Greetings from the International Education Center!
We hope that you are enjoying your stay abroad! Please keep in mind your safety, priorities, and responsibilities while abroad. Check this page for updates and announcements that may affect you.
What to do when you arrive
- Call home! - buy a cheap international phone card and let everyone know that you're okay.
- Check in with the Study Center or International Office at your host university - introduce yourself, find out about orientation and find out everything you need to know.
- Introduce yourself to your lecturers - let them know you're from overseas, find out about assessments, exams and anything else that may affect your studies.
- Be aware of culture shock - it's not unusual to feel tired, anxious or apprehensive when you're in a new place. Talk to your new friends, call home or write to us.
- Be safety conscious in the first few weeks, especially as you get used to your new environment and culture.
Helpful Tips
Avoid Tourist Traps
Every city seems to have a section where chain burger joints and tacky T-shirt shops rule the streets like neighborhood thugs loitering on the corner. And every town has one or two attractions that get all the hype but offer none of the payoff. After months of watching your spending and saving up your vacation time, you deserve more. Be adventurous but smart, get acquainted with your city and know the local hot spots. You might just make a new friend.
Take Advantage of Hostels
Hostels are indeed a traveler's great pal for they do not only give you an inexpensive bed to sleep in, but may provide a continental breakfast or a kitchen that can be used. When you need advice on where to explore, hostel staff and crew can also be sought out for help.
Seek Out Student Services
Restaurants within campuses often give great worth to your dollar with a wide selection of foods at inexpensive costs. University of Helsinki student, Salla Porra, states that university restaurants are ideal for they offer large portions. She adds that such restaurants are located in central places and you may eat there even without a student card. She also suggests students to get in touch with their International Student's office to find restaurants who give student discounts.
Try Local Cuisine
Undoubtedly, restaurants for tourists seem to believe that all tourists have money. Try staying away from restaurants geared toward the tourist trade and seek out other possible dinner houses. Seek for advice from locals but make it vivid that you are on a stiff budget. So that you may not be led to an expensive eating place, simply ask a local the question, “Where do you eat?” Learn how commoners live when you're in a certain place to bring out the value of your dollar. As they say, “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. Don't dare to hesitate trying staple foods from different places. When you're in London, eat Cornish pastries or pub food. When you're in France, check out breads and cheeses. In Italy, eat some pizzas and pasta. By such, you get to enjoy your travel and as well as save some bucks.
You can contact us by email at eapucr@ucr.edu if you have questions while you are abroad.