Buzz
You're probably excited about studying abroad and experiencing a new culture. This is not only a chance to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery but also an opportunity to learn and expand your horizons throughout your academic journey. You might feel nervous or anxious about stepping out of your comfort zone, but that's completely natural. If you want to prepare well for your study abroad adventure, consider the advice in this article.
Steps
Preparing to Study Abroad
Choose the right study program. The most important step is to select a program that suits you best — not one that fits your 20 closest friends from college. You'll need to decide on the program you want to pursue and the city where you'll study. Here's how to make your decision:
- If you're not majoring in a foreign language or don't have a particular interest in a specific culture, try doing some research. Consult travel guides and search online to see which city appeals to you most. After narrowing down your list of destinations, seek advice from people who have participated in the program you're considering and ask them about the city.
- If your major or minor is related to a foreign language, you might want to study in a country where that language is spoken. Check how many credits you'll earn from the program related to your major or minor.
- Decide whether you want to enroll in a program directly linked to your school or study at another university. Both options have pros and cons. Choosing a program affiliated with your school makes credit transfer easier, allows you to study with familiar faces, and reduces the paperwork required for approval. Opting for another university gives you more choices and fresh experiences since you'll study with new people, but it requires more effort to gather information and apply to your desired program.
After selecting your study program, you'll need to complete required tests and submit your scores before the application deadline. Next, report your results to the department or university you wish to attend by following their admission guidelines on their website.
Once you've completed the tests and prepared all necessary documents, fill out and submit your application. Additionally, research the student visa process and ensure your passport is valid. Each country has different visa requirements, so gather information in advance.
After your application is approved, request the school to issue an official admission letter, such as an i20. Each country provides different documents for visa applications, and you'll use this to apply for your student visa.
Start learning more about the culture of your destination. You can begin preparing months before your departure. This not only helps you get ready for your journey but also ensures a smoother adaptation. Here are some steps you can take:
- Improve your language skills. If the country you're moving to speaks a different language, take a class and practice speaking. Watch movies in that language to enhance your proficiency.
- Enroll in a cultural studies class about your destination. If your school offers courses on the history or art of that culture, take advantage of the opportunity to expand your knowledge.
- Try some traditional dishes from that culture. It's easy to find restaurants serving cuisine from faraway places in your own city. Sample these dishes to get used to the flavors you'll encounter daily.
- Connect with others who will be studying in the same country or city. Share insights and experiences about the place you're about to explore.
Research the city where you'll be studying. Once you know your destination, read everything you can about it. Explore blogs, travel guides, and historical accounts to gain a deeper understanding of the city. This will help you appreciate your new home and anticipate the amazing experiences awaiting you.
- Create a bucket list. Before leaving, jot down at least 20 things you want to do in the city.
- Bookmark travel guides highlighting must-visit spots.
- Talk to people who have lived or studied there and note their advice.
- Check the local climate to pack appropriate clothing.
Creating unforgettable experiences during your study abroad journey
Immerse yourself in the local culture. This is the most important goal of your study abroad experience. You chose to study in another country because you were interested in its culture and customs, and you wanted to broaden your horizons. Therefore, take every opportunity to try new things, gain exciting experiences, and step out of your comfort zone. Here’s what you should do:
- If you’re in a country that speaks a different language, live in that language. Try to speak and read it as much as possible, and even watch local TV programs.
- Enjoy the local cuisine. You might crave flavors from home, but indulge in familiar dishes only occasionally and take the chance to explore local food.
- Understand local habits. If siestas are common where you live, embrace them.
- Experience local music and traditional dances. Attend an art performance or concert.
- Watch local films. Explore the cinemas in your new city. You’ll have fun even if you don’t understand everything.
- Visit museums, exhibitions, and other cultural events. Learn everything about the country and take notes.
- It’s okay to take a break from exploring sometimes. Order pizza, watch a popular movie from home, and fall asleep to familiar tunes. You don’t always have to be the perfect cultural student.
Meet like-minded people. The people you meet will shape your study abroad experience. Relationships can create beautiful moments or ruin your journey, so choose your friends carefully. If you find people who share your interests, you can learn a lot about the new culture. Here’s what you can do:
- Find a few trustworthy friends at your study location. It’s great to bond with students in your program; this will make you feel more grounded, motivated to join fun activities, and less lonely.
- Try to make friends with locals. It might be challenging to meet new people or overcome language barriers, but locals are often friendly and curious about your differences. Plus, they know the best food spots, interesting places to visit, and tourist hotspots.
- When meeting locals, try to communicate in their language. They might want to practice English with you, but encourage them to speak their native language too.
- If you’re living with a host family, take advantage of this. You can learn more about the culture through their lifestyle. If they invite you to join events, don’t miss the opportunity.
- Your main goal is to avoid being just a tourist. If you only spend time with other homesick exchange students, you’ll miss out on broadening your perspective.
