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7 Things to Know if You're Studying Abroad this Year


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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