Study Abroad Bloggers

Weather in Middle East and Asia

Continued from Travel & Weather - Part 3 - by Beth Klemick Middle East (Example: United Arab Emirates) Most of the UAE is desert and has hardly any rain at all – on average, most areas of the UAE only has five days of rain each year. The inland areas tend to be hotter than near the coast, however the lack in humidity can make it more bearable. The weather is best between November and March . Asia (Example: China) China's climate ranges from bitterly cold to unbearably hot, and a whole lot in between. Temperatures in the north can drop to -40°C (-40°F) in winter (December-March) and rise to 38°C (100°F) in summer (May-August). The central Yangzi River valley area also experiences extreme seasonal temperatures. In the far south, the hot and humid summer lasts from April to September and, as in north China, coincides with the rainy season. Typhoons can hit the southeast coast between July and September. Weather good and bad will inevitable affect travel in any season so remember to research, be prepared and be flexible!

Choosing the Best Weather

Continued from Travel & Weather - Part 2 - by Beth Klemick Research is very important, guidebooks and Internet sites like www.weather.com will provide sufficient information pertaining to weather patterns during the time you plan to visit. Certainly helpful but not a bad idea to throw in an umbrella and rain gear even when the prediction in San Juan is for sunny skies, in the event that is does rain or a hurricane appears you are prepared and more "comfortable". Highlighted are several regions of the world and weather related details that may help you prepare for your travels. Central America (Examples: Costa Rica & Guatemala) Dry season is from December - April, with the hottest months in March & April, and rainy season May to November. During rainy season mornings are usually sunny and clear with only a couple of hours of rain in the afternoon, and sometimes it also rains during the night. Although you are almost guaranteed sunny warm days during dry season, keep in mind the vegetation is at is most beautiful and lush peek during rainy season. South America (Examples: Argentina & Chile) These countries are in the southern hemisphere, the farther south you go the colder it gets and summer begins in December, something most people forget. For many North Americans the winter (June-August) in Argentina or Chile offers great skiing opportunities. If you are looking to escape cold weather in December head to Buenos Aires where temperatures are generally in 80°and 95° and an average humidity of 70%. More coming up...

Travel & Weather

Part 1 - by Beth Klemick Weather if you think about it has a starring role in all of our travels; at the end of the trip it will either get a standing ovation or be harshly criticized with a bad review. There are no guarantees when it comes to weather, even with recommended travel times and seasons. With that said as unpredictable as weather can be, in every location around the world there recommended times of year to travel. Keep this in mind even bad weather can have its advantages like smaller crowds at popular tourist destination and will make you think outside the conventional box and possibly do something different for a change. To be continued.

Be Safe & Travel Abroad

continued from "Tips on how to avoid Getting Robbed" - Part 4 - by Anne-Marie Dingemans Lastly, if you do get robbed, it's extremely important that you immediately block debit and credit cards, mobile phones and your Traveler's Cheques. I mention the mobile phone as, especially in Europe, many thieves will use your mobile phone to call (abroad) and charges add up quickly. Tip 8: Blocks cards and phone immediately So, keep 2 lists (one with you, one at home) of the phone numbers you'll need in case of a robbery (credit card company, banks, mobile phone company, airline, embassy, travel insurance, local police) so you can quickly block your cards and phone. This is the first thing you do. Then, it's important to always file charges at the local police station. Tip 9: Always notify the police We know there is only a very small chance that you will get your valuables back, but you require the police report to file a claim with your travel insurance. In many countries, you can report a robbery over the phone in various languages, and sometimes even on the internet! In addition, if you report the robbery, this will add to the yearly statistics of crime, and maybe, just maybe, it helps the police receive more funds to hire more people to keep the city safe. Lastly, start the process of duplicating other lost items, such as airline tickets and your passport or driver’s license. I hope my suggestions help you be aware and prepared, which is probably the best insurance against you being robbed. Keep in mind that most people are lazy and will go for the easiest target. Just make sure you’re not it, and you'll be fine! Tip 10: Don't be an easy target (and they’ll pick the person after you)

