Disclaimer: This writer recently transferred overseas to study abroad and whatever that’s in this article is through her own personal experience; it may have not been the same for you.
Happy, excited, sad, nervous and lucky were one of the few things I felt before taking off to study abroad, so I never imagined that I would feel what I am feeling now.
When you decide to move abroad to study, everything will seem different from what you make it out to be. So here's a piece of advice: it’s good to not have any expectations, so that you would not be disappointed when you first settle in a foreign land where there are no comforts.
To help you out, here are seven expectations vs reality when studying abroad:
Happy, excited, sad, nervous and lucky were one of the few things I felt before taking off to study abroad, so I never imagined that I would feel what I am feeling now.
When you decide to move abroad to study, everything will seem different from what you make it out to be. So here's a piece of advice: it’s good to not have any expectations, so that you would not be disappointed when you first settle in a foreign land where there are no comforts.
To help you out, here are seven expectations vs reality when studying abroad:
Expectation #1: You will be emotionally stable
Reality: You will end up crying every day for the first week in the country of your dreams. Especially if you arrived alone with no one to help you move in, homesickness will fill through every part of your body and you’ll miss your family heaps. It is true that you will spend a lot of time alone when you first get there because you haven’t had the time to make friends yet. If you live alone, it’s even worse because at the end of the day, you will always go back to an empty and quiet apartment. But, take one day at a time and eventually things will be alright (I constantly have to remind myself this). We are lucky that we live in the age of technology and those family members that you miss are just one call away.
Expectation #2: Moving out will be a piece of cake
Reality: Honestly, moving out and dealing with accommodation is the hardest ‘adult’ task ever. Going through the hunt for a room is an exhausting process, especially when you can’t physically go to that apartment or room overseas to inspect it. In my case, I was greatly disappointed at the first sight of my off campus accommodation because it was way smaller from the photos online. Then, you have to do all the ‘adult’ things like paying the bills and rent on time. At many points through the first month, you’ll feel like packing up and going home. This is where you need to learn how to improvise and make that tiny box feel like home. Plus, you’ll learn how to not slack because you have actual responsibilities now.
Expectation #3: You’ll learn the language/accent fast
Reality: You’re going to be speaking a lot of English and being able to speak a second language fluently is going to take a lot of time. Even if the people in that country speak English, you will have a hard time figuring out the slangs, especially if you’re among international students. However, if the whole reason you’re studying abroad is to learn a second language, then mix with the locals because that’s the best way to learn another language. Also, it’s a good idea to stay at a homestay than an international dorm, so you’re forced to speak that second language.
Expectation #4: Partying all day and all night!
Reality: Students tend to party a lot especially in Australia (which is where I am!). As an international student with no parents or elders watching you, you may be tempted to go with the flow and lose yourself. It can be fun at first but not when assignments start piling up and you’re constantly hungover. Especially if those parties are outside of campus, your wallet will definitely cry. And then you will cry because you have to eat instant noodles for the rest of that month. So, party moderately because we all need to unwind once in a while. You may have appeared to be a party person at the start but you can always withdraw. It does not mean that you will lose friends, there are other people you can hang out with that won’t drag you to every single party.
Expectation #5: You’re going to make a ton of international friends immediately
Reality: Everyone tells you to NOT mix with your own kind when you study overseas. While you think it’s going to be easy, you’re going to end up being friends with the people who are from your country at first. Due to the culture shock in the beginning, basic survival tactics will have you seeking comfort among the people who share a common ground with you. But, it is important to step out of your comfort zone and interact with people from different countries. It’s fun to see the differences in culture. Just remember not to expect an instant connection, 'cos these things take time.
Expectation #6: Making friends would be a challenge
Reality: Remeber; it will only be challenging if 1) you make it challenging and 2) you don’t make an effort. It will be hard at first and you may not be friends with everyone you meet on the first day. Some people may not even smile back at you. It’s all part of the learning process. It is totally fine if you feel a little alone when you see other people in their own groups, it won’t always be this way. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, being social will be challenging for any international student. Trust me, your mantra throughout the first month would be “Hi I’m (name), nice to meet you”. It will eventually get better. If your university has events prior to the start of the semester especially aimed at international students, GO. It would be a great help in meeting new friends.
