Nothing takes you out of your comfort zone like living in a foreign country. While the change in scenery study abroad provides is new, fun and exhilarating, the adjustment can be difficult.
It seems every aspect of your life suddenly becomes completely different. Fortunately, we are here with advice on how to make the change the best it can possibly be.
Allow yourself to accept the change. If you are going into your study abroad program thinking it is just going to be like your experience back home, you’re in for a rude awakening. The language, food, school and even people are totally different when you’re abroad. Don’t let this change scare you, but instead open your mind to new ideas and experiences.
It is important to realize the changes are inevitable and will be difficult at first, but they are also exciting and opportunities to grow and learn about yourself. Remember the change is only temporary and can lead you to discovering wonders you didn’t even know existed.
Find people to share the experience with. I know I wouldn’t have survived my study abroad experience without my close friends. I knew absolutely no one when I arrived, but quickly found other people in my program I had a real connection with. The unique thing about study aboard is everyone in the program is in the same boat as you. They are all looking for those bonds and people to share experiences with. They are probably just as scared and nervous as you are, making forming friendships quicker and easier.
Don’t obsess over your life back home. So what if you just missed the biggest party of the semester or something crazy that happened on campus. You are abroad and being given a rare and amazing opportunity. You should by all means keep in touch with your friends and what’s happening in their lives back home, but don’t let it takeover all of your thoughts. Chances are your friends know you’re having the time of your life and will feel like telling you how amazing everything is back home. Just remember to keep your focus on what you are doing, not what you’re missing.
Find a goal to accomplish. Whether it’s your academics (remember, part of studying about is the “study” part) your travels or a personal change, set a goal for yourself. Put your focus on learning more than you ever knew before, seeing sights you never thought you would and changing into the person you’ve always wanted to be. Studying abroad can open your heart and mind to allow you to accomplish goals and change in ways you never thought before.
The adjustment will be hard, especially at the beginning. With time, you will get to the point where you feel like you belong and are comfortable with your new life. You eventually won’t even dare to think about your time abroad ending, so make the most of it. Accept the change, grow and see the world.
(Feature Photo via Daisy Del Cherie)