10 Things No One Can Prepare You For On Your Study Abroad
Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity that encourages personal growth, finding yourself… blah blah blah. Yeah all that spiritual stuff that you read about. But what are some of the realities of a year abroad? It is a pretty wild experience and something, if you are fortunate enough to experience, that will both make and break you at some point throughout the year. Here are 10 things that no-one can prepare you for on your study abroad.
1. The culture shock
Wherever you go when you study abroad it’ll happen. Even if you think it’s similar to where you are from, even if you are in a country that speaks the same language, it won’t be the same. Now, this isn’t something to be afraid of. Quite the opposite! Embrace this opportunity, and try to get involved and understand the culture of the country you are studying abroad in. I really enjoyed comparing and discussing the culture differences. Some will definitely surprise you. Some will infuriate you. But, quite often, some will make you laugh.
2. Uni fomo
Cry. It’s true. So many of your friends will struggle to understand this too. “But it looks like you’re having the best time!” Well, yeah I am… but you miss your friends and you can’t help that. Especially seeing people’s Snapchats from “the best” party of uni that you don’t get to go to. Don’t feel too bad, this is really normal but also something no-one can prepare you for. If you are really struggling, maybe give yourself a slight social media break. But don’t isolate yourself from your friends back home completely.
3. Stereotyping, the 2 way street
This is so real. You will have preconceptions about where you’re going, and the people. Equally, they will have ones about you. These can be both ones you expect and don’t. Be mindful to approach these stereotypes in a respectful way, as not too offend. But also explore and discuss them! Find out what influences these ideas and see if you can increase your own understanding.
4. Learning in a different country is hard
Especially if it’s a completely different language! Surprisingly, this isn’t the only factor that is different. Don’t expect the classroom to function exactly as it does at home. Chat to your professors if you are really struggling. You shouldn’t be afraid to get involved and take advantage of the opportunity to try something different.
5. The staring
Another weird aspect of becoming the foreigner in the class room is, people stare. It’s usually because of your accent. This was something no-one had prepared me for on my study abroad. They try and work you out. Conversations with new people usually have a brief moment where the person stares, pauses, then says “so where are you from?” Just embrace it, it’s fun being the special one at times. If you don’t like this, then I guess… start practising your best unoffensive accent.
6. Respecting the culture
Again, this isn’t a scare-post. But being aware of the culture is something you will learn as you go. Chat to people about customs and try your best to be respectful. Also discuss what is and isn’t respectful in your own culture too. Study abroads are an awesome opportunity to expand your swearing vocabulary.
7. The amount of shit you accumulate
Yeah so I set off with one bag and now I have three to bring home… I don’t exactly know how this happens but it does. Hopefully, if you get to do some travelling you will pick up souvenirs. These are usually the main culprit. Be prepared to have you and three friends jumping up and down on your case at the end of the year.
8. A new level of independence
Studying abroad for a year demands you to organise visas, world-wide travel, and accommodation. Navigating a new city, let alone a country. It is such a great opportunity to be independent. How independent, no-one had quite prepared me for on my study abroad. Maybe you will leave your passport in the back of a taxi, or miss a flight, or just get completely lost on campus. But we can just call all of it character building.
9. Home friendships can change
Those who want to make the effort will and it’s down to you too! Try not to get offended if you feel somewhat unloved. People see you off on a new adventure and don’t always know how your feeling. Just be honest with your friends and you’ll be fine.
10. Saying goodbye is hard as fuck
Of course you will make friends. Perhaps fall in love with where you are, or even someone! A year is both incredibly long and short at the same time. Make sure to try and stay in touch once you go. Plus you can always visit! No-one can prepare you for this aspect of a year abroad: the end.
Hopefully you will have a positive experience on your year abroad. But don’t be afraid if you aren’t having the “best time” all the time. It is a huge challenge and it’s okay to recognise that. Whatever happens, a little bit of that year will have made you a stronger person in some way. That alongside the opportunities available to you, will make it one of the best years ever.
