Advice from a GEO Intern

By Malva Wieck ’25, GEO Communications Intern

 

I was standing in the middle of the Dubai airport, phone in one hand, overpriced coffee in the other. I had one final push to get to Zanzibar–the destination of my first study away program. Slightly frantic due to lack of sleep, I attempted to text my parents that I had landed safely. “Action forbidden” my phone retorted. I began to panic. I was halfway across the world, and couldn’t reach anyone back home. I connected to the shaky airport Wi-Fi, and managed to discover my phone was locked, meaning it could not send international messages as it was not paid off. This brings me to my first tid-bit of advice: before you leave the United States, check to see if your phone is able to send international messages. You may have to contact your network provider, or check in your phone settings to do so. 

My year abroad was wonderful, full of growth and adventure. But, that does not negate the fact there were many learning curves along the way. Although I scoured the internet for all the tips I could find, there were still some crucial items of information I wish I had learned. 

Continuing the theme of electronics, during my spring semester, I was confident I could handle phone troubles, but upon setting into my homestay in Morocco, realized I had forgotten my adapter. This meant I now had a working phone, but one that was going to die very shortly if I didn’t remedy the situation. Thankfully, some other people in my program were in the same boat, and we made a trip down to the market with our program director that same day. However, forgetting my adapter was a salient reminder to always double check my packing list. Caught up in the frenzy and excitement before departing, I had neglected to go through my suitcase to ensure everything I needed was there. Thankfully, my passport and credit cards had made it. 

 

During my travels, I was always on the move. I was thankful I had invested in packing cubes, which seemed gimmicky at first, but upon use, I realized how convenient they were for keeping everything together. Living out of a suitcase is sometimes painful, but being properly organized helped mitigate losing my favorite pair of socks or essentials. Furthermore, despite packing for every single situation I could imagine, I wish I had packed less. I had to lug two 50-pound suitcases up stairs, across gravel, and through narrow alleyways. I realized bringing the cute dress that I was *sure* I was going to wear (despite not having worn it a single time back home), was not the best idea. Especially as I picked up more things during my travels, I wish I had thought to leave space for all the presents I purchased for friends and family. It’s easy to get caught up in planning all the outfits you want to wear during parts of your trip, but you may enjoy picking up some local clothing too, depending on where you plan on visiting. When I was in Zanzibar, I ended up purchasing an entire new wardrobe that aligned with local customs, and had fun selecting different fabrics that were far more colorful than what I wear at Amherst. 

As easy as it is to just stay in your program bubble, I really enjoyed getting to know the community I was living in. Take the time to say hello to shopkeepers, bus drivers, baristas, or anyone else you may be frequently interacting with. Even better, practice the local language whenever you can. Despite not knowing any Nepali, while I was in Kathmandu, I memorized key phrases to help me get around. Not only was I able to successfully ask for help upon getting lost once, I found people were more open to engaging with me, despite speaking very little of the local dialect. I promise, as embarrassing as it is to get the answer wrong in class, once out in the “real world”, no one minds if your pronunciation is slightly sub-par. Showing up with an open mind and open heart have done more for me connection wise than most other things I can think of. 

While you’re out exploring try getting out of your dietary comfort zone and sample a new dish. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever eat small fish *whole*, but upon my homestay family in Zanzibar proudly offering me some, I realized I had to oblige them. While they definitely weren’t my favorite thing I’ve ever eaten, I enjoyed learning how my homestay mother had prepared them, and why they were a dietary staple. The same thing goes vice-versa too. If there’s a dish you think may have an ingredient that you’re allergic to, speak up and advocate for yourself! There was a separate occasion where I had to refuse eating cow brains, so it’s a fine line between cultural appreciation and taking care of yourself.  

Speaking of taking care of yourself, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and prioritizing your wellness. As tempting as it is to go on weekend trips, spend the whole night in the club, or maybe indulge in a vice a little too much, getting ill abroad can be a real headache. If you do feel yourself feeling sick, let your homestay family or program staff know! I promise, they just want to ensure you’re okay. Take an ample amount of time to recover, even if it means missing out on a night out. Also, make sure to take some time to just do things you enjoy! For me, it was reading novellas and calling my parents back home. For you, it may be catching up on a comfort show or staying in touch with how your favorite sports team is doing. You have to ensure that you’re practicing self-care to avoid burn out. I know by the end of my year abroad, despite taking time to just relax, I was still tired. Eating different foods, sleeping in strange places, and spending countless hours on the road catches up to you!

All that being said, live in the moment and soak it up. Take pictures of everything! Even things you may think have no relevance–the color of the bedroom walls, the road that you commute to school on, your favorite drink from a coffee shop. I am so thankful that I captured close to everything during my time outside of the US. Despite taking lots of photos, I really wasn’t on my phone that much playing games or spending time on social media. Being present and engaged really elevated how much I got out of my experience. 

Take this time to enjoy! You deserve it. I’m proud of you for pushing yourself and getting to where you are now!