Study Abroad: A Book of Photography & Advice

abroad:study

Danna DuBois

a book of photography and advice

by: danna dubois

abroad:study


copyright

Copyright © 2010 by Danna DuBois

All rights reservedISBN 978 0 557 33914 3 No part of this book may be usedor reproduced in any manner without permission from the publisher.

Photos and text: Danna DuBois Assistant photographer: Bruce Schwerdt First Edition. Published by Lulu Enterprises Inc.

For more information on the author visit www.dannadubois.com.

koln

köln, germany

copyrightboks ouwe

First of all, Bruce, thank you for being the best travel companion and my love. I cannot imagine a moment without you. To all of my living companions that I did not even know until I met you in the airport. We have become closer than I would have ever dreamt and I am thankful everyday for our lasting friendship

thank you

I want to dedicate this book to everyone who made my experience what it was.

Rebekkah Dehner - Scott Layne - Allison Knotts Ellen MacPherson - Rebecca McCart - Katie Meador Mike Riti - Andrew “Rudy” Rudroff – Sarah Williams

To those that I met while traveling; especially the Punsulie Family who became not only friends but also family. Roald thank you for becoming a part of our lives and coming to visit. All of the other Dutch folk who made us feel at home- Bobby and Dennis, Robbie, and Lilian and many others.

To my parents for helping me fund this endeavor and my mother for also being a part of this journey as well. My mom and dad have always supported my education and me in anything I do and I am eternally thankful for that.

And to all those I have met along the way, you have helped me become who I am today.

preparation

packing

travel

leisure

1-14

15-22

23-40

41-54

haarlem, the netherlands forward

Living abroad in another country for several months. The concepts still rattles my mind, yet, I have done it: successfully, happily and willing and ready to return. I studied abroad. It may not seem like a big deal to some but to myself, and those that experienced it with me, it was life-changing (cliché, I know).

This book documents the lessons that I learned through my endeavors that I did not know before, no matter the amount of research I did going in. And that is one of the most important things; most of the things that you are going to learn are not going to be from a book. They are going to be from going out and talking with people, being with people, seeing things and doing things. Taking chances, making those mistakes and sometimes being scared.

The best advice that I can tell you straight up: make your trip your own. If you are not having fun try something new, go somewhere new. Your options are limitless. Sure, there are going to mistakes like missed flights, just learn from your faults and do not do it again.

Now that is a very general tip, I know, so if you are still curious on a few other things but don’t want to pick through the Internet or read a 500 page book, keep reading. I have also included some of the pictures that I took while abroad. Be sure keep a camera with you, the beauty that you will see is something you will want to try and capture.

forward

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

- St. Augustine

preparation

preparation

hooglandsekerk, leiden, holland

research

Most importantly research the country that you are going to be visiting. Know the culture, the habits, the politics, and so on. Know the weather and pack accordinly, know the currency and the exchange rate.

2

journal

Keep a journal. You will forget what you did. That funny thing you saw or that gorgeous tree you sat under. If you are traveling by train you will have plenty of time. Keep tape with you to tape in momentos. This is also a good place to write down reservation numbers, phone numbers, addresses for postcards, recipes, and a list of names of towns you have been.

3

prague,czech republic

4

“May I speak English?”

The language. You do not necessarily have to be fluent or even speak it remotely well. Depending on where you are, English is a very common language and widely spoken and understood. However, most people will respect you more if you try and learn at least a few phrases in the host country language, even if it is just saying, “I do not speak German very well.” Do not assume someone will speak English or does speak it. Ask. “May I speak English?” is a very good phrase to use.

haarlem, the netherlands

5

foodIf there is a market, go to it. Produce and food will be much cheaper there.

Keep in mind the country that you are going to may speak English but you can not read their language. Going to the grocery store is going to be interesting.

travel comfortFor the plane ride over, that can be 8-10 hours, get one of those neck pillows. They really are awesome.

6

coatsMake sure your coat is windproof and waterproof. I am the coldest natured person ever but my coat was made for snowboarding and it kept me quite warm.

burg hohenzollern, germany

7

jet lagWhen you get to your host country, avoid getting jet lag by staying awake. Do not go to bed until it is bedtime in that country. This will set you to that time in a few days.

