Studying abroad, what it’s like in a nutshell

I remember thinking that I do not have the privilege to travel around the world yet, and I recall saying to myself that it will eventually happen when I am more of an adult. That is why I couldn’t fathom the fact that I was going to study abroad until I eventually got on my plane to the US. You can bet that I was waiting for a big rush of emotions to surge through me, like in the movies. And for background music to start blasting when I stepped on the soil of a country other than mine, none of that happened, but so much more did. 

When you arrive, you’ll see signs that remind you of how distant you are from home, but they’ll reveal to you how far you’ve come. You’ll notice your adaptability. How fast it can be at times and how stubbornly constant it might get when you need it to be moving. 

You’ll make friends from all over the world. Ones who manage to chase all your worries away and believe me when I say you’ll have plenty of worries, whether academic or personal. But you’ll manage, because studying abroad - as challenging as it may be - blesses you with so many privileges. 

 "They are the bonds you gained, the mental maturity you’ve accomplished, and the thriving sweetness of being independent; Because being on our own doesn’t always have to be bad."

You’ll learn to do things on your own, and it will be so gratifying in the end. That is my favorite thing about studying abroad; it hands you situations that end up serving you more self-esteem and confidence. Not to mention that the opportunity for personal growth is exponential! And the change you notice in yourself does not stop when the experience ends. On the contrary, there are merits that last longer than your academic lessons. They are the bonds you gained, the mental maturity you’ve accomplished, and the thriving sweetness of being independent; Because being on our own doesn’t always have to be “bad”. 

"And most importantly, nothing is more self-sabotaging than comparing your own pace in life to others’. "

Also, apart from learning and earning credits to get a degree, you will learn so much about yourself! So here is a tip when you’re starting your new journey, and I wish someone told me this way earlier, do not be hard on yourself! And most importantly, nothing is more self-sabotaging than comparing your own pace in life to others’.  

In fact, my first month abroad, I thought I was so far behind while others seemed to have their lives and passions figured out. I kept fearing that I was missing something. I kept aimlessly probing for whatever it was, but I was completely in the dark. A friend of mine then told me something – so simple that I did not even think it’s an option- that basically saved my year abroad, and it’s only right to share it. He said to stop being afraid of something unknown, to stop seeking the perfect experience, the perfect meaning behind anything that I come across, and to simply live my life day by day. Studying abroad in a nutshell, is taking each day as it comes. How else are we supposed to process all the new environment’s elements? How else are we supposed to give space for new roots to grow?  

Conclusively, it is all about letting progress flow. Yes, you will be missing family and friends, craving food, and feeling homesick. But you can also be thriving academically and surprising yourself with how fast you’re growing towards the person you ought to be.