I’m now into my second week exploring and working the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I learned many things within only a few hours of being here, and every day I learn something new.
For example: When people who had traveled abroad advised me to expect the unexpected, I thought to myself: “I’m sure it will not be as different from the United States as they make it seem.sure it will not be as different from the United States as they make it seem.
I was mistaken.
And I should have listened. I would have been mentally prepared for many of the things I am learning now. Maybe it is just human nature to want to experience the things that others warn us about. But that got me thinking about the advice I would give to students or adults thinking about going overseas:
Just do it! Before my trip to Rio, I asked many college-educated adults if they had ever studied abroad. The typical answer I received was, “No, but I wish I would have — just to get that experience.” That was one of the reasons I chose to study abroad — because I did not want to have that “what if?” feeling after graduating.
But there were plenty of reasons to reconsider: Controversial issues with Brazil’s economy; the Zika virus; unsanitary living conditions; thieves and pickpockets. Add in the lack of security and safety, and I had many people telling me not to go. Honestly, several times, I almost decided to stay home — I was watching and reading the news about Rio just like everyone else.
However, I knew this particular study abroad trip was something I would never get the chance to experience again, so I put my worries aside and just did it! Had I missed out on the opportunity to cover the Olympics as a working journalist while only 21 and still in college, I would have been sitting at home regretting my decision.
Learn the language (or at least a little). Portuguese is the primary language in Rio and I did not learn one bit of se is the primary language in Rio and I did not learn one bit of rtuguese before I arrived. Something as simple as ordering a meal from McDonald’s became the toughest task of my day. Their menu is similar but not exactly the same as in the U.S.
The way I order food is by Googling a picture of an item on the menu from my phone and showing it to the cashier. Google translate is helpful, but there’s not always enough time to figure out how to translate words while ordering food or asking for something in general.
Expect unexpected expenses. Put a good amount of money aside for things you will need to take care of before your trip, while abroad, and after you return.
We spent about $700 alone on malaria pills, typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis shots not typically covered by U.S. insurance. We purchased health insurance, a credit card without a foreign transaction fee, and international phone service.
In my case, I was also responsible for my study abroad tuition itself. Thankfully, I received a scholarship, and I’m also grateful I have family and friends who ends who dn’t mind helping me accomplish my goals. If you have people like this, don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Otherwise, it’s really tough to do this on your own.
Overall, I’d have to say that being in Brazil so far has been a great adventure. It’s taken some getting used to, being in a foreigh land without the luxuries we are used to in the United States. For instance, even clothes dryers are considered a luxury item in Rio, where people still commonly hang clothes on a line to dry.
But I can say this for sure: Visiting a new country has made me more appreciative of the things we are blessed with in the United States.