Be Safe Abroad

continued from "Tips on how to avoid Getting Robbed" - Part 3 - by Anne-Marie Dingemans Even though you try to fit in with your environment, you stay in well-lit places, you don't wave wads of cash around, you can't entirely eliminate the risk that you do get pick pocketed or robbed. For example, I'm 6ft tall and blonde, I just have to accept the fact that I will never go unnoticed in a Central American country. So be prepared just in case, by making copies of all your important documents and leave one set at home and another set with you (preferably in a different place as where you keep the originals). Tip 5: Have copies of all important documents It won't prevent you from getting robbed but makes the process of replacing the documents much easier. Most of the robberies occur without any type of violence. For many thieves, this is their way of living and they really don’t go about wanting to hurt people. They just want money. That said, equally as many criminals won’t have any qualms about resorting to violence to get what they want. So give it to them without resisting. It's useless and dangerous and really just not worth it. Tip 6: Don't offer resistance To return to my advice about money belts; the best way to protect your valuables is to let nobody know you have them with you. Therefore, when I wear my money belt, I always also carry a wallet with me with some cash and a card or so. My reasoning is; when I get robbed, I have something to give the attackers, and hopefully it won't occur to them to look further. Tip 7: Have something to give If you say you have nothing on you, it's not very believable and thieves also know money belts exist. You don't want them go looking for it. To be continued...

Tips on Travel Abroad Safety

continued from "Tips on how to avoid Getting Robbed" - Part 2 - by Anne-Marie Dingemans When you've made it to your hotel/homestay/friend's house or wherever you'll be staying, it's time for the next step. Tip 3: Lock up your valuables Leave anything you don't need locked up at your accommodation. You really don't need all your credit cards and a large amount of cash to go wander about town (this is also very effective against impulse purchases I've found!). If you must take your credit cards, passport, flight tickets, etc. with you, place them in a money belt under your clothes. Tip 4: Wear a money belt Do make sure you can access what you need (you don't want to be groping in your pants when you need to pull out your credit card). I do a lot of 'transfers' in bathrooms, i.e. if I find something really nice I want to buy I ask to use the bathroom in the store where I take out the cash and/or credit card and put it in my pocket. And upon arriving to the airport I will go to the bathroom to take out my passport and ticket. The whole idea of a money belt is that you don't show people you're wearing one. To be continued...

Getting Robbed

Tips on how to avoid Getting Robbed - Part 1 - by Anne-Marie Dingemans This is not a guide to 'how to get robbed', but rather some helpful tips about how to avoid it and what to do when it does happen. Most places in the world are not particularly more unsafe than any big city in the United States. The only reason that you statistically have a higher chance of loosing your valuables is because you are in an unfamiliar environment. If you get robbed or pick pocketed, it's very likely that this will happen during the first couple of days (let's say, 3 days) of being in a new place. I think that the overload of new impressions, the attention you need for learning how to work the public transportation system, for trying not to get lost in the streets, combined with (often) jetlag, tiredness and getting used to a different climate, all this makes you less attentive to your surroundings. A 'professional' (many criminals really specialize in a certain technique and develop great ability in their line of 'work') will pick up on those signals and take advantage of them. You won't be able to avoid being tired or unfamiliar with your environment, but you can try to fit in as much as possible by wearing the same type of clothes as the locals. Tip 1: Try to fit in with your surroundings So you shouldn't deck out in the typical tourist outfit of shorts, sneakers, T-shirt and a cap in a cosmopolitan city. It's a dead give-away. If you're unsure where to go (and this is particularly true for public transportation) just pretend you know where you’re going and follow the crowds, until you come to a hall or other open, well-lit area where you can either ask a customer service agent for help or go stand next to the security guard while you look at your map. Tip 2: Follow the crowds Or treat yourself to a taxi. It's worth it. I have personally experienced that thieves operate a lot on public transportation, especially those metro-, train- and bus lines that come from the airport. Think about it; a traveler that just arrived is usually tired, has all his valuables on him/her and will often stand still staring at a map, not concentrating on his/her environment. Ideal target for thieves, isn't it? More to come..

Tips for Traveling - 3

with a companion - Part 3 - By Beth Klemick Learn to enjoy your travel time together and don't fret over the little things, like their incessant tacky souvenir shopping. Remember everyone copes differently in stressful situations. Just think you are away and can escape the everyday routine and enjoy cultivating your relationship. Happy and safe travels!

