When you go abroad, one of the biggest adjustments you’ll need to make may have to do with food. Portion sizes, food types, and even eating times could be drastically different from what you’re used to at home. For example, in Spain the largest meal of the day is lunch. Dinner is more of a snack or may even be skipped all together. Adjusting to changes such as these could prove difficult, but if you make a genuine effort and keep an open mind you’ll adjust more easily.

Look into which foods will be served in the country you visit so you’re more prepared for the changes. Be open to trying new foods, and embrace the differences you experience. Don’t be thrown off if seemingly common items such as ketchup taste different, if you spend too much time comparing foods, you’ll never truly enjoy them.

Take a look at this list of popular meals from around the world and start thinking about all of the different foods you’ll get to try while abroad!

Ireland

If you’re studying abroad in Ireland, be prepared to eat Irish stew. Made up of mutton, potatoes, onions, carrots, leeks, and barley soaked in water, this dish has been popular in Ireland since the 1800s. So what exactly is mutton? Mutton is sheep, and it tends to be tougher and have a stronger flavor than the more popular lamb meat.

North Africa

Couscous, which is similar to rice, is a popular dish in North Africa. More specifically, couscous is granules of pasta wheat that is precooked and then dried. It is often served with chicken and vegetables, and it can be either sweet or salty.

Australia

Those studying abroad in Australia are likely to eat at least one meat pie. This dish is just what it sounds like: meat in a pie.  While there are a variety of meat pies, one popular form is ground beef and gravy cooked into a pie crust. Top it with some gravy and you have yourself a meal. Also, another staple food for Australia is veggie mite.

Costa Rica

Studying in Costa Rica? You’ll be sure to get your fill of black beans and rice. These are the staple foods in Costa Rica and can be served with every meal of the day. Costa Ricans like to mix it up by adding eggs, chicken or seafood to this classic dish.

China

If you’re studying abroad in China don’t be fooled by the popular Mandarin Pancakes. These aren’t the fluffy pancakes Americans douse with syrup; they’re actually more like tortillas. Mandarin pancakes are most commonly served wrapped around Mu Shu pork.

It is strange how even though your favorite dish in America with the same exact ingredients has a very distinctly different flavors in a foreign country.