8cultural habits

Cultural habits. Most places in Europe do not tip in restaurants. When greeting someone in the Netherlands it is three kisses on the cheek; in Italy it is two. Just try to find out these little things so you know what to expect.

rothenburg ob der tauber, germany

9

paying forWater will cost you nearly the same price as a beer or soda at restaurants; and they are not big either. Bring a water bottle with you everywhere you go.water?

10

IDAnything that everyone tells you to keep a copy of—scan it and email it to yourself. Passport, visa, ID, student ID, railpass, plane confirmations. That way if you happen to lose everything you have you can at least find a computer and prove your identity. Take advantage of your email always being with you no matter where you are. You have everything at your fingertips. Bring a hardcopy of your passport too, but in case that is lost then you have the electronic back-up.

leiden, the netherlands

11shoes

Although tennis shoes are not always the most fashionable, they are the most comfortable to travel in. If you are going to be do a lot of walking wear good shoes. I can personally say that walking around Europe for two months in heeled boots and sole less boots that cost $20 USD was a terrible idea; I broke down and bought a pair of 120 euro tennis shoes for the reminder of the trip.

12

plan extra moneyBe sure to plan extra money in your budget. You are more than likely going to miss a plane or a train. Do not freak out. Get home. Learn your lesson. Get over it.

barcelona, spain

cheap ticketsThink about any traveling that you may want to do but do not worry about booking any trips. If you are there for a shorter amount of time, consider planning earlier. Try one way flights to different airports too. It might be cheaper to fly into a different airport and get a train ticket home. Most of these airlines have really great last minute deals so if you have a free weekend, check out one of these sites (they have cheap flights all the time too): www.flycheapo.com,www.studentuniverse.com, www.kayak.com,www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com,www.clickair.com

packing

16 overpackingDo not over pack. Remember where you are going, people live there too. If you forget something you can buy what you need. The same goes when you are traveling.

kölner dom, köln, germany

17you will acquire more

Depending on the housing that is provided for you bring the least amount that you can. And remember you are going to acquire more and you will need the room in the end.

saving room 18

Pack a shammy (divers typically use them) instead of a towel. It will still work great and take up a lot of space.

Remember you are the only one who knows how many times you have worn those jeans.

locks

county meath, ireland

19

Put at least two locks with you in your backpack and leave them there. You will need them in hostels or hotels. Lock up your stuff even if your room is locked. Why not? When walking with a backpack, lock your zippers together. It is on your back; you can not see behind you. If you put a lock on your pack in the airport, make sure it is TSA approved, most times they are, but if they are not they can and will break your lock.

schaffhausen, switzerland

20

outletsBe sure to know what electrical outlets the country you are in uses. And if you are planning on traveling—be sure to grab the adapter. Some items will not convert so be careful (like a blowdryer).


21

Bring flip-flops for the showers— but that might have been a given.just in case

Throw a few votive candles in a bag with band-aids, matches, plastic bags, fingernail clippers, safety pins, and tape. Just in case.

travel

24

Trains can be very cheap but sitting on one for 7 hours may be worth paying an extra 30 euros for a plane and saving 4 hours.trains

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en Go to that site for train time tables all throughout Europe.


25eurail pass

The Eurail pass is something to look into if you plan on taking the train a lot. There are various time increments to pick from (15 days, 3 months, etc.) that allow you to travel to over 20 countries for one price and included are a number of extras including ferry rides and free metro in certain cities.

26

toiletsToliets on the trains are free and located in the front of the cabins. Beware some trains toilets deposit directly on the tracks. Keep this in mind if you are ever walking across train tracks.

WC is the sign for where toilets are located. Be prepared to pay for them. Carry toilet paper with you. Although you are paying for it there may not be any toilet paper; if there is some, take some extra for another time.

prague, czech republic

27be confrontational

If someone asks to see your passports, you are allowed to ask to see their badges. They may seem intimidating but it is worth being confrontational to the person than risk losing your passport and possibly other items. If they do not have a badge threaten to yell for help or scream. Know the word for help in the language of the country you are in.

28

mapsUnless you are going to a really obsolete town, you will not need a map. Most train stations will have a free map of the town when you get there. Or there is always a sign out front of the train station; take a picture of it.

hallstatt, austria

29

clip your bagWhen on a train, clip your bag to your seat or yourself, especially if you are planning on sleeping. If you are traveling with others try and have one person stay awake.

