If I were to advise a fellow Aggie about potentially embarking on a study abroad trip, I would start by setting the scene for what they can expect during their first few days getting acclimated. First, they might be awed by everything new to them and stunned by where to start. Next, they might experience some frustration with the local culture and the gaps in their knowledge about it. Soon after, a smart Aggie might adapt and try once again to bridge the gap between cultures and appreciate the differences. In order to ease the transition, I would help this potential Aggie traveler by giving them a crash course on public transportation, customs they should be aware of, and the pace at which culture moves. These three things could easily keep a traveler from falling on their face right off the bat, as well as delay any kind of cultural burnout that results from taking in a new culture all at once. To wrap up my study abroad advice, I would tell this Aggie to soak everything in and not take the experience for granted. I would assure them that whatever worries they might have about logistics or things that could go wrong shouldn’t deter them from taking a leap of faith that everything will work out.
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