Traveling Teens: Tips for Taking on the World

By Monica Schreiber
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Visiting another country as an exchange student is a life-changing experience. Immersing yourself in a different culture and language leads to exciting new adventures and offers the rare opportunity to see the world from a new perspective. That’s certainly what we hear from the many young people who have participated in Neighbors Abroad exchange programs since the 1960s.

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The author, left, as an exchange student in Brazil in the mid-1980s

But it can all be overwhelming. Living with strangers. Navigating a new language. Being completely out of your comfort zone. Maybe even limited access to Starbucks (the horror). The payoffs are huge in terms of life experience, but it takes some effort to make the most of it all.
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When you’re visiting another country, whether on a Neighbors Abroad program or in any other capacity, you represent your home country. Fair or not, even well intentioned people often will make sweeping generalizations about “Americans” based on how you behave. This can be especially true for teens. The teens we send abroad—we think of them as Young Ambassadors—don’t just represent the United States, they proudly represent Palo Alto and the greater Silicon Valley region.
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That said, with a few tricks and gentle reminders, any teen (or adult!) can go forth into the world with all the confidence of a foreign diplomat. Here are a few tips for winning hearts and minds – and ultimately having the time of your life:

1. Communication is key. Whether you’re speaking English or tentatively trying out your Spanish, here’s a secret: It often isn’t what you say, it is what you ask. Express interest. Ask questions. No matter the country or culture, most people share one arguably annoying characteristic: they like to talk about themselves. Prepare questions. Where did they go to school? Where would they like to travel? What do they think about President Biden? Why did your host family decide to welcome a student to their home? What do they like most about their city? What political challenges are their country facing? The possibilities are endless and often a well placed question opens the door to a fascinating conversation.
2. Put down your phone. No really, Put. Down. Your. Phone. If you’re used to scrolling through TikTok every time you’re riding in the car with your parents, just stop it while staying with a host family. Force yourself. We know it isn’t easy. We like our phones too. But lift up your head and make conversation (see No. 1). Of course you’re going to be on your phone sometimes. Probably more than you should (sigh). But you will be perceived in a negative way if you pull it out every 10 minutes. Headphones give the message that you’re walling yourself off from what is around you. That’s the last thing you should do when traveling abroad. 
3. Try as hard as you can with the language. Most students, even those who go to another country to better their language skills, will be surprised at how hard it is at first. Don’t get discouraged. Show your host family and local friends that you’re trying. Most people around you will probably speak some English. If you’re there to learn the language, it will take concerted effort not to fall into English. If you’re on a program that is not focused on language-learning, at least learn a few phrases. At a minimum, know how to say “thank you” in the local language. Even small efforts go a long way. 
4. Express appreciation for what you are experiencing: the landscape, the food, the architecture, everything. Locals will be proud to show off their city and country. Be effusive. Fake it if you have to (“this rabbit stew is delicious!”). You’re a guest in someone else’s home/city/country. Showing appreciation and interest is one of the most important things you can do. Do not assume people will just “know” that you’re engaged, interested, and happy. You have to tell them. 
5. Be conscious of your table manners.  Generally speaking, table manners matter much more in many countries other than the U.S. Read up on the manners and customs of the country to which you’re traveling and adhere to them. You will probably need to practice. 

​The great thing about these practices is that they will serve you well at any point in your life, whether you’re navigating high school, college, starting a new job, or embarking on a new relationship. Ask questions, be engaged, smile, try new things, express gratitude, use your knife and fork correctly, and … Put. Down. Your. Phone. 
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Neighbors Abroad offers long-running exchange programs in Oaxaca, Mexico, and Tsuchiura, Japan. We also offer opportunities for students and adults to visit our Sister Cities in other capacities. Click here for brief summaries of Neighbors Abroad’s exchange programs. Email mschreiber@neighborsabroad.org for more information. I’ll put you in touch with the right person.

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