Study and Travel in Spain

• Stay Informed:

Even before you leave your home country it would be better if you have knowledge on essential information about the country or city you are going to such as customs, way of living, cost of basic commodities, traffic rules, safety tips, etc. Such information can help you decide better and avoid troubles and violations. It pays to know especially in a foreign land where you will spend an ample amount of time for you study. And when you are already there, it is recommended if you update yourself with current events to check what’s going on around the city you’re living.

• Stay Focus:

Do not forget the first and main reason why you are actually abroad – to study, and hopefully to finish it! There are lot things that can get your attention and time so stay focus no matter what. Night life, excessive shopping, unhealthy relationships, unproductive habits, or other vices can rip you of your concentration and the worst thing that could happen is you realized it when it’s too late and the only thing you can do is pack your staff and go home. Choosing and being with the right people or circle of friends can help you to be on the right track. For some, the opportunity to study abroad comes once in a lifetime so I suggest keep a good company, they really do help.

• Stay Connected:

Studying abroad can be a very thrilling and unforgettable experience and sharing it with your family or friends can through constant communication can add more excitement and meaning to it. Especially for people who get home-sick easily, regular communication is very important to ease the loneliness and depression one may experience while studying abroad. Technologies nowadays made communicating with love ones easier, faster, cheaper anytime and anywhere you are. If you go through various difficulties while abroad sometimes its inevitable for your studies to get affected. So constant and regular communication is a key to survive.

• Stay Relaxed:

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. I totally agree. Some call it “to unwind” while others claim it as, “rewarding yourself”. Whatever you call it, you deserve a break. There are a lot pressure and unexpected circumstances one can experience while abroad so taking a rest can refresh your mind, body, and spirit. It does not necessarily mean you have to spend to relax; there are numerous ways to reenergize yourself. A simple conversation while having dinner with friends or classmates after a long and tiring exam can do the trick.

You don’t need to be a professional or an expert to find your dream house or apartment while studying abroad but resourcefulness is a key. Sometimes the most useful ways are the simple ones and closely lying right beside you. But before you start your lodging hunting you can check these 5 basic steps you can follow and who knows you’re fantasy house is just a click away…

Step 1: List the things you prefer:

It may take you some time but I assure you it pays off! You will not find what you are looking for if you do not even have an idea what it is you want. From housing type, rent and payment mode, offered facilities, transport accessibility to neighborhood, it helps to list all of it. The main reason for being is to avoid taking so much time choosing the right one when faced with so many options then ending up with an accommodation you do not like, or worst you hate. You thought sharing an apartment with somebody was a good idea because it saves you more than $200 a month until you realized that the person you’re living with is your worst enemy for countless reasons.

Step 2: Maximize the Internet:

If you haven’t heard of the Internet then now is the best time to get acquainted with it. There are many websites, forums, blogs, and even chat rooms that can pinpoint you to the right direction. And the best part of the Internet, you can search for accommodations right at the very comfort of your room, office, or even at the tip of your fingertips – of course using your mobile or PDA phones. You can also leave your contact information so that as soon as an accommodation becomes available you’re the first one to check it out.

Step 3: Ask Friends and Colleagues:

Like the old fashioned way, it is still worthwhile to ask friends, acquaintances and colleagues. Also, inform your circle of friends that you are actually looking for a new accommodation and do not forget to detail your preferences. You can give them your contact information so that you can be contacted directly. References from friends can be very effective since they have actual experience and knowledge of the place and can confirm specific details.

Step 4: Walk and Ask Around:

If you can walk and stroll around the town or neighborhood you’re thinking to live in then do so. You can see and check the actual place and talk directly to the person in charge and bargain if you want to. You might also see postings on the streets while walking around or ask people on the neighborhood if they know of any lodging vacancies and ask them contact you in case.

Step 5: Make a tentative List:

After all the searching, and asking around its now time to make a tentative list of all accommodations based on your preferences. From this list, you can further cut down it down until you’re left with 2 or 3 choices. Doing so, there is higher probability that the lodging you chose is something you really want to and enjoy for a longer period. Also, save your list or keep it for a moment so when the time comes you that need to find a new lodging again or somebody asks for your help, the list can be very handy.

Studying abroad is an investment, and like any other investment one wants a return. And like any other venture, the rate of success highly depends on your abilities and how you deal with things. Going abroad to study is not a trivial task. You need a lot of time to prepare for it and make sure things will go smoothly. And when you are already there and studying, one needs to exert more than the usual effort when studying at the comfort of your home country. But most importantly, studying abroad can drain your savings or your parents’ if you are not smart enough to spend wisely.

Below are essential benefits one can get, either personally or professionally, when or after studying abroad:

• New cultures and experiences:

If there is no place like home, then the place where you experience new cultures and meet diversities is undeniably the next best thing and something you won’t forget. There is a different and unique feeling one discovers when exposed to new ways of doing things, especially if it is quite unusual or the opposite of what has been accustomed to. For many they use the term “culture shock” but for some it’s an adventure that needs to be explored.

• Exposure to global companies:

There are programs and studies that require students to work for top global companies to experience real-life scenarios as professionals. Such direct participation helps students realize their potentials and eventually decide the career path they want to pursue. And if you are really good and lucky enough, some companies who noticed your abilities may offer formal job after your course.

• Extended network:

This is something that comes easily for international students unless of course you decided not to talk to your classmates or housemates for some reasons. After your study abroad, you have more foreign friends, more professors and colleagues to ask help for, and if you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you could have identified probable market or customers already. Of course, social skill is very important if you really want to expand and extend your social network.

• Additional credit to your portfolio:

Big and leading companies sometimes factor international studies experiences when filling key positions. This is quite normal for companies with global operations and who are seeking professionals with clear understanding and significant experience on global businesses and marketing. So if you do have one, highlight it on your resume and do not forget to mention it on during interviews!

• New skills acquired and discovered:

Sometimes we realized how good we are or that we have such skill when pressured by time or circumstances. Studying abroad can bring out the best in you. Especially when you are doing everything – cleaning the house, preparing food, handling bills, managing your study, and other responsibilities that used to be not yours until you study abroad. Sounds fun, maybe but the thing to remember is what you learn and discover about yourself when faced with such overwhelming tasks.