Tips for Traveling - 2

with a companion - Part 2 - By Beth Klemick Leave it to ehow.com to have clear instructions on "How to Choose a Travel Companion". On the other hand if you have already have chosen your travel companion to avoid disagreements and tension before you arrive to your vacation destination, make sure when planning the trip you do it together and plan one that is within everyone's budget involved along with outside interests. While planning but most importantly while at your destination learn to compromise and experience both person's travel/vacation interests. Traveling with someone is generally a constant trade off; even happily married couple have interest differences. Let each person pick a particular day's activities and then switch for the next day, or sight see in the morning and spend the afternoon on the beach, to have the best of both your ideals of a perfect day. Often times travel does not allow for privacy, everyone needs some down time alone now and then so don't be afraid to go solo for a little bit. The time apart can reenergize both parties and give each person something new and exciting to tell the other about.

Tips for Traveling

with a companion - Part 1 - By Beth Klemick Last year my fiance and I traveled to Portugal together, prior to our departure several family members kept referring to our trip as the, "trial honeymoon", or "good thing you are taking a test drive". Traveling with a companion whether it is a romantic interest, friend, family member or acquaintance can be a blast and a rewarding travel experience but it will have it's high and lows. To quote a colleague, her advice is, "think long and hard before going with someone, especially on a longer trip/adventure". From her previous solo travels and those with someone, the latter may prevent both parties from meeting new people and venturing out beyond the comfort zone. It is impossible to ensure that traveling with a companion will go smoothly. There is also no foolproof way to choose the perfect travel companion, but thankfully with the internet along with this article a few tips can be provided and referred to.

Make it Work

continuing from "Electricity Abroad and Technology Abroad" - Part 3 - By Elizabeth Gregory What do I need to bring to make it all work? For most electrical appliances, you will need an adapter (to make the plug fit into the holes of where you're going) and in some cases a power converter. These items can be purchased at any luggage store usually in a set that will cover the world for you. I've also seen them at Target, Kmart, etc. When in doubt, check your user's manual or contact the manufacturer for information and suggestions on using your appliance overseas. Bring your own batteries if you need them for digital cameras, travel alarm clocks, etc. Normally there is a wider variety of batteries available that are also cheaper here in the US. Consult with past travelers and the internet for all the expert advice you need.

Phones and More Overseas

continuing from "Electricity Abroad and Technology Abroad" - Part 2 - By Elizabeth Gregory I am no technology expert. In fact, I often recommend against bringing any type of expensive electronics abroad if you can help it. However, more and more I realize this is not as easy to do as it once was. Here are some tips on bringing laptops, cell phones, and other electric appliances you may need. Laptops: Most laptops have dual-voltage AC adapters. This means that in most cases they can easily be used outside of North America. Double check that your laptop does indeed have a dual voltage AC Adapter and then you will only need an adapter plug. If you are going to Europe for example, you should also get a 220 volt surge protector. If you only plan to bring your laptop for email purposes, it may be easier to leave it at home. Most places have internet cafes and your school more than likely has computers available for student use. There is a great article about laptop use overseas here Cell Phones: This can be a very confusing topic if you're not familiar with the technology behind it. Check with your cell phone provider to find out if your phone will work in the places where you will be. If not, you may be able to purchase a different phone which is compatible. Other options include: renting a cell phone or purchasing a phone overseas. This article gives some good helpful hints about cell phones in general. In addition, many study abroad program providers provide ways you can either get a cell phone or a calling card that will work overseas. Here is one example. Other electric appliances: When available, I recommend purchasing dual voltage items (hair dryers work best this way). Other items may also be available in dual voltage. Another option if you plan to be in a foreign country for a long time is to purchase the item in country. This saves room in your suitcase. Alarm clocks and fans are 2 things that may be in your best interest to purchase overseas. To be continued...

