When I went to London to study politics, the most common piece of advice I heard about my phone was to keep it away or close at all times so it wouldn’t get stolen. However, nobody mentioned how it is also one of your most powerful tools–even before you arrive in your host country.
Google Maps
On my first time abroad, I travelled around Europe with my family, relying solely on Apple Maps. Spoiler: big mistake. Not because Apple Maps is the inferior choice, it just operates differently. Before I left for the Clark Honors College in Berlin program, my professor instructed us to read a book set in the city and then download Google Maps to bookmark the locations we read about. Once I began that assignment, I started coming across museums, bakeries, and parks. I saved each place and by the time my feet hit the soil, I had a long list of must-visit locations. To reach all these places, we relied on public transportation. Google Maps allowed us to plan exactly when the next train or bus would arrive, and it even offered different travel route options.
Local Public Transportation App
If you’ve heard anything about the nature of public transportation in London, it might be that it is unpredictable. When the system operates normally, the times are very reliable. However, strikes are common, and technical issues do occur. When my train got delayed on my way to Tuesday Trivia, I looked over the shoulder of a local who seemed to know exactly what to do. They were browsing the city-run public transportation app, looking for another route. Knowing that locals know best, I downloaded the TFL app, and it saved me quite a few times.
Ride Share Apps
While I never set foot in a car of any kind in Berlin, we used Uber a few times in London. Even if you plan on primarily using public transportation, it is important to have a ride-sharing app set up on your phone to fall back on if needed. Some platforms have not been deployed in every country, so check to make sure the one you choose will work while you are abroad.
If you read my last blog post, Get Excited...And Prepared, you might be thinking about what phone plan you will use while abroad. However, even with data, you might not be able to text as you do in the US. I used WhatsApp just as much as I used imessage-especially when communicating with locals or international numbers.
It goes without saying that your time abroad should not be spent staring at a screen. Some of my favorite memories came from wandering without a destination and figuring out if I could find my way around. However, your phone helps you arrive prepared, move confidently, and stay connected across borders. GEO does not endorse any of these apps; they are simply tools that helped me make the most of my experience. Use them wisely and enjoy your program.