Studying abroad is an exciting prospect, but it can be a little intimidating, particularly if you’re under-prepared. We’re going to look at how you can adapt to your new academic culture and make the most of it. One thing’s for sure, you’re going to have a unique experience and create plenty of memories.
Keeping a journal is a great way of documenting your time, just be careful of those ink stains as you get carried away scribbling down your thoughts. Don’t worry about it too much though; figuring out how to remove ink stains from clothes is easy once learned.
Back to preparation: the following tips are going to help you embrace the experience of studying aboard.
Whilst you certainly want to do some research about what to expect when you study in a new country, it’s good to keep an open mind. Things aren’t always as they appear on paper and the more open you are to changes the more prepared you’ll be. It’s good to go with the flow and take things as they come; that way you can embrace new experiences rather than be a little rattled by them. Things are undoubtedly going to be different when you’re studying in a new place and this is your chance to enjoy a fresh approach.
This next point is a natural follow on to being open minded. Look at your trip to a new place as a chance to experience new things and create some amazing memories. There’ll be plenty of time spent studying, but don’t forget to challenge yourself socially too. Get out there amongst the locals and embrace everything on offer.
Travelling alone can be a daunting prospect, but you’ll soon feel comfortable when you make new friends. Remember, you’ll be in the same boat as many others, so you can bond over your studies and new surroundings. The best way to develop friendships is to build rapport by listening to people and swapping stories, that way you’ll all get to know each other better.
Whilst building new friendships will be a major part of your stay, setting aside some time to be on your own is good too. It’ll help you reflect on your experiences, focus your mind on studies and adapt to changes if necessary. Taking the time to be alone also gives you a chance to absorb your feelings and thoughts, which in turn will certainly enrich your experiences.
With so many new things to explore, it’s easy for everything to blur into one, so make sure you jot everything down in your journal or diary to remember in the future. As we’ve already mentioned, learn how to remove ink stains from clothes before you leave, and you’ll know what to do if you need to!
Preparing to study in a new country is about much more than having the right supplies and doing your background reading, it’s also about preparing for the amazing life experiences you’re bound to have. Put these tips into place to make the most of your study trip.