However, if you want to make the most out of your travels, make an effort to meet new people. The people that you meet along the way will enhance your overall experience.
Suggestions for meeting new people:
Learn the language! Or learn at least 15-20 common phrases and use them when you order food, need to ask questions, need directions, and any other time you interact with the locals. Don't be afraid to approach individuals if you do not speak their language. Use some of the words you have learned and body language and you will be surprised how far you get.
*My roommate had a goal of learning to say hello in 20 different languages. So she would talk to all of our roommates in the hostels and ask them how to say hello in their own language and then teach them how to say it in the other languages she'd learned.
If you are...
Studying abroad
Find out who else is in your program and set up a potluck or get together and hangout. This is especially fun and easy to do if you are living on campus in the international housing.
Staying in hostels
Make an effort to meet your roommates. I learned a lot more about the cities I was staying in from talking to roommates ("You have to go ice skating on the Eiffel Tower" or "Stay away from this part of the city") than I did from reading guide books.
Doing a homestay
Meet your roommates! Have your homestay family introduce you to neighbors or other locals.
Learn the language! Or learn at least 15-20 common phrases and use them when you order food, need to ask questions, need directions, and any other time you interact with the locals. Don't be afraid to approach individuals if you do not speak their language. Use some of the words you have learned and body language and you will be surprised how far you get.
*My roommate had a goal of learning to say hello in 20 different languages. So she would talk to all of our roommates in the hostels and ask them how to say hello in their own language and then teach them how to say it in the other languages she'd learned.
If you are...
Studying abroad
Find out who else is in your program and set up a potluck or get together and hangout. This is especially fun and easy to do if you are living on campus in the international housing.
Staying in hostels
Make an effort to meet your roommates. I learned a lot more about the cities I was staying in from talking to roommates ("You have to go ice skating on the Eiffel Tower" or "Stay away from this part of the city") than I did from reading guide books.
Doing a homestay
Meet your roommates! Have your homestay family introduce you to neighbors or other locals.
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