First Week Abroad – Check!

We have officially been abroad for more than a week, even though it seems like we’ve been here so much longer. Here’s a recap of some tips to being in a foreign country:

• Be prepared for anything. This includes having to “shower” by sitting down and holding the shower hose while trying not to get the whole bathroom wet. (P.S. It took some practice.) Also, be prepared for any weather – layering is key and don’t forget an umbrella.
• Expect to not understand the menus. Pictures on menus will be your new best friend. If your order surprises you, go ahead and try it anyways, it could be a tasty surprise.
• Respect the local culture. Learning simple words such as hello or thank you in the local language can go a long way. Americans are loud people in general, so try to keep your voice down when out in public places.
• Network! When at the university or out and about around the town, you’ll never know who you might be able to meet. The local students are just as interested to talk to us as we are to hear about their school and foreign life.

Today was our first free day, and a small group of us joined the local mentors to venture around Amsterdam. We started the day at the Van Gogh museum, but were unable to take any pictures once inside. After we headed to one of the city’s large parks that was so full of life; families were having picnics in the park along with everyone playing sports and enjoying being outside in the sunshine. After spending last week in the rain every day, we Floridians were definitely excited to see the sun! The Euro Cup started this week, and we’ve been trying to watch every game so far. After the park we found a spot to watch the Spain vs. Italy game and get some dinner. Lastly, we stopped at the Anne Frank museum, which was very informational and emotional.

Tomorrow starts our week working with professors from Inholland University. So far, I’ve really enjoyed the professors we had in Brussels, so I’m looking forward to what this week will bring. Just like the students, the professors are just as interested in how we do things differently at our universities in America. They noted that American students are so much more inquisitive and conversational than European students.

For a full picture album, visit www.Facebook.com/USFBusiness.

-JB