Have a little taste on this wonderful city!!! This is just the center area! Take a trip and discover its little treasures!
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Here are some basic things you should know about your security before and after arriving your new country:
There's no need to go out and run to see the city, unless you really, REALLY want to do that after a 14 to 24 hours flight. It depends on the person. But, if you feel very tired, remember you are going to be in your new country for a while. You don't want to start your journey getting sick so early. Probably, you will need a day or two to get used to the new time zone. It could even take days if you are from places like Australia or any other part of the Southern Hemisphere. Now that's a crazy change in time zones!
The following days you will notice your time has been consumed more outside than in your appartment. My recomendation is that you should explore your living area. That way you get to know pretty quickly where are the supermarkets and interesting and useful local places like museums, bars, cafés and bistros. If you decided to arrive early because you wanted to be a tourist and travel for a while; don't forget to do these things before your classes start. Enjoy the moment but take advantage of your time and options ;) Talk to your roommates if they have been there for a while. They have all the juice you need to adapt quickly. Interpersonal communcaion is a MUST and the key during your study abroad. Dare to ask questions, even to strangers. Make mistakes on your foreign language. Yes, you will encounter rude people but, to be honest, there are still people who appreciate your bravery. Don't forget that your mind and body will be adapting slowly to this new life. Leave your fear behind and walk, explore your city (ladies don't be afraid if you are alone). Confidence will take you far! Of course, always be alert to pick-pockets or to possible danger areas or lonely streets. Be smart that's all. Ready? Set.... GO!
Most IMPORTANT of all.... prepare yourself to have the best life changing experience ever! When you are desperately waiting for your study abroad program to start on the second semester (February-June normally) and your host university is located in the Northern Hemisphere, you have to take into account that --at that moment-- it's going to be COLD. So, you'll have to go winter shopping if you come from a place where summer is the only season available. For Puerto Ricans (like me) who have trouble figuring out what to take without overpacking, here's a list of the basic things you need to buy:
1. A coat
3. Leggings or Long Johns 4. Jeans 5. A pair of boots 6. Cardigans 7. Scarfs 8. Thicks socks 7. Beanies (if you like them) 8. Seasoning for your food in case you can't live without it (I'm talking about Adobo) 9. Personal products you may not find in your host country (Face treatment etc...) 10. Medicine in case of an emergency (Especially the ones with prescription: like antibiotics) 11. A suitcase that can expand enough 12. A backpack for you backpack trips ;) You should pack for summer too but don't go overboard you will probably end up buying clothes over there. DON'T PACK stuff like shampoo and conditioner. You can easily find those products (and cheaper) at your host country. It's 4 o' clock in the afternoon and my iPod notifies me I have a new email.... BEST NEWS EVER!!!! There's nothing stopping me now!
Every visa has its procedure and requierments. For the Italian visa you just need the following requierments: (http://www.esteri.it/visti/)
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ALL THIS PROCEDURE?
The best way to travel to Europe, and in a cheap way, is to fly with Condor. Condor is a German Airline that makes a stop at Frankfurt, Germany and then flies to different destinations in European cities. A one way ticket can cost from $500 USD to $700 USD and a round ticket can cost less than $2000 USD. It is a convinient way to travel for those who have a low budget. The airline is pleasant and they give a lot of food during the flight and, as always, you can take your own food. Be sure not to over pack or you will have to pay $100 USD for your luggage. Other than that it's perfect!
Good websites to find good prices are: condor.com kayak.com rome2rio.com liligo.com lastminute.com Little tip: When you find yourself in Europe use bookryanair.com Cheapest flights! But be aware it is not the best airline. GOOD LUCK! and have fun! So I turned the papers in. Now the wait! I really hope I can get in!
At the moment, working on my Gilman Scholarship application. I hope I can express well on my essays. Wish me luck! =) |
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