30

pillowcasesBring along a pillowcase; it can be used for a variety of things. If you are in a hostel where linens are provided, you can usually trust the sheets but where you put your head is another thing. Also the pillowcase can be used as a towel if you don’t have one or don’t want to rent one.

the netherlands

31

If you are planning on staying in a hostel or even some hotels, pack earplugs. earplugs

moneybelts

Unless it is summer and you are not wearing a thick jacket with inside pockets, money belts are not really necessary. They are obvious and tacky; hide it well.

rhine falls

32bringing a laptop

In most cases there is no reason to bring a computer. Hostels have either free computers or computers to rent for cheap. It is a lot less expensive than replacing yours if it was to get broken or stolen.

off-season

schaffhausen, switzerland

33

Do not keep your money all in one place. If your bag is taken and it has all your money, you are out of luck.

Try traveling in the off season which is typically September through April. Most prices will be cheaper. And most times you can book a hostel the night before or even just by stopping in.


34

thievesIn most cases thieves will target people who look like tourists. Do not carry around a travel book in your fanny pack everywhere you go and you should be fine.

prague, czech republic

carry-on only35

When you fly, only pack a carry-on. The small airlines will charge you per checked bag and it is expensive. This means no liquids over 3 oz. Buy a few empty bottles this size or smaller in case you need to put something in them.

socks

soap

I recommend SmartWool® socks, or something similar, if you are traveling when it is cold. Although they may be a little more expensive, they will keep your feet warm and dry.

Bring bar soap that doubles as shampoo. It takes up a lot less space and will not make a mess. Baby powder will also make your hair look clean (dry shampoo).

rome, italy

cars If you rent a car, take a small video of the interior with your camera. If anything was to happen to it you have video proof.

lockers

bruges, belgium

purses 39

Some hostels close during the day. Carry a daypack (men), women this is where a big purse can come in handy but it might be nice to have it on your back and out of the way. If you do not have a hostel for the night, check the train station. There are usually lockers to rent there.

Watch your purse while getting on and off trains and metros. Someone will “accidently” block the way on/off the train meanwhile they are reaching into your bag and stealing your possessions. Make sure it is clipped shut.

leisure

london, england

42

adventure

barcelona, spain

wander

43

Do not forget that it is ok to wander off the beaten path; see the big stuff but keep your eye out for the unique things that can make a city so great.

Know where you want to go and what you want to see but do not make an agenda. They limit the possibility of adventure.

drinking

barcelona, spain

44

If you drink, drink with friends. Do not set your drink down and walk away. Remember if you get to the bar you have to get home and you have to know your way back home too.

dublin and howth, ireland

45local traditions

Enjoy the local traditions. If there is a rugby tournament at least go out and watch it; if you can go to a soccer match, go. Stop by a nearby harbor and get fish and chips, participate in holidays, and take advantage of just talking with locals. It is something you will never forget and you will be thankful you did it.


phones46

In order to keep in touch with friends while studying abroad, get a cheap pay-as-you-go phone (usually around 25 euros). Minutes can be purchased at grocery stores and phone shops.


47

get outside


48

Be sure to enjoy time with friends. Go outside and get some fresh air; do not sit in your room and play on your computer. Anywhere you go there will be something new and exciting to see even if you are just people watching.

keukenhof gardens, holland

50

be sure to budget

haarlem market, the netherlands

51

Check the exchange rate before you go and know what it is when if you go to get money converted. You may be given a higher rate if you are not careful. If you budget accordingly you can go shopping and take the trips you want to. Just remember not to go overboard if you are on a budget.


52

rothenburg ob der tauber, germany

photo credit for above: scott layne

53


it’s not goodbye, it’s just see you later

54

about

I created this book because of the wonderful experience that I had while studying abroad; I felt that I could share my knowledge with others as well. I attended Webster University in Leiden, the Netherlands in the spring of 2009. My home campus is in St. Louis, Missouri, which is where I am currently working on finishing my degree in Advertising/Marketing Communications. I have gained a profound interest in International Studies and traveling; I plan to continue my travels once I have graduated.

photo credit: sarah williams

Danna DuBois

the author

abroad:study


Study Abroad: A Book of Photography & Advice

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