By Millie Eberl
One’s first time traveling abroad can be a big deal; finding your way around, having a place to stay, and knowing enough of the languages to communicate are all important factors to keep in mind. Fitting in by wearing the proper clothing is also a huge component.
As a college student, one of the best ways to immerse yourself into another culture and embrace a different lifestyle, while still having some comfort and guidance, is to study abroad. With programs in almost every country and lengths of time anywhere from 3 weeks in the summer to a full 6 month semester, there is an option suited for everyone.
I attended the International Media Studies study abroad in Europe program, which is a 3 credit, 3 week summer course. During this program students visit England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and France. In each country we visited various media outlets and met with public relations professionals, university instructors, students and various news stations like BBC and CNN News.
Just be sure not to act like a tourist or look like a tourist. It is okay to see the Eiffel Tower or explore the Red Light District but some of the most enriching experiences can be found in the local hangouts or with citizens. Make an effort to speak their language, show interest in learning the culture, and don’t flaunt being an American; dress like a European to avoid standing out in a negative way and for the best experience.
Europe is known for being a very fashion forward continent. With fashion capitals like Paris and Milan it is apparent that some of the biggest designers and best dressed citizens reside there. Europeans tend to dress more sophisticated and fashionable than Americans overall. You will never find someone wearing sweatpants out in public, there is always some kind of fashion incorporated, even in the most basic outfits.
“Kept quiet, only open your mouth when you need to, try and stay out of people’s way, don’t stop and look at maps, and tone down your appearance,” said Jon Colyer, International Media Studies attendee. This isn’t’ always the case, but it is often obvious when someone is a tourist which causes the Europeans to react negatively to them. “It kind of depended on the city; London, Belgium, and The Netherland’s citizens were usually nice and receptive to us, French and Germans were very rude and condescending,” said Colyer.
Casey Edelman, International Media Studies European Study Abroad attendee has similar thoughts, “Before Europe I went shopping to find clothes that were solid and didn’t scream American, locals can tell who is American because we are very loud, they speak soft, make effort to speak some of their language to show you respect them.”
Cindy Christen, Faculty Leader of International Media Studies, had similar thoughts, “Unfortunately the trappings of tourism are similar everywhere; cheap fast food, souvenirs, and crowds. There are benefits to visiting major cities, but it’s not until you get off the beaten path and see how locals live that you appreciate how they live, it’s priceless for getting a sense of life there.”
You are going to get the most out of travel if you can find a way to fit in with the locals. There are so many simple steps, including your fashion choices that are going to make the trip that much better. I choose to buy a pair of leather ankle booties, black and navy skinny jeans, chiffon button up shirts and cardigans to look simple but stylish. And hey, if you are in one of the most fashion forward places in the world, why not have fun and experiment with the local trends.
One’s first time traveling abroad can be a big deal; finding your way around, having a place to stay, and knowing enough of the languages to communicate are all important factors to keep in mind. Fitting in by wearing the proper clothing is also a huge component.
As a college student, one of the best ways to immerse yourself into another culture and embrace a different lifestyle, while still having some comfort and guidance, is to study abroad. With programs in almost every country and lengths of time anywhere from 3 weeks in the summer to a full 6 month semester, there is an option suited for everyone.
I attended the International Media Studies study abroad in Europe program, which is a 3 credit, 3 week summer course. During this program students visit England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and France. In each country we visited various media outlets and met with public relations professionals, university instructors, students and various news stations like BBC and CNN News.
Just be sure not to act like a tourist or look like a tourist. It is okay to see the Eiffel Tower or explore the Red Light District but some of the most enriching experiences can be found in the local hangouts or with citizens. Make an effort to speak their language, show interest in learning the culture, and don’t flaunt being an American; dress like a European to avoid standing out in a negative way and for the best experience.
Europe is known for being a very fashion forward continent. With fashion capitals like Paris and Milan it is apparent that some of the biggest designers and best dressed citizens reside there. Europeans tend to dress more sophisticated and fashionable than Americans overall. You will never find someone wearing sweatpants out in public, there is always some kind of fashion incorporated, even in the most basic outfits.
“Kept quiet, only open your mouth when you need to, try and stay out of people’s way, don’t stop and look at maps, and tone down your appearance,” said Jon Colyer, International Media Studies attendee. This isn’t’ always the case, but it is often obvious when someone is a tourist which causes the Europeans to react negatively to them. “It kind of depended on the city; London, Belgium, and The Netherland’s citizens were usually nice and receptive to us, French and Germans were very rude and condescending,” said Colyer.
Casey Edelman, International Media Studies European Study Abroad attendee has similar thoughts, “Before Europe I went shopping to find clothes that were solid and didn’t scream American, locals can tell who is American because we are very loud, they speak soft, make effort to speak some of their language to show you respect them.”
Cindy Christen, Faculty Leader of International Media Studies, had similar thoughts, “Unfortunately the trappings of tourism are similar everywhere; cheap fast food, souvenirs, and crowds. There are benefits to visiting major cities, but it’s not until you get off the beaten path and see how locals live that you appreciate how they live, it’s priceless for getting a sense of life there.”
You are going to get the most out of travel if you can find a way to fit in with the locals. There are so many simple steps, including your fashion choices that are going to make the trip that much better. I choose to buy a pair of leather ankle booties, black and navy skinny jeans, chiffon button up shirts and cardigans to look simple but stylish. And hey, if you are in one of the most fashion forward places in the world, why not have fun and experiment with the local trends.