As an international student, it can be hard to feel like you will fit in with a different culture right away, if ever. But as someone who has studied abroad in two different countries, I can tell you that it’s one of the most rewarding experiences ever, where your new location can begin to feel like a second home.
Being from Kosovo, studying abroad in England during my four years of high school certainly prepared me to move further away from home for university in America. My time in England taught me to be independent, interact with all kinds of people and be open to change. Here are a few tips on how you can achieve these skills and make the most of your study abroad experience:
As cliché as it is, step out of your comfort zone.
Talk to others in class by asking them a question or complimenting them. By joining different clubs, you will find those with the same interests as you — talk to them too! At such a diverse university like Northeastern, chances are that everyone around you is in the same boat, hoping to meet new people.
Embrace the new culture and immerse yourself in it.
Visit both the tourist attractions and the local spots of your new location to familiarize yourself with the culture and your new surroundings. If there is a slang word you don’t understand, rather than getting discouraged and feeling like you will never fit in, ask what it means and start using it too!
Your family and friends at home are still there!
With technology and the internet, everyone is just a click away, no matter where they are in the world. It is natural to feel homesick, but remember that you have made it so far already while still being able to talk to your loved ones back home.
Keep yourself busy.
If you are engaging in classes and out-of-school activities, the semester will end before you know it. You will find yourself back home very soon, telling friends and family stories of your experiences studying abroad. You might even find yourself missing it and want to go back!
While it may be overwhelming at first, studying abroad is such a fulfilling experience and something that I recommend to everyone if presented with the opportunity.