Traveling abroad is one of the coolest things you can do. You get to experience new cultures, meet new people and try new foods ... which can sometimes be an adjustment.
While trying new foods is fun, when you're living in a foreign country for an extended period of time it can also be one of the biggest challenges because you're giving up the comfort of your familiar meals. Learning to adjust to the new food is key to making your experience more enjoyable — and we've talked to volunteers who had had to make that adjustment firsthand to give you the best tips.
It doesn't matter what country you are coming from, food in a new country can be challenging simply because you're not used to it (despite whether you like the new food or not). ILP volunteers tend to struggle at the beginning of their semester, but find ways to adjust.
First, Do Some Research
When you're volunteering for a semester in a new country, it's really important that you take the time to learn about the food. They will have foods you are completely unfamiliar with, foods that are familiar to you, but prepared in ways you've never seen and foods that you are familiar with. The food is a definite part of this adventure of diving right in and experiencing lots of new and unfamiliar things.
We suggest doing a quick search to figure out what the cuisine is like in your country. In the Caribbean, plan on eating lots of beans and plantains. Headed to Eastern Europe? Things like potatoes and root veggies are going to be a classic you'll get used to.
ILP Volunteers will also get access to a city page all about their city, which includes pictures and a mini description of what you'll be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also have information about familiar foods you can find in your city and ones that you may want to bring from home. Oh, and there is also a list of familiar restaurants from home that can be found in country (like if your city has a Starbucks or a McDonalds). Handy, right?
A Heads Up
Because your meals are provided on an ILP semester, don't expect that exceptions will be made to fit your dietary preferences.
Some Helpful Tips For Adjusting To A New Cuisine
While the beginning of your semester abroad is usually the hardest when it comes to adjusting to life abroad, these steps can help.
Just Embrace It
Food is a big part of most cultures and can be a great way to connect with the locals. Finding some local dishes that you love will give you a huge confidence boost. You might not love 100% of the dishes in your country, but knowing that you at least love the soups you eat for lunch or that classic breakfast staple is a big help.
So many volunteers say to just try everything because you never know what you may end up loving. It's going to be a long semester if you don't even try any of the food.
Don't Be Afraid
Trust me, I get it. Putting food in your mouth when you're not exactly sure what it is is scary. If you're an ILP volunteer, you're provided 3 meals per day and you likely aren't going to decide what's being served to you.
Food in all countries looks different and it's not always a bad thing. Just because something doesn't look like what you'd eat at home, doesn't mean it's not absolutely delicious! If you need to, close your eyes and give it a try. If you don't like it, don't order it again, or find ways to enjoy it. Maybe that dish you love would be much tastier with a bit of ketchup.
Keep An Open Mind
Don't ever judge something by the way it looks. You don't want to offend someone by turning your nose up at a dish they spent time making for you. Even when it's hard, try it! You don't think you like fish at home? Why not give it another try? I've heard so many volunteers in the Caribbean say, "I didn't like coconut before but I love it here!"
A Few Extra Tips
Pack Some Seasonings
Some volunteers end up really loving the food once they make a couple of adjustments. In Eastern Europe, you'll have quite a few dishes with potatoes and cutlets, but spice it up with some ranch or BBQ sauce, and it tastes just like home! Things like Ranch, hot sauce, ketchup and other seasonings might be tricky to find in your country so think about adding that to your packing list.
Also, be sensitive about the flavorings. You don't want to offend your school cook or your cute host mom by dousing your meal in ranch dressing. Offer to share your seasonings with your family to give them a taste of home, or discreetly do some seasonings so you don't offend.
Here are some seasonings and foods that are hard to find abroad that you might want to pack.
Have Some Familiar Foods (Occasionally)
It's important to maintain a balance of trying new foods and indulging in your comfort foods. It's also important to keep sane and go back to your roots and each some food from home. In all of our ILP countries you will be able to find some foods from home, either at the grocery store or at a restaurant. These will typically be more expensive than local options, so plan that into your budget.
Here's a hint for you when your packing to go abroad...bring some food from home (like these lightweight treats) with you!
Dreaming about volunteering in another country?
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