Electricity Abroad

and Technology Abroad - Part 1 - By Elizabeth Gregory In this 3 part article, we will look at electricity abroad, using technology abroad (ie laptops, cell phones, etc) and finally what you need to bring to make it all work. First - electricity. Google "electricity abroad" and you will find a slew of websites that give good information about what power is used where. This is one of my favorites because it provides pictures of each plug used, and you can search by country: Franklin Electric As a home owner, I found this website very useful because it gives more technical descriptions of how the electricity works in different places as well as a nice chart that not only lists voltage and frequency by country, but also wiring configurations listing the number of wires you should expect to find (excluding the ground wire). More info This site also provided a color coded world-wide map of voltages plus a great helpful hint on finding the local voltage: In case you forget to check what the local voltage is in the country you're going to: here's a small trick. Just take a look at the glass of an ordinary light bulb or stop at a supermarket and note what is printed on a light bulb package! More to come soon...

Find Help !

continuing from "Culture Shock Understanding and Preventing It" - Part 3 - By Elizabeth Gregory Where can you find help when you need it? Before you go... Ask your trip provider if they have any information to share related to culture shock. Many universities have information that students receive prior to departure. Agencies like AmeriSpan give out a list of tips to help ease cultural adjustment. If your organization does not offer this as part of the service, there is a lot of information that can be found on the web. While you're there... As mentioned before, the best cure for culture shock is to get out there and adapt! However, if you are feeling rather depressed, talk to someone. Most programs have a counselor or other on-site staff member who would be more than willing to talk to you. Other participants who are well traveled or may have been there longer are also a good resource. When you come home... Chances are that the re-entry phase of culture shock will not be as upsetting as when you were overseas. In my experience, it was more of an eye-opening experience. Again, talk to the organization that organized your trip. See if they have any tips, suggestions, or materials to share withy you if needed. Again, the internet is a great resource in this case.

Phases of Culture Shock

continuing from "Culture Shock Understanding and Preventing It" - Part 2 - By Elizabeth Gregory Recent studies have shown that there are distinct phases of culture shock, which virtually everyone who lives abroad goes through. Each phase has a number of characteristic features, one of which is usually predominant. These stages include: Preliminary stage: This phase includes awareness of the host culture, preparation for the journey, farewell activities. Initial euphoria: The initial euphoria phase begins with the arrival in the new country and ends when this excitement wears off. Irritability: During the irritability phase you will be acclimating to your setting. This will produce frustration because of the difficulty in coping with the elementary aspects of everyday life when things still appear so foreign to you. Your focus will likely turn to the differences between the host culture and your home, and these differences can be troubling. Sometimes insignificant difficulties can seem like major problems. One typical reaction against culture shock is to associate mainly with other North Americans, but remember, you are going abroad to get to know the host country, its people, culture, and language. If you avoid contact with nationals of the host country, you cheat yourself and lengthen the process of adaptation. Gradual adjustment: When you become more used to the new culture, you will slip into the gradual adjustment stage. You may not even be aware that this is happening. You will begin to orient yourself and to be able to interpret subtle cultural clues. The culture will become familiar to you. Adaptation and biculturalism: Eventually you will develop the ability to function in the new culture. Your sense of "foreignness" diminishes significantly. And not only will you be more comfortable with the host culture, but you may also feel a part of it. Once abroad, you can take some steps to minimize emotional and physical ups and downs. Try to establish routines that incorporate both the difficult and enjoyable tasks of the day or week. Treat yourself to an occasional indulgence such as a USA magazine or newspaper, a favorite meal or beverage, or a long talk with other Americans experiencing the same challenges. Keep yourself healthy through regular exercise and eating habits. Accept invitations to activities that will allow you to see areas of the host culture outside the university and meet new people. Above all try to maintain your sense of humor. Re-entry phase: The re-entry phase occurs when you return to your homeland. For some, this can be the most painful phase of all. You will be excited about sharing your experiences, and you will realize that you have changed, although you may not be able to explain how. One set of values has long been instilled in you, another you have acquired in the host country. Both may seem equally valid. SOURCE: CIE From my own personal experience, I can tell you that culture shock can be prevented or lessened by having realistic expectations about where you will be going and what you will be doing. Expectations can be kept in check by doing preliminary research about the place(s) where you will be visiting or staying. You may want to talk to someone who has already been there before. If this fails and you are really miserable in your new surroundings, don’t lock yourself up in your room, get out see things do things and talk to people. Feeling sorry for yourself will only make things worse. Get out there and make things happen!! Next time we'll look at additional resources available before during and after your trip.