Studying abroad can be a great experience for students. It allows you to see new places and cultures, meet new people and learn in different ways—but it can be terrifying to make the leap.
You leave your friends, family, home and everything familiar behind for a while. Not to mention, it is expensive. The cost and fear can stop people from studying abroad, but if you have the funds and a little bravery, the experience will pay off.
When I prepared for my study abroad trip to America, I packed home comforts including my favorite hoodie, a teddy bear and printed pictures to decorate my dorm. Bringing comforting items is a must. In those first few days, you will probably cling to them until you settle in.
Also, take advantage of activities your host university offers. Do not limit yourself to events just for international students; joining any clubs that interest you is worth it. I met most of my friends through group activities, and it was a huge relief to find others going through the same struggles when I started my study abroad journey.
Another important step is to heavily research where you are going. This will help prevent surprises, such as unexpected food costs, limited transportation options or different laws. It seems obvious, but as excitement builds and the countdown to departure begins, these details often fall to the bottom of the to-do list.
Adri Rick, a senior linguistics and Chinese major, studied abroad during the 2023 fall semester. She traveled to Taipei, Taiwan, for just under three months.
“I studied abroad because I wanted to improve my Chinese and be able to live somewhere where I needed to rely on it,” she said.
When she first landed, Rick didn’t have time to acknowledge that she was abroad due to the tiring journey.
“I was too tired to even process the fact that I was in a new place. It took about a week for that reality to sink in, [which] aligned with my jet lag as well,” Rick said.
Settling in was also a lengthy process, but one that helped Rick grow as a person.
“It honestly took about a month, if not longer, [to settle in]. Some drama happened with my roommates that made it pretty difficult to come to terms with. But, after I expanded and began to choose myself over how people thought about me, I could connect with who I was becoming in Taiwan rather than the me I brought from the States,” she said.
Reflecting on the highlights of her journey, Rick shared some tips for students thinking about studying abroad in the future.
“Get out of your comfort zone while being safe. I met people, I went to new places all by myself, I [went to] museums, I toured and I slept all day some weeks. Have fun, have a balance, and don’t forget your roots and the things that make you happy,” she said.
