As the oldest child in my immigrant Guyanese family, I found studying abroad a very uncomfortable environment and something I had never experienced before. Since being in Argentina for the past 12 weeks, some tips I have for navigating study abroad include, for starters, getting rid of any expectations you may have. It is so easy to spoil your experience because of the expectations you set for yourself, whether positive or negative. To fully immerse oneself in a new culture and way of life, one must embrace it for everything it is, without comparison.
Before arriving, you should pack according to the weather of the country you are arriving in, after doing research. When I arrived in Argentina, I assumed it would be very hot outside because it is a South American country; however, it was very cold because it was their winter season, and El Niño was making the weather very bipolar. Fortunately, I did pack enough warm clothes to keep me comfortable in the cold weather. Before arriving, I suggest exchanging money at your bank for the currency of the country you are visiting, as exchange rates are much higher there. Also, having a set budget before going abroad will help you feel comfortable while abroad.
