Fun fact about living like a local: it's hard when you don't have a lot of time to do so.
My time abroad will be, regrettably, a short one. I have around two months to soak up all the language and culture I can, and I need to spend that time efficiently. Unfortunately, class if from eight to one every day, which leaves very little time to get out and explore. That being said, I am not concerned that I will be unable to blend. After all, blending is easy. Well, sort of. If you make an effort, you can make your blending seem effortless. I suppose that's confusing, but, anyway. How to live like a local. That's the point here.
Step One: Make Friends
I'm serious. MAKE FRIENDS. It's so easy, whether you're in a low-context or high context culture. If you're from a foreign country, you are instantly interesting. It doesn't matter if that country hates you or not. At least you have something to talk about! Talk to people. Learn about the area. And go have fun! Obviously, it's difficult to make lasting relationships in two months, but I fully intend to get to know my international classmates. They know more about the city than I do. And they probably have more experience abroad!
Step Two: Leave Your Comfort Zone Behind
Forget about being a recluse. I know; it's hard. I would love to hide in my comfy little dorm room all day and read and watch German television, but that's out of the question. To feel like a local, you have to live like a local. That means you have to get the hell out of that dorm room (pardon my French) and explore! Everywhere you go, you will meet new people and make new connections. Life is a journey, an adventure, so treat it like one! Ever explore a town by yourself? No? Do it! Seriously, do it. There's something beautiful about getting lost in a new place.
Step Three: Try Everything Once... Unless It Will Kill You
I have allergies. Horrible ones, especially to shellfish. But you know what? I don't care! Try everything. Find those little restaurants that the locals talk about and try their specialty dishes. Allergic? Tell them. Allergies are a problem in most areas of the world, and they'll be happy to either warn you about ingredients, or alter the dish altogether. People are kind if you are kind in return. It's not a difficult concept, dear readers. Also, if you think you can handle cliff diving without breaking your neck? Freaking do it! This may be your last chance. You don't want to spend the rest of your life living in regret.
There you go. My three steps to living like a local. Heidelberg is filled with castles and strange museums, and I intend to crawl every one of them. I want to talk with the locals in their language. I want to ask stupid questions that they'll probably laugh at me about. That's something else: Don't be afraid to ask questions. And don't feel stupid. You're from a totally different place. They'll understand that.
In preparing to go abroad, I have had to come to terms with this. I'm so used to knowing everything about my area--from where I live to my studies--that it scares me to lose that control. Somewhere along the way, I've learned that ambiguity is a good thing. It's a chance to feel like a child again. Renew that sense of curiosity! It's not nearly as scary as it seems.
Or at least I don't think it is. I'll get back to you on that once I'm in Germany. Abroad--for the first time ever!
Until next time, readers.
Ciao!
-Felicity
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