" There is a saying that patience is a virtue. Even though we may be accustomed to a certain type of rapid service in the United States, when you travel to another country, being patience goes a long way. In other countries, for example, it may be quite normal to wait about 1 hour or more for your meal to arrive. Understand that the focus is on the quality of the food and that food preparation often takes a bit longer than what many Americans may be accustomed to.

If you find it difficult to communicate at first, don't get too frustrated. Focus on what you've accomplished, instead of what you haven't. Developing a level of fluency in a language takes patience. When you find individuals who are willing to be patience with you as you enhance your language skills, treat them like the true gems that they are. When participating in a study abroad program its important to learn as much as possible about the culture in advance. Reading books from difference authors only helps to enhance your experience when you finally travel to the region of interest."
Angela Johnson (age: 33) Program: Salvador, Brazil

As well as being a fun experience, your time abroad will be a wonderful way of enriching and diversifying your education. Most of the time, students have a trouble-free experience. However, the number one reason for an unsatisfactory experience is having unrealistic expectations (especially for students travelling outside of North America for their first time).

Always remember, the golden rule is to be patient, don’t panic, and allow yourself to settle slowly into the culture. Sometimes, minor problems may quickly assume the proportions of major crises because you’re tired from travelling, cannot communicate in the local language or just feel lost without your familiar signs and symbols.

Also remember, act the way you would in your home country. Many students seem to behave differently as soon as they leave their own country and they do things they would never even consider back home.

The rules of an immersion program are as follows:

1. When travelling:
When travelling, things don’t always go as planned: missed flights, long delays, missing connecting flights, getting lost, not being able to communicate in the local language, etc. Remember that your “travel experience” starts as soon as you reach the airport, don’t just think of it as only transport, enjoy the sights and sounds. Talk with other travelers; perhaps try speaking the local language for the first time on your trip.

a) Pack light, so that if you do have a flight delay, you can walk around the airport. You may even want to put your luggage into a security box for a couple of hours and visit the nearby city if you have time and are allowed to leave the airport.

b) NEVER change your money with "moneychangers" at the airport or anywhere else. These people are often using counterfeit bills and are notorious for ripping people off.

c) Don't take an unauthorized taxi as they may be unsafe or may be a huge rip off. Check your travel guidebook or with a local upon arrival, as to how to recognize an authorized taxi in the country you are visiting

d) NEVER leave your luggage unattended - in the airport, beside the taxi, by the bus etc.

e) In the unlikely event that you have booked an airport transfer and don't meet up with the person waiting for you, do not despair! Try not to stand in the middle of a crowd because it will be harder for the person to spot you.

If you have to wait more than 30 minutes and you still have not met up with your transfer, phone the school number, emergency contact number and/or your host family before leaving the airport. Also, double-check the arrival procedures in your pre departure information that you received from Languages Abroad, to make sure you are waiting in the correct area of the airport.

If, after 45 minutes, you have not met up with your transfer, we advise you to take an authorized taxi from the airport/train station to your accommodation or the school. This information will be provided to you before your departure. Please contact our office as soon as possible once you are settled, to inform us of this situation.

f) In case your luggage is lost and you have to fill out the baggage claim forms, make sure your the transfer person waiting for you in another area knows that you have arrived and that you’re completing the forms.

2. Standards of living vary:
Most of you are coming from a country with a higher standard of living and where modern day conveniences are taken for granted. Even in countries with similar standards of living, you may be surprised by the lack of certain conveniences that are common at home.

a) In North America, the average accommodation size is larger than most other countries. We also take for granted things such as hot water showers, water pressure, large bedrooms/houses, monster refrigerators, drinkable tap water, etc. .

This is not the case in most of the countries where we have language schools!

b) Expect your room to be smaller than back home and don’t expect your home to have a shower - even in Europe many apartments or homes only have bathtubs.

c) Forget about air conditioning, this is very uncommon around the world, even in Western Europe, and electric fans are the norm.

d) In North America, we are spoiled with free local telephone calls. Most people around the world pay for ALL calls - even to next door! All phone calls should be brief and house/school rules regarding phone use must be respected.

e) In some countries, you cannot drink the tap water, always check first. If you’re living in a country with a mild climate, don’t be surprised if you only have lukewarm water in the shower. Many use an electric heating device for this purpose, so do not expect a steaming hot stream of water like you are accustomed to at home.

f) The electrical current used in other countries varies and the actual sockets will probably be different, so don’t expect your hairdryer from home to work. Check the voltage of your host country and buy an electric adapter before you travel.

g) When walking around a city, it is important to keep in mind that pedestrians are very low on the food chain in many countries. Be careful, "Local custom is that cars do not yield to pedestrians."

