If you are thinking to study abroad, you must be excited. It will be an amazing experience and there are many benefits that come with it too. But if you’re new to this, then it can also be a little daunting as well. After all, leaving your home country is not easy.
Thankfully, there are many people who have gone through the same thing before you and what helped them adjust better than others? So read on for some helpful tips about how to make the most of your study abroad experience so that you don’t regret your decision when it’s all over.
Study Abroad: Don’t over-plan
When you think of studying abroad, you probably imagine yourself taking part in all kinds of cool international activities and seeing some of the world’s most amazing sights. But you probably don’t imagine yourself taking those trips in your suitcase or sitting in the lecture hall on a Sunday morning. You also don’t want to be so stressed out about your planning that you never enjoy yourself.
So don’t stress yourself out about it. If you find yourself doing this, take some time and breathe! You don’t need to plan out every single detail of your trip so that you don’t make errors. There are a lot of good resources online that can help you plan out your trip too. And don’t forget, you can always change your plans if you run into any difficulties.
Make friends in your host city/university
When you arrive in your host city, you might feel like you are on your own. But if you want to make the most of your experience, you need to meet some people and make friends as soon as possible. This is because, while you are in the new environment and new surroundings, you might feel isolated and lonely.
Having friends in your host city can make a difference to how you feel and how you live your new life. You might make friends with people who want to do the same things as you, or you might find people who share your interests and passions. So make the most of the time you have in your host city to meet new people and make friends.
Don’t be afraid to try new things
There are a lot of things you might be afraid to try out because you worry about what other people might say. But don’t let that stop you from doing what you really want to do. You are a unique person and what might work for one person might not work for another.
This is why it’s important that you find something that really interests you. If you are afraid to do something different, then don’t be. Try to be open-minded and maybe try to think of it from another perspective. If you are interested in trying out something new, then try to find out more about it.
Ask your host family, your friends, your counsellors and your academics what they recommend doing. Try to find out what other people think about the things you want to try out so that you don’t feel left out. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.
Be respectful of local culture
When you travel to another country and live in another culture, you might feel that you have to follow their rules and traditions. But don’t. You are a visitor in that country as well, and you deserve to be treated with respect and courtesy just as much as they do.
If you don’t feel comfortable with something that someone does, then politely say so. Don’t be afraid to speak up! If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal or a social event, don’t be afraid to politely decline the invitation. If you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, then don’t eat all their food!
Bottom line
Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity. It’s something that not many people get to do and can be a truly enriching experience. Just remember that you are unique and you deserve to be treated like this while abroad. Be respectful of the culture and traditions of the people who live there and you will have a great time.
Make friends, be respectful, try new things, and be open-minded while you are abroad and you will do fine. Studying abroad is a great way to explore the world and make friends with people who are also exploring new places. But remember, don’t over-plan and don’t try to be someone you aren’t. You will enjoy your time abroad much more if you stay true to yourself and make friends who are just like you.