Chapter VII of the book: What in the world is going on?
What sorts of things can you do to prepare yourself for a work or study term abroad, even given limited time?
BEGIN AT THE END: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN YOU COME BACK?
Some experienced Canadian travelers consider this an important question with which to begin. Coming back can be a shock. It can also be difficult to set up anything for yourself while you are away. You might not be able to call anyone, or get any replies to your letters of inquiry. You probably won't have quick access to the type of information you will need to know in order to apply, and you certainly won't be able to drop by in person at an opportune moment. Yet the frustrations of coming back "cold", of not knowing where to go, what to do, how to fit in, can sour your whole experience abroad, and lead to depression and bitter feelings.
So - have you got a long term plan? Where does this term abroad fit in the context of your career, your life goals? If you can, set something up with an employer, school, or institution before you go. Are you quitting work to go abroad? Consider negotiating a leave of absence instead, impressing upon your organization, the new communication skills and maturity you will have gained along with your international perspective.
SELF-ESTIMATION
Many of the important preparations for a term abroad should happen inside yourself, because that is where much of the challenge, development and drama of the overseas experience is played out and dealt with. Immersing yourself in another culture means having to deal with a certain amount of confusion, insecurity and frustration. You will want to do some strong thinking beforehand then, in order to keep your bearings, your balance, and your sense of you in the whole scheme of things.
LANGUAGE LEARNING
If you know English or French, or both, then you have a pretty good language base for going to many different places around the world and being understood. But if you want to live in a non-Anglophone or non-Francophone country for a time and get to know something about its culture, then you will want to speak the local language(s).
Fair enough, and easily said. Many of us have good intentions; we buy the books and tapes, and make an effort, and still even after months, or years, the best we can do is stammer a few phrases. And we feel guilty about our shortcomings, which creates even more barriers to communication.
For some adults, language learning comes naturally. but for most it is a trial, accompanied by feelings of confusion, frustration and stupidity. For learning a language there is nothing like actually living in the culture where the language is spoken; but there is no guarantee that living there, you will automatically learn the language.
In short - don't burn your bridges because they might be important for the return trip.
