Should've Would've Could've

Packing Should’ve - 

When I came to Europe, I packed the night before/the day of. My advice - DON’T! After seeing what other people brought and how they packed, I wish that I did not procrastinate as long as I did. I have traveled other places for a few weeks, but trying to pack for three months was a lot harder than I expected. Whatever you use at your home daily you should bring, such as lotion or face lotion and medicine! Not every place will have the same products that you are use to. Once I arrived here I realized I forgot a lot! Things I brought - clothes for three weeks. All of my clothes matched each other - you can make so many outfits that way! The one thing that I wish that I brought the most is a sweater! It is cold, but not cold enough for a coat. If you want to fit into the European fashion bring boots and dark colors of clothes, you will blend right in. 

Traveling Woe’s - 

Traveling tips come in from every angle, it really depends on your personality. Thankfully, the group of friends I traveled with the most, we all had different strengths while traveling. I personally don’t care about the money of getting a taxi, when I first arrive in a new city - completely lost and rarely did I speak the native tongue. However, that was not always the case and we figured out how to work the underground systems as frustrating as it can be, you learn a lot about yourself about how resourceful you can be when needed. Whatever city you go to - find out what the locals take also your hostel should have directions on how to get there. For traveling on this study abroad program - travel every weekend that you can!  You will be tired, exhausted really, but you are in Europe see what you can and find places where the locals like to go. If you like hiking and forest, find people that like your hobbies and accompany them. If you are traveling outside of the city of Olomouc - look into the websites of momondo.com and student agency that is on most of the corners in the town square. 

Social Life of an Exhausted Person - 

At the University of Palacky, I didn’t met a lot of the Czech students, we were in the dorms for international students and at the local bars and clubs the inability to communicate with each other was too great. However, the other international students, Erasmus, were amazingly friendly and we started to get to know them. Yet, we came a month after they arrived and so it was interesting trying to befriend them. As for the free time that you have, well it doesn’t really exist. Those were the moments where I slept or I danced!

Student life at Palacky - 

While attempting to study here at Olomouc, it was different then at UNK or UNO. In NE, we have structure and specific times. Here, your schedule will be different every day. Following the Pharaoh's diction just say, “sure” and follow whatever is thrown your way. Overall, the classes aren’t horrible and as long as you show up and participate, STUDYING abroad isn’t as hard as classes in NE.

Rolling in the Korony - $$$ - 

First off - Welcome to the amazing exchange rate that is finally in our favor!  For the last three months - Spring 2014 - the exchange rate is 20 Kn for every $1! I would say anytime you travel oversea’s you should have at least $1000 in cash, but always bring a credit card because cash is just for the oh-shit moments. If you use your credit cards it is easier. However, I did find out that most restaurants do not take credit, and neither does Dresden, Germany. So make sure you find the closest ATM’s they will be your friend. 

The Communication System-

Have you traveled before? Outside your native language? If you have then you know that you become the best mimer that there is, and you should always play charades because you will win by the amount of practice that you have! Communicating with the people that come with you, that is easy, you all speak the same language. Other people that aren’t fluent in your native tongue; well just have patience it will be difficult for both of you. 

Top 6 Must Do - Not Rated in Order

1. St. Kopeček - Svatý Kopeček - in Olomouc take Bus 11 (every 30 minutes) to the last stop and walk towards the trees.

2. Croatia - I only got to Dubrovnik but I want to go everywhere. The food, nature and the MEN were amazing

3. Barcelona - Gorgeous and sunny and everyone is foreign so it is a lot of fun.

4. Go to St. Wenceslaš in Olomouc and try all of their special beers - multiple trip destination. Its on the tram stop of Cafe87 and head towards the middle strip, its on the right side.

5. When you go to Poland - try the most random food you can find! You won’t be disappointed.

6. In Poland - make sure you go to the Schindler Factory - it is a unique perspective of Oskar Schindler

Overall Tips for Traveling in Europe

1. In Central or Eastern Europe NEVER pay more than $1.50 for a .5 liter of beer!
2. Try all the different beers and wines.
3. Bring your own electronics.
4. If you’re shy or you don’t like big groups - reconsider traveling outside the U.S. for long time.
5. Bring any beauty products you like, they most likely wont have them.
6. Research where you will be. What is there to do? What are the prices? Anything truly unique?
7. Tell your family about your travels and attempt to talk to them daily.  You will miss them.