I’m going to go ahead and say I am a
self-proclaimed expert on studying abroad at this point. I did for the first
time three years ago in Leeds
and last year in Cardiff.
At this point, four of my friends (that I can remember) have reached out to me to
ask for advice on the subject. All of this is to say – take my advice. I know
what I’m doing.
If you’ve read this blog for a while, you
may have already heard some of the things I have to say. I wrote lessons
learned in Leeds and lessons
learned in Cardiff posts after I completed the years. However, hindsight
has given me even more to say on the matter to make your study abroad the best
it can be.
Also, congratulations on doing this. I
mean, have you ever heard someone say they regretted studying abroad?
1. Don’t hang out with solely
international students.
This is my biggest piece
of advice. That’s why it’s number one. In my experience, international offices
are great at hosting events and helping you get to know others who are in the
same boat as you. It’s great, don’t get me wrong. Some of the greatest friends
I’ve made are also international students. However, don’t fall into this as the
only people you hang out with. Getting to know people who are from the place
you’re studying in will introduce you to so many different aspects of the
culture you won’t know to explore.
2. Take any opportunity you
can to travel.
There are so many
university-hosted trips or companies like Don’t be a Tourist (I went to
Edinburgh with them) that bring university students on trips to places
around the country. Plane tickets are significantly cheaper abroad and the
train systems are so much better, so there’s no doubt that you’ll get sucked
into late-night researching of trips to take on weeks off. Do it. Do it as much
as you can.
3. Friendships at home will
change, but you will be okay.
The absolute worst part
about studying abroad was realizing that some people you thought were close
friends don’t want to bother to make an effort while you’re gone. After the
second time I left, even more people drifted away. Here’s the flip side: you
are left with the most amazing, wonderful, loyal, steadfast people who want to
know every detail of your life while abroad. Eventually, you’ll forget about
the people who didn’t bother. They’re not as important, anyway.
4. Find some way to document
your experiences in a physical way.
I journaled heavily while
I was in Leeds. I did not do as much while I was in Cardiff, and I am so disappointed
about that. My adventures in Leeds were fully documented because I was soaking
up everything that was around me. I suggest doing something like that. Whether
it’s a journal or blog or pictures, do something you know you can look back on
to track what is happening. It is so wonderful to have your memories recorded.
5. School is where you’re
going to meet the locals.
Going back to the first
point, this is the key to being successful at that. There is a stereotype about
people who study abroad not actually studying. The workload in England was
significantly less than in Canada, so I can definitely say that not a lot of
studying was going on (although, it was the opposite in Cardiff). I still
worked hard and passed all my courses, though. Anyway, go to class. Introduce
yourself. Make friends with those people. They’re the ones that will take you
to the best bars and treat you to local delicacies (Welsh cakes, in last year’s
case). They will teach you what there is to know about the wonderful place
you’ve decided to be in. They may also introduce you to the person who will
become your significant other and move in with three years later (true story).
Who knows?
6. Don’t forget to explore the
city you’re actually in.
When I was looking for
links for the opening paragraph, I realized I never actually explored Leeds
that much. I did that in Cardiff and wrote a whole post on what I did there.
That’s maybe why I love Cardiff so much and can’t wait to visit again. I will
do better this year while I’m in Leeds. It’s easy to get distracted by what
else is out there, but don’t forget to check out what’s right in front of you!
7. You will be a better
person for this.
You will have learned about
a different culture, lived on your own, essentially started your life over, and
you get to come back to tell the tale. You will learn so much about yourself. The
whole “broadening your horizons” schtick is 100% true. You will, and you will
be better for it.
That’s it. That’s all I have for general
advice. I could write more on roommates and buying kitchenware and all that,
but I’ll spare you. If you are going on an exchange, I would love to hear from
you. My social media links are to the left, or leave me a comment below. I am
happy to answer any more questions you have.
Good luck, you. You’re going to be
brilliant.
-Daniella
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