The previous blog in this series highlighted the shock of different technologies encountered during international travel. But there are other discoveries to be made when traversing the globe. Sometimes a local can act as an invaluable guide to help select unique sites to enjoy during your stay.

From International Scheduling Coordinator Katelin Myers: “A long time ago, in a faraway land, a college student visited her roommate from sophomore year. Now, to be realistic, it wasn’t so long ago, but the land was pretty far away! Last summer I had the chance to spend a little over a week visiting my old college roommate in South Korea, and one particular location really captured my heart: JeJu Island (pronounced CheChu).

This island is a well-known tourist spot and one of our adventures took us to Eco Land Theme Park. Yes, it’s a super touristy move, but I was on vacation. I was touring one section of the park with my roommate, her family and their friends, when lo and behold there sat a huge polar bear statue in a row-boat with a paddle in its paws. While the other tourists were taking quick pictures and going on their merry way, I couldn’t let this perfect opportunity slip by! The next thing my group saw was a female college student jumping into the boat and with a finger pointing to the horizon, loudly proclaiming, ‘Off we go Mr. Polar Bear, we’re going on an adventure!’ It should be noted that this was said in English, so the only one who understood my declaration was my roommate, who immediately began taking pictures. To the rest of the group it probably sounded like I was boldly yelling in gibberish, but it still gave them (and other tourists passing by) a good chuckle. And, of course, as I am a quirky American, I made sure to get overly excited and pose with every animal character we saw throughout the rest of the park.”

Locals (better still, locals who know you or have taken the time to ask your interests) can direct you to the attractions that will be of greatest interest to you. They can tell you the optimal times to visit those attractions, as well as the best way to get there and where to eat during or after your excursion! Working with a local court reporting team on international depositions provides this bonus feature for your time in Seoul, for example. Ask them for recommendations of things to see and do while you’re overseas. You may have trouble narrowing down their suggestions to the options you actually have time to squeeze in! In addition, as the team lives in the region, the cost savings to your client can be tremendous. The on-the-ground reporter, videographer, and interpreter can assist with conference room reservations, logistical details such as printing, copying, and eventually, secure shredding of exhibits, saving you from the hassle of shipping exhibits across the world.

*image credit: Eco Land Theme Park. Image from Katelin Myers.

*image credit: Off we go Mr. Polar Bear, we’re going on an adventure! Image from Katelin Myers.