While most people are prepared for a “culture shock” when
moving to a foreign country, it is the reverse effect they fail to foresee. After
a year or semester abroad, re-adjusting to life at home can be surprisingly
difficult. Both psychologically and emotionally.
However, as the majority of our foreign exchange students are
from Europe, the cultural differences they must deal with are all but extreme. Therefore,
it is not their emotional or state of mind I’m concerned about.
It’s the balance on their bank account.
It's no secret the Serbian capital is somewhat of a financial haven for
foreigners. In other words – it’s cheap. Unfortunately, as the summer semester
comes to an end, so do careless times of drinking cheap booze and cashing
scholarship checks.
So I thought I’d share some useful tricks and tips on how to
save a few bucks and ease the “reverse financial shock”, as I like to call it,
when you return home to the EU. (Although, all of the below can be applied anywhere.)
1) Study
during the day
The average student studies at night time, arguing that they can concentrate better then. However, if you replace several hours of
studying after midnight with several hours in the morning, you can save up to
60 hours of energy of a burning light bulb in one month.
2) Buy
fruits and vegetables at the market
Instead of shopping at multimillion-dollar-earning
supermarket chains, buy your fruits and veggies at the market or piazza. Not
only will you save money, but you will help your local farmer’s business.
3) Throw
a pre-drinking party before heading out
The price of alcohol drinks at your nearby
convenience store or kiosk is half of that in downtown clubs.
4) Carry
as much money as you intend to or, rather, CAN spend
With any excess amount, you will succumb to
temptation of buying an extra drink; thus, hurting your liver and your wallet.
5) Wait
for the first morning bus
Taxi fares are higher at night. So prolong
your night out and head home just in time to catch the first morning train/bus,
even if that means only three hours of sleep until class. (Not recommended on a regular basis.)
Finally,
6) Make
sure to bring home a legal amount of fine Serbian rakija
It will last you a week or two! :)
Cheers!
(Written by Maja Dragičević)
