Lessons I Learnt Studying Abroad in Uni

From A Canadian Studying Abroad in France

1. Travel as much as you can - this is literally a cheat code to getting ahead in life, as long as you become interested in people and make connections. Can’t stress the last part enough. Whenever you travel, talk to strangers and locals who live in that country and become interested in them.

   This is literally how I was invited to shoot at Paris Fashion Week, all because of a photographer I connected with during my random trip to Milan, who introduced me to her network. (also may or may not have gotten a potential internship) But I’ll speak on that later once it’s confirmed.

   (One of my flics at Paris Fashion Week)

   

2. Lots of students speak many languages (especially in Europe) - if you’re coming from the States or Canada, this is probably the most shocking. It seems as if every international student speaks minimum 2-3 languages. These students usually have a massive advantage in terms of job hunting over Canadian or American students (in Europe) because they can speak multiple languages. Made me realize that I got to lock tf in and master French (written and oral), if I want to compete against French students, otherwise I’m at a massive disadvantage.

3. Your Study Abroad may be more expensive than you think - This depends on where you go, relative to your native currency, but you can be paying 2-3 times more for normal basic things eg groceries, eating out, all because your native currency is weaker. My lunch (a regular bowl of pho + a spring roll) literallly costed me $22 CAD, when it usually costs $15-$17 in Canada.

   

   This adds up so make sure you have enough savings for your study abroad.

4. If you can’t afford to eat out, learn how to cook ASAP - Otherwise you WILL go broke fast. Cheap items in bulk that will last you a long time include:
   
   Rice

   Pasta

   Potatoes

   

   Combine these with a sauce + frozen veggies + any protein on discount - and you have a well-balanced meal.

   That’s it for today - see y’all soon.
   (Insta at OwenxGarcia)