five TOP
1. Pack realistically!
This is one piece of advice I definitely did not follow before I went... By the time I'd reached the airport at 4.30am I realised the fifth pair of shoes I'd shoved into the bottom of my tiny suitcase were probably not necessary. For example, if you're going to be in a room all week throwing ideas around and then straight out for food and drinks, you want outfits that are casual with a professional edge - and one really fancy outfit for organised events. Pack what you think you'll need, take away a third of it, then go and have a cup of tea. One thing I would always recommend taking is a camera, to help you document your travels.
2. Keep a blog of your time abroad.
Leading on from my last point, add in a few extra pens and a notebook for the journey, and there you have it - your own blogging kit! It may be tempting to write it all up on the internet at first, but try it the old fashioned way and you never know what genius idea or story might pop up during your scribbling. Plus, you can always type up the important parts later, and create an online blog to signpost to future employers.
3. Actually do the work – before, during and after!
Of course, in terms of your career prospects, a cultural exchange has proven to be an amazing way to showcase your enthusiasm and experience to prospective employers – if you work hard. Trust me - ask my shiny IEEP trophy and my full time graduate-level job! (Shameless self-promotion: tick). But, in all seriousness, before you head off, familiarise yourself with what you’ll be expected to do during the exchange and prepare. During your time away, get the work done, be proactive, and keep everything filed safely. Referring back to my blog advice, having solid work examples filed away will help you along your career path in the future.
4. Understand ‘sleep’ will probably not be on the agenda… Hard work aside, if you are going to sign yourself up to an exchange, you should soak up as much of the culture as possible too. Go out for dinner with the group, meet their friends, lose the map and go exploring... Yes, you will lose probably about thirty of your standard forty winks, but when you get home and catch up in the comfort of your own bed, the memories and experience will be well worth the sacrifice!
5. Enjoy it!
The 8am starts and 6pm finishes (plus those dinners and nights out I’m forcing you to go to) will exhaust you… but just enjoy yourself! When you’re feeling the burn, just remember how awesome the experience will be for you - both personally and professionally. To be honest, you will most likely be knackered during any length of time away. Just make sure you come back with some hard-core skills and cultural experience, to make all that energy drink consumption worth it.
www.ieep.eu
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