When it comes to university and higher education, many students opt for studying abroad to expand their horizons. However, adapting to a new country’s culture and customs can be overwhelming at first and takes getting used to.
In this blog, we’ll explore some tips for overcoming these challenges and making the most of your study abroad experience.
Benefits of studying abroad.
Studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for a university or college student. When you study abroad, students you the opportunity to study in a foreign nation and take in the customs and culture of a new land. Here is a list of the top reasons to study abroad:
- Personal growth.
- Language skills.
- Learn valuable life skills.
- Create lifelong memories.
- Make new friends.
- Opportunity to travel and explore.
- Prepare for an international workplace.
Tips to help you settle in once you start your course.
Immerse yourself.
Embracing your new local culture is one of the best ways to help you settle in. Immerse yourself in local customs. Whether this is trying new food, attending a local festival or volunteering. Embracing these experiences will help you feel connected within your new environment.
Make friends.
Engaging with and making friends with locals is one of the best ways to immerse yourself with a new culture. Whether it’s through a language exchange partner, a social club or through your university course, getting to know locals can help you feel more at home and deepen your understanding of a new place.
Connect with other international students.
Did you know in the UK during 2022/2023 there were over 750,000 international students studying. You are not alone. The likelihood is that you will be in class with other overseas students, and may even be living together in shared flats. It can be helpful to discuss all aspects of studying abroad so you can share the experience of adjusting to a new culture with those in similar situations. Talking about the local culture and ways to overcome culture shock can help you better understand the country and the residents of that country, which will be beneficial to your time abroad.
Take advantage of university resources.
Each university that welcomes international students will have resources in place to help those who have travelled to study abroad. Get in touch with your university or student union as soon as you can to see what is in place to make your experience in the UK as great as it can be!
Eat well and exercise.
When you are feeling overwhelmed and homesick, it is easy to want to stay in and retreat. Unfortunately this reaction will only make you feel worse. Remember too continue to eat well and exercise. This will make you feel better in yourself and exercising is a good way of meeting new people around you, too.
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