Source:uloop.com
If given the amazing opportunity to study abroad, you should obviously take full advantage of the experience. Visit the places that are and are not talked about, engulf yourself in its culture, and make the most of every second. It is usually very easy to tell a tourist from a native just by looking at them. I know, crazy talk.
If you do not want to look like a tourist, then there are a few things that you should keep in mind. You know, not roaming the streets with a 5 x 7 sized map, or using Google Translate for literally every single word. Believe it or not, there are ways that you can fit into the country you are visiting.
To discover how to not appear as such an obvious tourist, continue reading below.
Be fluent in the language.
To fit into the society you are temporarily being immersed in, there are some main facets of the country that you should be aware of — things such as speaking their language or knowing their currency. Even being aware of what is considered polite is a huge benefit to a foreigner.
Although you may be studying in a nation where you do not naturally speak the language or various dialects, you can still learn the basics. Most students have to satisfy a foreign language requirement, so might as well make it the one that you want to study intently and learn in-depth about.
It should be obvious that by being fluent in their native tongue, you will receive less awkward stares and encounters. Though there will be some that question you and may know that it was in fact taught and not innate. Forget them though because you are studying abroad. Or use them to master their language.
Hide your resources.
If your idea of travel is carrying a huge map around and having a personal translator, then well, you will most likely stick out like a sore thumb. AKA the tourist that you are. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using resources, but if you are attempting to stay undercover, you may just want to rethink a few things.
Take a few days in the beginning to learn the bus routes, best spots in town, and the culturally appropriate ways of interacting with others. Silently observing goes a long way, as does researching on your own time. Since you are studying abroad, you will be taking a few classes so this is opportune time to ask your professors certain questions. Use these advantages!
A more evident way of appearing as a tourist is being in large crowds. In other words, you are surrounded by many other college students so you may just look extremely foreign. Or if anything, on a local field trip. Make sure to go out on your own time, either alone or with a few other people just to experience all that the city has to offer. Plus, it can be fun to learn things on your own with no guide directing your perceptions. Take a risk, guys.
Understand the culture.
A main giveaway of being a tourist is the fact that you are confused by the culture. You may lack societal pointers, or become extremely confused by simple questions. You will have to invest some time in learning about where you are and how the country got this far.
Study their holidays, important sayings, and their politics. You may be surprised by how much goes on when you are abroad. There may be a presidential election occurring, an economic crash, or a prince’s wedding. These are all easy ways to not appear like a straight-up tourist. Plus, you get to be present for all of these historical changes.
Culture entails appearance, language, interactions, and food of course. Be aware of the drinking, driving, and voting age. These are things you may not think or care to know about, but they will better allow you to fit into society. Sometimes being a tourist is overrated, although it definitely holds its own perks.
If you are desperate to not appear as a tourist while studying abroad then there are some things that you can make use of. For example, attempt to learn the language because it goes a long way. You should also hide your resources to the best of your abilities because that is a dead giveaway. Then make sure to learn about the culture so you are aware of the yeas and nays.
If you really do not want to appear as a tourist, then the most important rule is to remember confidence. Though you are in a foreign land, make the most of it. Be safe, smart, and make use of every opportunity presented to you. You will not regret it.
By Kylie Exline
