Why Your Short-Term Study Abroad Should Stay in One Place for At Least 2 Weeks

Especially if you are afraid of missing out

Especially if you are afraid of missing out

Phot of UNCW’s Krakow Study Abroad (by Emily Andrews)

Too many study abroad programs suffer from FOMO — Fear Of Missing Out. But I am a big believer in sitting still in one place when I travel, resisting the temptation to see as many things as possible. It’s important to focus on exploration and really get the feel for the place. Students can learn more about the culture and the people. Plus, we can all avoid getting lost or feeling overwhelmed.

My two-week study abroad in Krakow, Poland ends soon. Instead of frantically moving through multiple cities, we stayed in Krakow. This certainly made logistics easier and the program a bit more affordable… but all that’s secondary. The most important thing is to feel connected to the city and the people there. Staying put allows us to make more connections and build relationships with people in Krakow that we would not have been able to do moving from place to place.

I love Krakow. Yes, there are beautiful sights… but to truly experience this place, you have to actually hang out. You’ll understand a bit more what it’s like to live here. You’ll get a feel for the city and the people. And when you return home, you’ll have a great story to tell.

So if you’re thinking about a short-term study abroad, make sure you stay in one place for at least two weeks. You’ll be able to enjoy the city, explore the surrounding area and build meaningful relationships.

Here are three more reasons why staying in one city works best.

Giving students time to explore the city on their own terms.

Everyone wants to see the city square and castle. But there is so much more to see, and each person has different interests. Some people might want to visit the city square and castle to see the major attractions, while others might want to explore the area further and see more interesting sights. There is plenty to see and do in the city, so everyone should explore it to their own personal taste.

I really enjoy finding parks to explore. Some students like dance clubs. Other students museums. Staying in one place allows me to build time for these explorations. Many students don’t realize how big the city is. They think that they can cover everything in a few days. But that’s just not the case. The best experiences often come by chance.

Chance encounters with places and people.

If you are constantly moving to the next sight, students are less likely to have those random encounters that make cross-cultural experiences special. I’ve had amazing moments in my life where I was just sitting on a bench, watching people go about their lives when I travel. It’s easy to overlook that moment when you are always rushing around. When you are in one place, you are more likely to notice the small things in life.

Also, there is no better way to connect with people than to spend time with them. We are all people first, and then students. The more we spend time with locals, the more we learn about the city and the people. When I’m in a new city, I look for local spots to eat and hang out.

Students should have opportunities for random encounters and experiences. I had a student get a beautiful piece of art from a Ukrainian refugee. Other students hung out on Krakus mound with the locals, a place few tourists find. Another set of students had an amazing experience at a modern art museum.

I know this sounds obvious, but it’s important. If you are constantly traveling, you won’t have the opportunity to make friends. You won’t have the chance to develop relationships. And you won’t have the chance to learn about the culture.

Deeper, more powerful memories

I suppose your average American tourist will have some decent memories of Krakow, but my student’s deeper memories will stick with them forever, because they can more fully immerse themselves in the city.

There are so many things to do and see in Krakow. You will never be bored. But you will have time to focus on the city. You’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere. You’ll be able to make deeper connections. And you’ll have time to reflect on your experience.

They will remember Wawel Castle, but they will probably remember swimming in the rock quarry, hanging out on an ancient mound, or finding a Cuban dance club even more. Krakow is a beautiful city, but there are a lot of hidden treasures that are easy to miss. Students who stay in one place will explore the city in a deeper way.

Staying in one city means students will have time to get to know the city. They’ll be able to explore the city on their own terms. They’ll have more time to make deeper connections with the people. And they’ll have time to build memories that will last a lifetime.

There are still many more things we could see or do in Krakow. I would never attempt to do them all in two weeks. Why try?

You are more likely to miss out if you try to cram in too much.