Take advantage of travel opportunities. While studying abroad, you might live close to fascinating destinations. Traveling to other countries might be cheaper than starting from your home country, so don’t miss the chance to visit unique places you’ve never been. However, remember your main goal is to immerse yourself in the life of your study destination, so prioritize exploring that country.
- Travel within the country you’re studying in. This is a chance to understand its diversity and customs across different regions. You’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the art or history you’ve learned about this place.
- Plan visits to nearby countries. It’s even better if you can visit cities where friends are studying, as they can act as your travel guides.
- Invite one or two friends to join your trips. This makes the journey more fun and safer.
- If you can’t stay with friends while traveling, consider hostels—a budget-friendly alternative to hotels. Hostels are exciting places to meet new people, but book a room with a friend to share luggage duties, and research the hostel beforehand.
- Many students starting in the fall enjoy visiting Munich for Oktoberfest. If you’re interested, book tickets months in advance, even before you leave for your studies.
- While studying abroad offers great travel opportunities, ensure you spend weekends exploring your city to adapt to its rhythm and understand it better.
- If traveling abroad, inform your friends, teachers, and program coordinators in advance.
Don’t forget to learn. That’s right. "Studying abroad" means you’ll spend half your time in class or learning about local culture through visits to museums, palaces, castles, and historical sites. Don’t waste this incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the culture you’ve always been curious about. Here’s what you should do:
- Don’t skip classes. Focus on studying, taking notes, and excelling in exams, just as you would back home.
- Engage with your teachers. They represent the local culture and can provide valuable insights.
- Pay attention during cultural tours. Don’t giggle in the back while your teacher shares fascinating facts at the Louvre or Alhambra. You might miss lifelong learning opportunities and regret it later.
- Stay attentive during field trips. If you’re lucky enough to join a program trip, don’t just sleep on the bus. Listen and take notes from the tour guide.
- Be proactive in your learning. If you’re taking an art class in Madrid, plan a visit to the Prado Museum. What’s better than exploring a museum in another country?
- When meeting locals, use the opportunity to understand their perspectives on local and global issues. You don’t need to interview them like a reporter—just ask how they feel about certain topics.
Overcoming homesickness. You’ve been looking forward to studying abroad since receiving your acceptance letter, so it might be hard to imagine feeling unhappy about this experience. However, there will come a time when you miss your family, friends, customs, and food from home. Preparing in advance will help you cope with homesickness. Here are some ways to overcome it:
- If you feel homesick, list all the amazing opportunities you’ve gained from studying abroad, such as meeting new people and trying delicious foods. This will help you feel grateful for your experience.
- Talk to other international students. They might have gone through similar feelings and can offer helpful advice.
- If your family can afford it, plan for them to visit you during the second half of the semester. Seeing them will ease your homesickness and help you get through the rest of your journey.
- Stay in touch with people back home. Email or message friends on Facebook, and call your family when possible. However, avoid talking to them too much; otherwise, you’ll focus on what’s happening at home instead of embracing your once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience.
- Bring a few reminders of home. It could be a stuffed animal, a CD, or your favorite movie. Pack some photos of friends and family, but don’t bring too many, as they might make you miss home even more.
- If a close friend is also studying abroad, plan to visit them or invite them to your new place.
- Keep a journal to reflect on your homesickness and all the incredible experiences you’re having.
Stay safe. Even if you’re studying abroad with a few or many students from your school or another university in your country, remember that you’re in a foreign land. This means you shouldn’t act as casually as you would back home. You’re in a new environment with many people you’ve just met or don’t know, so always stay alert. Here’s how to have a fun and safe study abroad experience:
- Don’t drink excessively. While drinking is a popular pastime among students, avoid overdoing it as you might back home. You can still relax, but don’t drink to the point of losing control, as you might get lost or put yourself in danger.
- Memorize your address. Save it on your phone, write it on a piece of paper in your wallet, and commit it to memory.
- Avoid reckless behavior abroad. While studying abroad requires boldness and a willingness to try new things, remember you’re in a foreign country and should avoid going home with someone you just met. Locals aren’t necessarily less trustworthy than people back home, but the risks of awkward situations are higher since you’re out of your comfort zone.
- Don’t do foolish things to impress others. Don’t turn your study abroad experience into a competition to see who can act the craziest. You don’t need to act unusually, drink strange concoctions, or get too close to locals on the dance floor just to attract attention.
- Follow the rules. You can still have adventures while obeying the law. Police in foreign countries might not be as lenient as those back home, so behave appropriately.
Tips
- If you’re staying with a host family, send them a letter before arriving to express your excitement about meeting them.
- If you’re an avid reader living in a non-English-speaking country, bring enough books for your entire stay. While you don’t need to pack a suitcase full of books, you don’t want to face a shortage of English books, which might be rare and expensive.
- Connect with international students at your study location. Social media platforms like Facebook and IvyTies can help you do this.
