How to Make Your Study Abroad Experience Authentic

A study abroad experience can oftentimes be confused as a vacation abroad.  One of the most important aspects of a study abroad experience is for it to be authentic.  Authenticity can include visiting local food spots, trying new cuisine, using the public transport, and building local connections in order to have  a more culturally fulfilling experience. You will learn much more about a country by living authentically, while boosting your travel and local knowledge IQ.  

Would you regret not fully exploring the local scene, and going home without having a holistic view on the culture in your new city? How can you make your experience authentic without forcefully doing so while you’re abroad?

Here are a few tips to ensure an authentic experience:

Taste the Local Food

A great way to gain an authentic experience while abroad is by  eating local food in the destination of your study abroad program.  Why eat customary brands that you have back home? It’s recommended to not turn to familiar places when there’s a  plethora of authentic and delicious food options at your disposal.  

While studying abroad in a big city, such as Lima, you’ll see people flock to international restaurants and cafe chains like KFC, Chili’s, and Starbucks.  While these eateries are viewed as a popular options,even for the locals in Lima, Peru, the American chains shouldn’t be on the top of your list if you’re looking for an authentic experience. In many cases, the local dining options are comparable or cheaper. Why not save money, expand your local cuisine knowledge and gain an appreciation for local restaurant options?  You can learn a lot about local cuisine at family-run restaurants and enjoy dishes, such as ceviche or lomo saltado, whilesupporting small businesses.

Take Local Transport

Another way to live authentically during your time abroad  is through your choice of transportation. If you are given the option, you should try to take public transportation as often as you can! Not only is it a more affordable option compared to taxis or Ubers, but it gives you the chance to see different parts of a city that you may not view otherwise. Of course, if there are safety concerns, you should always use discretion in using the safest mode of transportation and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Using public transportation was a very sensory experience for me in Lima, where riding the micro vans (an informal form of public transportation that is very affordable) was an experience completely new for me.  When I was in China, it was often faster to take public transportation like the subway or buses, in addition to much cheaper, compared to driving with a service similar to Uber. Taking public transportation taught me how to greatly familiarize myself with wherever I was abroad.     

Build Local Connections

While you are abroad, attempt to become friends with other people than solely those  your program. Instead, try to actively look beyond your program to make friends in your study abroad location.  If you are living with a host family, make an effort and take the time to form a relationship with them. Your host family can become your support system abroad, and they are always willing to talk about anything at all.  With any of your friends abroad, you should also be flexible and have an open mind to try new things with them.  

For example, while I was in China, one way that I made some new friends and tried something new was attending an “English Corner” at a local university in Chengdu, China.  An “English Corner” is an informal period of instruction in English held at schools and universities in China in order to help improve people’s English. I met some friends that night from the local university that I still keep in touch with today!  

Staying Local

Oftentimes when you are abroad, you may want to venture outside of your study abroad location and travel on weekends.  While this is an amazing opportunity, it’s best to give yourself enough time and not rush to do this every single weekend.  Instead, take some time to familiarize yourself with your study abroad location and become an expert in your area.

You should additionally give yourself time to try the local food, meet new people, and explore your surroundings.  Go on day trips and experience local events, such as concerts, that take immersion to the next level. If you surround yourself with people who want these experiences as well, you will be more likely to find them. Chances are that your study abroad location has a plethora of exciting experiences waiting for you to discover!  

Why Authenticity Matters 

Why is authenticity for your study abroad important?  Believe it or not, an experience can still feel genuine and fun at the same time.  The beauty of the diversity of study abroad is that you can learn to recognize what is “authentic” in your study abroad location over time.

In my experiences abroad, the authenticity of EdOdyssey’s programs has proven to be both educational and informative. With an authentic and truthful experience, your takeaways will be stronger, more thoughtful, and reflective.  If you are in the process of becoming an expert in your study abroad location, there is real educational value in seeing the authentic side of a country.  

Language can be an expedition in itself! Read our past blog, “Four Tips on Embracing The Language Journey” for useful advice catered to students who are avid travelers or plan on studying abroad!