Mini Mission # 9 - Spend an Entire Day Out of the House

We all feel cooped up after a while, right? Sometimes, living abroad and dealing with cultural differences, language confusion and sideways glances can make you feel like curling up on your couch and watching tv. But you know what? The sun in shining! Spring is in the air! It's time to get out of the house and soak up your surroundings.

For this mission, you'll need to spend the entire day out of the house. You can decide what "entire day" means - but let's say you should leave the house around breakfast time (maybe to buy some bread?) and stay out until it gets dark. It's totally up to you what to do with your time - perhaps you could go to the movies, or go to a bar? Simply get out there and explore - either use public transit or your own two feet, and see where you end up! You might even find a new place to become a regular.  The best part about this adventure is where you end up. Embrace the spontaneity! And make sure you say no to English!

Where did you go on your day out of the house?

Mini Mission # 7 - Go to the Doctor's

Image via Fourth Grade Nothing

Going to the doctor's office in a foreign country is nothing if not intimidating. From the logistics to the language barrier of describing your ailment - it's stressful! But our mini missions are here to challenge you, so here's where you get over your fears and do it. 

Your mission today: take care of one item on your to-do list that's medically related. Maybe you've been meaning to renew a prescription, get an ailment checked out, or get your teeth cleaned at the dentist. If not, everyone needs a yearly checkup! Even if you don't have anything that you need to get checked out by a doctor, it's still a good idea to scope out the nearest viable medical professional and familiarize yourself with the procedures. 

So take the best approach to an unknown situation abroad: dive right in. Walk into your local doctors office and ask to be seen. Or call your insurance and find out how your billing works. Or pick up the phone and make an appointment. If language is a problem, pantomime is an excellent tool. Don't be ashamed about bringing your dictionary along, but remember, you'll be just fine without it! 

You'll be surprised just how much sitting for hours in a waiting room with a bunch of locals will make you feel like a (soon to be healthier) old pro.

What steps did you take toward bettering your health? Are you prepared for your next battle with the flu? 

Mini Mission # 2 - Go to the movies

Photo c/o xjuggler

This mission is all about getting out there and being totally ok with not understanding what's going on. Going to a movie in another language can seem really intimidating, but it's actually a great way to practice your language skills in the comfort of a dark room full of strangers. As a little bonus, you have to practice buying tickets and snacks too. 

Here's what you do: find the nearest movie theater and check out their schedule. Choose a movie appropriate to your language skills - if you're a true beginner, choose a children's animated film, or even something you've already seen that has been dubbed in the local language! You can either go alone or with a buddy - maybe even a local friend so you can whisper plot related questions at them throughout the movie, although sitting alone in the theater means that you don't have to admit to anyone that you have no idea what's going on. Action movies are often light on dialog as well. Once you've made your choice, head to the theater and purchase your tickets. Extra credit for successfully ordering gobs of unhealthy snacks (you've earned it!). And now - sit back and enjoy. 

In this mission, your goal should not be to understand the whole (or even any) of the movie. Your aim should be to watch the pretty pictures and get really comfortable with not knowing what is going on. It's ok to not understand! Once you have mastered the art of being comfortably oblivious, your life in your new home will become much easier. Of course watching a movie is great language practice, so don't be afraid to use those language skills if you have them! But don't hang on every missed word - a general gist is absolutely a commendable achievement. After the film is over, take a deep breath - the dubbing may have been horrible, but now you can stop turning down all your local friends' invites to the cinema!