5 Photos That Will Convince You to Pack Light

From travelshackblog.com

 1. Baggage Fees: 

They are out there; almost everywhere.  Fees are steeper and more strict for international flights.  They go by the number of bags and/or their weight.  Size matters here.  Multiple flights can equal multiple fees.  Plain & simple, over-packing will cost you!  Consult your airlines & be prepared.

 

2. For Your Own Safety: 

When you are this bogged down with luggage you’ll not only be exhausted from lugging them around, but will stick out like a sore thumb.  You’ve probably heard how thieves look for tourists.  If your bags are being dragged behind you, and both hands are full, you become an EASY TARGET.

 

 

www.virtualtourist.com

  3. Stairs: 

Don’t assume the same conveniences when arriving at a foreign airport or train station.  Elevators, escalators, or even hallways as wide as what you consider normal, may not exist.  You may very well have to navigate steep stairs, turnstiles, crowded pathways, and cobblestone streets that lack a sidewalk.  Did I mention you may end up exhausted?

 

 

 

 

4. It Just Won’t All Fit:  

The key to efficient packing is not getting it all in, but convincing yourself to leave things out.  Face reality; you are not traveling to Mars. Most of what you think you need will be available at your destination. For each item you pack, ask yourself if it is worth going through what’s mentioned above.

 

 

5. Blending In: 

This is one aspect of the culture you don’t have to totally immerse yourself in!  Other than where this pic was taken, being overloaded won’t help you intermingle with the locals.

When it comes to packing, think of George Clooney’s character in, Up in the Air versus Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Vacation. “Pack light,” is the most common advice given to travelers.  It is also the most often ignored.  Happy travels!

Bonus Photo:  An Alternative to Packing!

“Look at me, I’m Chandler! Could I BE wearing any more clothes?” 

              ~ Joey from Friends

Holiday Greeting

Happy holidays from all of the Boilermakers Abroad!

Purdue Study Abroad Holiday Message (YouTube video)

Top 5 Reasons Semesters Abroad > Summers Abroad

5.   It could be very hot.  This is weak, I know, but there had to be a #5.  The majority of students head to Europe over the summer.  Anyone who’s climbed the Spanish Steps in Rome, or walked across Paris in summer could tell you about one particular cultural difference.  Even 80 degrees is HOT when you’re  walking all day and without common “necessities” such as air conditioning and elevators.  There is a reason why songs were written about Springtime in Paris & Autumn in Rome.

4.   It is just not cost-effective!  Most students do not pay to take summer classes.  If you study abroad over the summer, that’s what you are doing.  Most students do work over the summer.  If you’re studying abroad, you’re not working, at least not as much. 

A semester abroad is simply a change in location. You are still taking a full-load of classes, just like you would on campus.  If you do an exchange program, the tuition cost is exactly the same.  Your summers are left wide open for money-making opportunities.

3.  Too many tourists & inflated prices.  Summer is “high season.”  That means everyone who can, is traveling.  As a result, the price of airfares, hotels, tours, train tickets, etc. go up.  This influx of people creates competition and claustrophobia.  Not only may you have difficulty booking & affording your travels, when you get there the hordes of people are sure to impose upon your experience. 

2.   There is just so much to experience!  Study abroad students have a lot on their plates and lofty goals to reach.  Even if these goals are dumbed down to a simple sight-seeing list it could still take a lifetime to complete.  A big mistake many travelers admit to is trying to bite off more than they can chew.

1.  You guessed it.  It’s just too short!  Sure, for some a few weeks might sound about right.  But, once the program is completed and they’re back on campus, that crowd will be yearning to be back overseas as much as the rest.  We hear it all the time, “Just when we got settled and were starting to consider (enter host city here) our home, it was time to leave.”  I make it a point to ask summer participants if they wish they were still there, or if they’d love to go back.  What answers do you think I’m receiving?

Alternates:

• Classes with local students – Most summer programs don’t provide as much immersion.
• Festivals – Oktoberfest, Carnival, St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas Markets, etc. don’t take place May-August.

Where is Purdue Pete?!

Caught up in the media frenzy over his new digs , Purdue Pete needed a break.  He has headed overseas for what was thought to be some rest & relaxation.  Trouble is, Pete couldn’t decide on one place and instead has been roaming aimlessly around the world.  Like a few other traveling Boilermakers, Pete skipped out on his pre-departure orientation and is suffering the consequences.  Pete can certainly get a crowd roaring, but is no geography buff.   He needs your help.   I just received this urgent postcard from him.

He’ll be posting pictures of himself taken during his travels on the Purdue Study Abroad Facebook page.  He is asking you to identify his location and help guide him back to campus.  

Pete is happy to be back to his old self, but still a little self-conscience about his appearance.  So, do him a favor and “like” his photos.

 

 

 

Top 5 Misconceptions about Study Abroad

5.  It’s Too Expensive

Many don’t realize that Purdue has partnerships with universities around the world where students swap tuition.  Choose an exchange program and your tuitions costs exactly the same as in West Lafayette.  London is the study abroad capital, but also one of the world’s most expensive cities.  The choice is yours.  There are opportunities for every budget.

4.  It’s Just a Trip or Vacation

Sure, having fun, even the time of your life, is practically guaranteed, but there is no doubt that academics are front and center.  Choice again comes into play.  You can challenge yourself a little, or a lot; programs vary.  Many GPAs are boosted due to studying abroad, but that is more likely due to a program/destination that matched a student’s interests than fluff classes. If you’re still not convinced, participation points don’t exist in may places outside America!

3.  It’ll Make You Graduate Late

Unless you tune-out everything any advisor ever says, you’ll be just fine.  Planning ahead is key, and being able to juggle a class or two helps, but just about everyone who’s really wanted to study abroad has made it happen.  Did you know you can even study abroad the term immediately following graduation?  Many do summer internship programs just prior to entering the job market.

2.  Its Just Not For Me

To those I say… Than who’s it for!?  Don’t you want to test yourself?  Don’t you want to gain new skills?  Don’t you want to have fun and take advantage of this time while you’re still able?  If only I had a nickel for every study-abroader who departed on their program never having been on a plane before! The best part of my job is visiting with students post-program and witnessing the evolution they’ve gone through. The ones who seem to be the less likely travelers are often the ones who reap the most benefits.  Everyone, I repeat, everyone can benefit from an international experience.

1.  I Don’t Want to Be Away That Long

You just don’t know until you go!  Purdue sends plenty of students abroad, but most are not away for over six weeks.  Many of those Spring Break or summer participants return wanting more.  Often, they’re back in our office ASAP selecting another program. Everyone misses their friends and family.  Some even covet Indiana winters.  But, very few regret having taken the leap; spending a semester or year studying abroad.

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