3. Respect your hosts:
Traditions and cultures are different the world over. These differences do not make one culture better than the other. Keep in mind how you would feel if someone came to visit your home and commented continually on how much better things were elsewhere.

a) Your family will treat you as a family guest staying at your home while they go about their normal day to day life. In many countries, families often do not eat together. As a result, dinner does not necessarily have the social character it does in most European or North American homes.

b) The daily routine of the family will probably be a little different from what you are accustomed to. Daily life in many countries starts very early: most people are up between 5:00 - 6:00 a.m. consequently, many go to bed between 8:30 - 10:00p.m. If you come in late at night, please keep this fact in mind.

c) Quiet and peaceful households are a rarity in many countries. Whether it is dogs barking, roosters crowing, street noise, neighbors or relatives visiting, much of the world is just plain noisy. Get used to it, and if you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs.

d) Your family will provide you with a key to the front door, so please feel free to come and go as you please. Of course, be considerate if you return home late at night and always lock the door behind you.

e) It is recommended, as a courtesy, that you inform your family of any visitors that you might want to have at the house. Under no circumstances are you allowed to have overnight guests.

f) When staying with a host family, bed sheets will be provided, but every student should bring his/her own towels. Students will be expected to keep their room tidy and please don’t move furniture or posters/pictures on the walls.

g) When staying with host families, expect local dishes and not “American” style food. Meals may be prepared much later in the day than you’re used to in North America. The host family will provide you with safe drinking water.

h) If you intend to spend a night or a weekend away from the house, please kindly inform your family as a courtesy to them.

i) Please do not leave money or valuables in your room, as the host family cannot be held responsible for misplaced personal items.

4. Take the differences in stride:
If everything were exactly the same as it is at home, where would the fun be?

A few weeks or months with some minor inconveniences makes you appreciate your own life in a different way. More importantly, think of all the great stories you’ll have when you return!

If you do encounter major issues with your classes or host family, these matters are best resolved on the spot, immediately and in-country, rather than after the fact:

Remember, if you don’t say anything, both the school and your host family will assume that everything is fine, unless you inform them otherwise!

Here is a quick synopsis of some of the most common cultural differences around the world:

Reality Check - Things Don’t Always Work: The level of technology may be quite different in your host country. Be patient if machines or services don’t always work as quickly or efficiently as you are used to. Be sure to bring adapters if necessary!

Space and Privacy are a Rare Commodity: There are few places in the world with as much cheap, available space as North America. In most of the world, people are often squeezed into small apartments and homes, sharing with many members of their family. Privacy often becomes something that requires some work.

Different Schedules & Routines: Daily routines vary around the world. In many countries the midday meal is the main one and the evening meal is eaten very late. In other parts of the world, stores close by 4pm or are closed for long periods during lunch. You may have to adjust your normal schedule to match that of the country you are in. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

The Never Say, “I don’t know” Mentality: In many countries, people try to be as helpful as possible. They don’t like to say they don’t know. The most common example is when you are asking for directions and get pointed in the wrong one. This is not intentional, the person is only trying to be helpful.

Cash Is King, What’s Plastic?: Sure, credit cards are accepted around the world, but there are many exceptions. Not all types are accepted everywhere, and when they are, there is often a surcharge. If you want to live off plastic, use your cards to get cash advances at the bank or at the ATM machines that are popping up everywhere.

Certain Topics Are Taboo: Although nosiness is a common attribute of a curious traveler, certain subjects may be taboo such as politics and other controversial social issues. Listen first to fully appreciate the norms of your new cultural surroundings.

Actions can Speak Louder than Words: Your actions can often expose you as a foreigner faster than your words. Keep in mind that many countries have a different understanding of body language and other acts.

For example, being seen in public with a member of the opposite sex in Morocco can be a sign of a serious relationship. In Asia you will find many people of the same gender holding hands, this is a sign of friendship. Be flexible and keep an open mind.

Time Varies: Punctuality is a flexible concept. In Latin America, “Hora Latina” means that everyone will seem late to a North American. At the same time, in Northern Europe it seems that everyone has synchronized his or her watch to ensure punctuality.

Machismo: Like in most places in the world, machismo (sexism) is a part of the social structure. An unaccompanied woman will probably hear flirtatious comments from men, which is annoying but not threatening. The best policy is to ignore them and keep walking. As a general rule, women should try to be more formal in their interactions with men that they encounter in everyday situations (taxi drivers, shopkeepers, etc.). Sometimes, men may mistake informality with an interest in forming a deeper relationship. For the same reason, it’s also a good idea to ride in the back seat of a cab instead of next to the driver.

Celebrate the differences you encounter in the new culture and open your mind as you go!