Studying abroad is an experience filled with excitement and opportunities to discover new cultures, make new friends, and learn more about interacting with people from different ethnic backgrounds.
However, to do so, you must learn to live like a local in your host nation.
So, to help you better understand the social nuances and explore like a pro, we’ve outlined a list of points you can keep in mind to make the most of your abroad experience.
1. Learn the Language
The first and obvious step is to learn the language that’s widely spoken in your host nation. And luckily, most study-abroad destinations speak English. But, if they don’t, learning a new language is not too difficult either.
Now, this not only makes your interactions with the locals smoother but also communicates to them that you respect their culture. Following this you will be friends with the locals much quicker than you would have imagined and then explore like a native with them.
2. Live in Local Neighborhoods
Secondly, you can consider living in student accommodation in the old neighborhoods of your host nation. Doing this will give you a more authentic experience and will help you understand the local culture much quicker than otherwise.
And ideally, we’d advise you to interact with your student accommodation in Southampton’s neighbours as much as you can. Doing this will help you bond organically and then move on to exploring the local culture with them.
3. Frequent Local Markets and Shops
Furthermore, visiting the local markets and shopping streets is also a good way to explore the destination like a local. Because these markets are also hotspots for everything indigenous to that place, it could be the famous dishes of that place or the local fashion.
Additionally, these markets will also teach you about the unspoken rules of that destination. And that happens when you interact with the local vendors and shopkeepers; you understand the tonality, inflections, and vocal stresses.
4. Use Public Transportation
You can opt for local means of transportation like buses, subways, or shared taxis. This way you get an excuse to interact with the locals candidly; because breaking the ice becomes quite easy in shared spaces. In the process, you’ll save some money in your student bank account too.
And you’ll be surprised to know how easy it will be for you to strike up a conversation with people on a bus or a train. Even if you aren’t adept at breaking the ice, you can still choose to ask the locals about things that you are curious about.
5. Join Local Clubs and Societies
You can also join the local clubs and societies that align with your interests and are near your student accommodation in Cardiff. Ideally, we would advise that you join a club that suits your needs and aspirations.
The reason we say that is because when you do so, you involve yourself fully in that endeavour; and in seeing the enthusiasm, locals around you will be interested in associating with you, helping you explore more.
6. Attend Local Events and Festivals
Now, to make your exploration even more holistic, we suggest that you also attend the events and concerts happening locally. Now, this will do two things; first, you will be able to make friends easily because, at the venue, people will already be in an open and socialising mood.
And when you match that mood with your desire to learn and explore, magic happens. In the sense that when people at that event see you, they’ll sense the sincerity with which you seek to know more about the local culture.
7. Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots
Now, this method is also one of the most obvious ones. So, by now, using the tips above, you most probably will have made friends with whom you can explore the corners of your host nation. And in doing so you learn the local language faster and add up to your street smartness as well.
Also, we’d suggest that you frequent the local theatres as this will help you get in the circle of those people who love to explore cultures in the forms of characters and archetypes – actors. And in most cases, actors are those bunch of people who love variety, helping you taste the different flavours of the local scene with them.
Conclusion
Our advice for you is to explore almost all the options for socialising while you open yourself to exploring like a local.
And always remember that progress is more important than perfection. The art of blending in doesn’t come in an instant, it’s a step-by-step process. Treat it as you’re climbing a ladder and you’ll see yourself evolve sooner than you realise.
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
Author’s Bio
Ayush is a daydreamer with a knack for rationalising his abstract thoughts into reality. You will find him gazing at the flowers, longing for the raindrops to play music on their soft petals. He likes to enjoy an unhealthy amount of cinema, for he believes that is the healthiest way to live a thousand different lives.
