Making and listening to music abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is making and listening to music abroad like?

• Music is a wonderful way of discovering new countries, whether by listening, joining in, or even playing yourself.
• A musical experience can arise very spontaneously, for example during an evening in a bar, a street performance, or a jam session.
• A musical experience can also be a conscious part of your experience abroad, for example by learning an instrument or attending live music.
• Music abroad is often different from home. Music plays a different role everywhere. In some countries, it is strongly intertwined with daily life, religion, or traditions, while in others, it is more a form of entertainment.
• It is a wonderful way to connect without speaking the same language.

In practice, you will find, that making music or listening to music for example, that:

• music quickly creates a connection.
• you express yourself differently than with words.
• music is often a social activity.
• moments of music playing often arise spontaneously and unexpectedly.
• you become part of a moment more quickly due to improvisation.
• music is a form of connection, expression, and cultural experience.

What are the reasons for making and listening to music abroad?

• To express yourself creatively and discover new forms of expression.
• To communicate without language and connect with others.
• To immerse yourself in other cultures through music and rhythm. 
• To make new contacts and create together.
• To dare to try new things and challenge yourself.

What skills and motivations do you need to make and listen to music abroad?

• Creativity: you experiment with music and expression.
• Empathizing: you understand the role of music in a culture.
• Self-confidence: you dare to let yourself be heard or seen.
• Collaborating: making music is often creating together.
• Flexibility: you adapt to different styles and situations.

What are the best countries and locations to make and listen to music abroad?

• Rich music cultures: Brazil, Cuba, Senegal, India, Colombia.
• Live music cities: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands.
• Traditional and cultural music experiences: Morocco, Mongolia, Indonesia, Ireland.
• Alternative and creative hubs: Portugal, Mexico City, Cape Town, Melbourne.

What are the risks of making and listening to music abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of making and listening to music abroad, and what occurs with some regularity:

• that you feel uncomfortable expressing yourself in a new environment.
• that you misinterpret cultural meaning.
• that you find yourself in unsafe situations in crowded or nighttime settings.
• that hearing damage occurs due to loud music.
• that instruments get damaged or stolen.
• that you get too little rest due to the rhythm of music and long nights.
• During activities abroad, the coverage of your own health insurance in your home country may be insufficient, or even lapse. See the pages on insuring activities abroad.