Your Travel Tips For Students Headed To The Developing World
Well it's not quite the developing world, but whether you're in Stratford-upon-Avon (above) or Timbuktu, Andrea Lance's advice holds true: "Live in the moment." Courtesy of Andrea Lance hide caption
Well it's not quite the developing world, but whether you're in Stratford-upon-Avon (above) or Timbuktu, Andrea Lance's advice holds true: "Live in the moment."
Courtesy of Andrea LanceThis month, we asked our audience to offer advice on how to make the best of a student program in the developing world. From dozens of tips, shared on Twitter using #NPRTravelHacks, we chose 13 of our favorites.
1. Get those Zzzs
#NPRTravelHacks stick with a bedtime and wake up schedule. Especially if you're doing a @GlobalBrigades trip. #Panama #darien
— Ted (@tedtansley) October 20, 20152. Bring a Polaroid camera
"Make sure to give back. I have heard from countless people that photographers and journalists visit and never send the photographs they take to these people who offer their time and support. I brought a Polaroid camera with me, so I could give people their picture right there and then." -Molly, in a comment on NPR.org
3. Check your ego at the door
Travel w/ humility - don't forget that locals are inviting you to work with them as a guest/collaborator. @nprGlobalHealth #nprtravelhacks
— Robert Bonacci (@RobertBonacci) October 12, 20154. Haggle
#NPRTravelHacks Don't be afraid to bargain in S. America! Learn to haggle the price with local merchants to save money @nprGlobalHealth
— Tyler Scheff (@tyscheff) October 13, 20155. Back up EVERYTHING
@nprGlobalHealth Esp for students collecting data: back up everything. EVERYTHING. Both external hard drive + cloud storage. #nprtravelhacks
— Jordan Schermerhorn (@jordanschermer) October 15, 20156. Do the research
Do ur research, prepare contacts, and expect the unexpected--my advice for #NPRTravelHacks https://t.co/O1A6QTn0SX pic.twitter.com/uo8NReHY5R
— Julia Boccagno (@juliaboccagno) October 19, 20157. Wash your hands!
@nprGlobalHealth Yes! Always practice good handwashing! #GlobalHandwashingDay #NPRtravelhacks
— PPPHW (@HandwashingSoap) October 15, 20158. Don't forget that student I.D.
@nprGlobalHealth
Carry a student ID for discounts #nprtravelhacks
— Nathan Modlin (@orcaraptor) October 11, 20159. Y.O.L.O.
It's always great to have plans, but be open to new things and learn to LIVE IN THE MOMENT! #NPRTravelHacks pic.twitter.com/ycC2rL0qph
— Andie Lance (@andie_lance) October 11, 201510. Befriend the locals
Study abroad advice: make friends with locals, hang out with them instead of other travelers. Best way to soak it all in! #nprtravelhacks
— Bethany Fuller (@BethanyFuller1) October 11, 201511. Keep a journal... or blog
"Make sure to write down every detail of your time abroad. Remembering the little things are really special." - Nina #NPRTravelHacks
— UW Global Health (@UWGlobalHealth) October 29, 201512. Self-reflect
Critically examine & confront your real motivations for working abroad: is to be a savior? To boost your resume? To travel? #nprtravelhacks
— Livy Low (@livylow) October 11, 201513. Adapt
Be willing to adapt to the new culture; it's not going to change for you #nprtravelhacks
— Kayla (@KayJNol) October 11, 2015Related NPR Stories
It's not too late to add your thoughts. Share your advice on Twitter (photos welcome!) with the hashtag #NPRTravelHacks and @NPRGlobalHealth or leave a comment below.