In January 2022 I got the acceptance letter from Northeastern University – it was official, I would be spending the second half of the year on the East Coast! I was ecstatic, as this had been a dream of mine since I was a first-year at the University of Auckland, in New Zealand. I knew there would be challenges, but that still did not prepare me for everything coming my way.
I’m an exchange student from New Zealand, spending one semester at NEU to finish off my studies before graduating from university. The process after getting accepted into the university was the most stressful five months of my life. There were so many administration processes in getting official documents – DS-19 visa, immigration clearance, health forms – that I already felt fed up with this exchange. The most stressful part of it all was trying to complete the requirements in the small time period I had. The continuous emails, late-night meetings due to time differences, and frequent phone calls to check up on my documents was draining. But as July ended, and all the administrative processes were complete, I was excited to go. America, here I come!
I love packing for trips. I love planning outfits, envisioning myself in the country, and figuring out what I will need for my time there. It was like a little movie trailer in my head. But when you’re packing for four to five months of living abroad, it’s a little harder. Despite watching so many exchange videos on YouTube and heaps of TikToks, it was still so hard to pack my life for four months into one suitcase. I didn’t know what to expect, so I hoped for the best and packed what I thought would be useful, making sure to limit it to essentials.
After one month here, it’s safe to say I didn’t pack enough for the amount that I was going out and how hot it still was. Now I know: If you are ever contemplating packing that extra top, the answer is always yes. If you are someone who enjoys fashion and trying different styles out, studying abroad is the perfect place to do it, because no one knows you, and you’re in a different place! Thrifting has allowed me to expand my wardrobe and try out new styles.
Coming to America has exposed me to so many different cultures, thanks to the exchange program at NEU. Because of the first orientation I had with all the exchange students, I have been able to meet some of my best friends, with whom I have already made so many amazing memories. This program has allowed me to make friends from across the world, and I’ve been able to learn so much about different cultures. It’s been so fun because we all are in the same boat, and despite them not being from home, I’ve been able to create a home with them. From having movie nights, riding blue bikes at midnight across the Charles River, and international dinners where each weekend we cook different cuisines, we’ve had so many memorable moments which I am so thankful for. For any exchange students who are shy to talk to people, honestly, just do it. These people will be your family for your duration on exchange.
Despite having my new family, there are times I miss my family and friends back home and wish to be in my cozy bed. Not every day on this exchange has been super amazing – filled with adrenaline and constant fun. There are some days when there is such a culture shock in lectures with the way content is delivered, varying from back home, and you have to learn a whole new structure to ensure you stay on top of things. Or days where you really miss comfort food from your favorite restaurant, or your mum’s cooking, and you just wish you could be back home for the evening. In those times I call my family and friends, talk to them, and catch up on their lives to give me that homely feeling.
The main part of any exchange is realizing it is your OWN experience. Go at your own pace. It’s OK to have downtime and do your own thing. But despite that, part of the reason you are on this journey is to experience things. Take a walk through your town or explore the city with a friend. Say yes to experiences and you will not be disappointed.