Moving to a new university for a semester abroad

Making the Most of Studying Abroad
Moving to a new country for a semester or year abroad is an exciting time! You get to experience a new country, culture, and maybe even a language. Here are five tips to help you make the most of your experience studying abroad.
Establish a Plan
If you want to fall in love with your study abroad experience, it’ll help to get an idea of what you want that experience to look like. It’s likely that you wanted to study in the country of your choice for a reason. It doesn’t have to be specific, but make an open-minded bucket list of things you’d like to accomplish or experience. Your university programme might arrange some events for their international students, but they won’t plan every event or excursion. Be self-sufficient in your planning!
Travel Everywhere
Similar to the previous tip, research not only the area you are staying in but the surrounding cities and landmarks. Explore where you are studying, but don’t limit yourself. It’ll help to know something about where you are and some of the surrounding areas that you can visit and explore on your time off. For example, if you’re doing a year abroad in Paris, don’t neglect travelling south and exploring some of the smaller coastal towns and what they have to offer.
Leave Your Comfort Zone
Moving to a new country on your own is already a big leap that most people would be too scared to do. But now, you need to keep pushing the boundary of what you’re comfortable with. This means being the one initiating conversations with new people, trying new foods, partaking in new traditions, and more. There are so many differences to how people live around the world, and you don’t want to go home having lived the same way you always do. Don’t be afraid to try new things and immerse yourself in this new culture.
Make Meaningful Friendships
As a student in a study abroad programme, you’re bound to meet other international students doing the same thing. Because of this, it should be easy to connect and make friends. You’ll be able to bond over experiencing all these new things together. But don’t be afraid to reach out beyond the group of international students and make friends with those who study or live there permanently. It’s a great way to learn even more about the city you’re living in, its secret cafés, and hidden restaurants.
Journal Your Experience
One of the great ways to make the most of your study abroad is to journal throughout the entire experience – the good AND the bad. Journaling can not only help you figure out what you’ve enjoyed most, it also allows you to reflect and relive your entire experience for years to come. There might be small things you would’ve forgotten had you not decided to write them down. Keep track of your days, the people you talk to, the food you eat, and anything else you’d like.
Final Thoughts
Study abroad is an opportunity to take full advantage of. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things. Yes, you’re there to further your education and focus on university work, but don’t neglect all the other amazing aspects that come with living abroad. Enjoy it!