So, you want to extend your stay abroad?

03/30/2021

by Grace Anne

When I decided to study abroad (both times), I knew it was going to be an incredible experience. I was excited to visit a new country, experience a different culture, and taste amazing food! Japan and France definitely delivered on all of those fronts. This is why I encourage students to go on faculty-led programs. The professors are always super knowledgeable about local cuisine, museums, and quirky stores that no one else would think to tell you about. You can take a really cool class during the spring semester and then complete the experience by traveling to the country you learned about in early summer. Both times, I chose a program relevant to one of my degrees, American Sign Language and Interpreting Education. This meant that the classes I took included lessons in the country’s signed language we were visiting. What a cool experience!

There’s just one issue, though. I’m super independent. I like to go off on my own and explore! While faculty-led programs will allow for that a bit, there are procedures in place for safety reasons which should always be followed. But, as an older, non-traditional student, studying abroad wasn’t exactly my first rodeo when it came to international travel. While the program’s educational aspect was extremely beneficial and I would never trade it for the world, I knew I needed just a little something extra.

My independence.

Enter my idea to extend my stay. That’s right! Both times, I decided to stay longer than my study abroad program. In Japan, I went backpacking and hammock camping with my then 63-year-old mother for three weeks before I met up with my fellow students at the airport for my study abroad program. In France, I got to hang out in Europe with one of my fellow students for an additional two weeks as we hopped around southern France, the Netherlands, and Germany. We stayed with some of her family in France and with some old friends of mine who live in Germany. In the Netherlands, we just winged it. It was a blast and exactly what I needed to complete my travel experiences. So…

How did I do it? Wasn’t I scared? Isn’t it super expensive? Isn’t it dangerous?

These are common questions and are certainly important issues to consider before you take the plunge to extend your international experience. Hopefully, these tips will help!

Where to Go
If possible, base your independent travel destinations on something you’re either passionate about (e.g., ancestry, historic events, holy sites, visiting relatives); something you can build on professionally (e.g., a destination which caters to your field of study, will offer professional networking, and/or internship opportunities); or, perhaps the location simply draws you because of the climate (e.g., snow-capped mountains, tropical rainforests or beaches, desert plains). And, if all else fails and you still can’t decide, hang a map up on the wall and throw a dart.

How Long to Stay
Stay as long as you can! It is hard to truly experience a location in just a few days or even a couple of weeks. During both of my study abroad experiences, I made sure to stay in the region for at least a month altogether. If you can stay even longer, go for it! The sky's the limit here - well, the length of summer break is the limit, but you get the point. The longer you immerse yourself into another culture, the richer your experience and the deeper appreciation you will have for the people and their way of life. And, hopefully, you’ll make a few friends along the way!

Where to Stay
This section is entirely based on your individual needs and comfort level. The options are truly endless.

If you feel you need a little more structure and support, look into finding a host family or organizations that offer lodging in exchange for work. Both of these options are fantastic because you’ll be more immersed in the everyday life of the country you’re in. A few examples of work exchange programs are WorkAway, WWOOFing, and GVI, to name a few. Many countries have their own national organizations that offer similar experiences as well. Another option that would involve a bit more planning and commitment would be joining the Peace Corps.
If you’re in a financial position where you can afford to stay longer without working and are a bit more independent, a hostel may be a good option. Hostel prices are much lower than a typical hotel because rooms and bathrooms are often shared. It might sound unappealing, but I have made some of the best friends at hostels, and usually, the other travelers have great suggestions for things to see and do in the area.
The next two options are for the daredevils and adventure seekers out there: backpacking and CouchSurfing. With these two options, you definitely need to check into the laws of the country you are visiting to see what regulations might be in place for backpackers and public camping, but this is an option that most do not consider. I would argue that it is one of the most rewarding. CouchSurfing is similar to having a host family, but you are in charge of finding your host and determining what your stay with them will look like. Relationships you make through CouchSurfing are bound to become strong friendships, and, at the very least, you’ll have a local contact if you ever decide to visit that country again in the future.

Ultimately, your extended stay is going to be unique to you. What you do will depend on finances, time availability, whether you are going solo or with a friend(s), and your comfort level. The key is to plan ahead, be honest with yourself about your own travel needs, and, above all else, practice common sense and personal safety.

Resources:

Grace Anne is a dual major in American Sign Language and Interpreting Education, and the School of Individualized Studies with a focus in Museum Studies and Environmental Science. She attended the Deaf Community in Japan (Spring/Summer 2018) and Deaf Studies & Transatlantic Roots in France (Spring/Summer 2019) programs.