year $ 17 048 per year, depending on where and
penses is between $ 3 000 and $ 8 000 per year. months) is $ 10 700. and the cost for tuition between $ 13 306 to A$ 31 500 a year. how you choose to live.
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