Maybe these are gross over-generalizations. Maybe they are kinda accurate. Either way, the people you meet abroad are the best sort of people you could ever meet, from the stories they share to the fast friendships they are so happy to form. These are the people that make your experience so memorable and so worthwhile, and they only make your experience better through their recommendations and constant conversations.
The Study Abroad Studs
They just spent upwards of four months on a study abroad--what's another three months? These are the kids who have all but lost the desire for American peanut butter and good Mexican food. These people are well adapted to playing charades to circumvent language barriers, and they are totally cool with not knowing what the heck they are eating. They've seen it all at this point, and man oh man do you have a cultured individual on your hands.
And if they do speak the language, they are your main squeeze
Why you should talk to them: If you want pro tips on how to survive abroad, the best recommendations about where to go, what to see and what to do...these are your people.
The Obnoxious American
The antithesis of The Study Abroad Stud, The Obnoxious American starts every sentence with "In America...", or "It's weird that they...", or "But in America...".
Or, my favorite: "Why doesn't everyone speak English?"
.........STOP.
NO.
STOP.
Don't be this person. Just....don't.
Why you should talk to them: Maybe you can convince them to go out on a limb. Maybe you can help them adjust. If anything, you'll be even more excited to try new things after talking with this person, because you won't want to be this person. It's just sad.
The College Kids Who Just Graduated (With Jobs)
You can instantly tell these types. Typically they travel in pairs, and they always sport some sort of university swag somewhere on their person. They are young, they are employed as real people, and they are ready to rage before they start on that 9-5 grind.
Why you should talk to them: They know where to find all things fun, from great restaurants to fun festivals and night life. Just make it clear to them that when they come stumbling in to the hostel at 3 AM and flip on all the lights, their existence will not be appreciated.
The College Kids Who Just Graduated (Without Jobs)
/various parts of Europe
They don't have a plan, and they don't need one. They know when they are flying out, and that's about it. But their easy going, go-with-the-flow attitude can often lend itself to some wonderfully spontaneous adventures.
Just don't ask them what they are doing once they get back to the States.
Why you should talk to them: Have a day to kill? Ask them what's best to do on a whim. No reservations needed.
Brief aside: I've met way more kids with jobs than without. Hope for the future?
The Adventure Seeker
These people live in a perpetual state of YOLO. Be it mountain biking, hiking, canyoning, parasailing, paragliding, bungee jumping, horse back riding, couch surfing (aka staying in the homes of random people), they are ON IT. They use words such as "dude", "man", and "killer" to describe their various conquests, and they have even more bumps and bruises than The Clubbers. Ask them how they got them--their stories are usually very entertaining.
Why you should talk to them: Looking for an adrenaline fix? These are your people. Ask where to go, what to do, and how to do it cheaply. They know. YOLO.
The Personal Growth Seeker
There they are, journal in hand and wistful expression on their face. They don't have to hit the big tourist destinations; they want to know the city for the city itself, not just its sights. They are there for a cultural experience, and they are willing to seek out transformative experiences. They'll ask you what you've learned while abroad, what you've missed from back home, how this country compares to others you've visited, and how you've grown along your journey.
Gettin' deep with the desserts
Why you should talk to them: Take a chance and use a stranger as a soundboard. Reflect on what you've seen and how it's changed you--your experience will be that much more fulfilling.
The Clubber
These are the kids that have seen the inside of every bar in the city, and may or may not have tried to climb the large cultural monument they passed on the street. They usually have a couple bumps and bruises, but they have no idea how they got there. They just...appeared. They are creatures of the night, and all they want is a good time.
Why you should talk to them: Just make sure no one is dying from alcohol poisoning...
WARNING: Should you wake them up in the morning, they will throw things at you. It is socially acceptable to throw said things back at them. Their hangover is not your problem!
The Creature from the Lower Bunk
You only see them asleep. Their stuff is...everywhere. And....is that smell...them? Maybe it's the trash, but maybe...maybe it's them....
Thankfully haven't met a serial killer yet. At least...I think...
Why you should talk to them: Because maybe they need a friend. Or some food. Or....something.
The Well-Established Adults Finally Getting to Travel
They have FINALLY made it to Europe, and, my gosh, do they want to see and do everything. They are so envious of your travels at such a young age, and they want to hear what you've learned, what you've done, and what you one day hope to do. They have done Europe right, and listening to them talk about the tours they've taken, the meals they've eaten, and the sights they have seen make you secretly hope that you'll one day be able to do the same (instead of casually stealing food from your hostel's complimentary breakfast for lunch and dinner as well).
Pictured: My own parents. But they are not in Europe. But they are really cute and I love them so here they are.
Why you should talk to them: Because they want you to talk to them. And they want to hear about your life, and they may even offer to buy you ice cream in exchange for a few stories. They're just good people.
So far, I've met people from South Korea, Saudi Arabia (he was a Korean man working in Saudi Arabia on his way to Cuba...he gave me a hard time that I couldn't go to Cuba), China, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, England, Turkey, Taiwan, Thailand, Canada, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Mexico, Singapore, Ireland, Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina, New York, Texas, California, Virginia, West Virginia, Massachusetts...and I'm sure I'm forgetting some.
Bottom line, talk to EVERYONE you met--the brief conversations you have with them will seriously impress and inspire you.
It's worth it to be the freak striking up conversations with random people all the time. I promise.
kendall
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