First Few days Of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad really is an exciting opportunity, and many strive hard for the moment when they receive the much-anticipated letter of acceptance. But (yes, there is a “but”) little do we realize what it actually means to live and study abroad, far from home. The whole process of looking for a university and applying is indeed very thrilling, but when you actually arrive at the destination you’ve chosen it’s a whole different story.

Indeed, the first week after you arrive in a new country to study abroad can be the most challenging for students because of the sheer amount of newness that surrounds. From city landmarks to an apartment or homestay to the faces that surround you in class and on the streets, so much around you is new, and learning to navigate your newfound situation will come with its challenges.

What are those first weeks at University really like? Seven Educon has heard from students from all around the world, who have studied in all sorts of places.

Here’s what you should expect when studying abroad.

Culture shock

When you first arrive at your study abroad destination, the first question that pops in your mind, quite frankly, is: “What am I doing here and why did I leave all my friends and family behind?!” The initial culture shock can be quite overwhelming, but you just need to get through it. During the first couple of days you probably won’t be able to sleep much, and will constantly want to speak to your loved ones. As long as you manage to deal with those fears for a week and not buy a ticket back home, you will be fine! That first culture shock stage can be quite scary, but the good news is, it passes quickly

Overwhelming enthusiasm

After a sleepless week of constant worrying, you reach the point when you actually tell yourself: “Wait a minute! This place is actually quite interesting!” And that’s when the second stage begins. You immediately forget about all the culture shock-induced panic you felt just yesterday, and you feel absolutely overwhelmed with joy and curiosity. Everything is amazing, everything is new and interesting; even the smallest things start to impress you and you can’t believe that you were crying your eyes out just a few days ago. Enjoy.

Motivation and inspiration

The student parties of Fresher’s Week come to an end, and the first semester begins. The first few days are absolutely incredible, since you start to realize that everything is so different, compared to back home, and you suddenly feel inspired and motivated to rule the world. You feel like you can achieve anything and that coming here was the best decision you ever made in your life.

Fear and panic

This previous stage doesn’t last for long, unfortunately. Soon after, you start to realize that you need to do thousands of coursework assignments, essays and projects, and panic hits you. “Oh, God, how will I ever graduate?!” You go back to fear and desperation, and constantly feel that what’s being asked of you is simply too much. The worst thing that can happen here is that you become so scared you don’t even try to do the work, and you simply waste your time worrying. Don’t! When you eventually start trying, you will realize it is actually doable. And if you speak to some of your course mates and university advisors, you’ll discover that almost everyone goes through this stage.

Homesickness

After a while, you get a bit tired of all the student parties and the university coursework, and you start thinking about home again. Just when you thought you were done feeling homesick, it hits you once more! This time it’s not that hard, because you now have some friends nearby and you have settled a bit. However, you start feeling nostalgic about all sorts of things – from your mother’s cooking to the friendly neighbor’s dog you used to walk.  This stage too shall pass, but of course you will always miss home from time to time.

Adaptation

After you have gone through the homesickness and nostalgia for the second time, you realize that you have actually adapted to your new life as an international student without even noticing. You have made friends, you attend university and complete your studies, you start getting familiar with the place – the local shops, clubs and parks – and slowly but surely you start feeling at home. Because it’s true what they say, “home is where your heart is” – and your heart will feel cosier in this new environment by the day.

However, with the advice given below, your first week of study abroad can be less of a scary experience and more of an exciting and amazing one.

Tip 1. Connect with a Local Expert

Whether you are studying abroad through a company or directly enrolling in a program at a foreign institution, having a local expert to connect with while you are in the country will be an essential step in making you feel comfortable in your new surroundings.

Tip 2. Get Local Cash

No matter where you are traveling it is a good rule of thumb to bring an ample supply of cash with you as a backup. While many places around the world take credit cards or have ATM machines, cash is the best safety net for travel abroad.

Tip 3. Call Home

While it can be exciting to immediately revel in your newfound independence overseas, don’t ignore your family back home. Your loved ones will want to know you’ve made it to your new destination safely, so make the effort to contact them and let them know you’ve arrived safe and sound.

Tip 4. Adapt to the Local Time Zone

Jet lag can make the first few days in your new home country a bit rough. As you move from one time zone to another your body and mind have some catching up to do and this can be unpleasant. Depending on the time difference you will likely feel groggy and disoriented. Your body can also feel physically weak and some travelers experience stomach issues.

Tip 5. Unpack and Get Settled In

An important step to making your new location feel more familiar is to make your new living space feel like home. Avoid living out of your suitcase, even if its only for a few days; just unpack already!

Tip 6. Be Social

Instead of staying in your room and texting your friends about how much you miss them, now is the time to let your inner extrovert shine and be sociable. Making new local friends will be key to your happiness studying abroad, and the best time to get started is now.

Tip 7. Explore Your Campus

You'll never feel acquainted with your new school grounds if you don't walk around them! Even if you have a map out and look like a total tourist, there's no better crash course in familiarity than exploring by foot.

Tip 8. Craft a Plan of Attack

You’ll quickly come to realize that there are many elements toward settling into a new life abroad that you will need to sort out. From opening a local bank account and finding an apartment to rent to buying a used bike and signing up for classes, the first few days of your study abroad experience will likely involve a lot of setup activities.

Tip 9. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

You have few months or years to make new friends and feel at home, so don’t feel down if your first few days don’t go as expected – in fact, they likely won’t! Just keep reminding yourself: it’s only the beginning!

Tip 10. Write it Down

Studying abroad is a uniquely special, often once-in-a-lifetime experience. When time has passed and chiseled away at your memory, you may want to remember the details of your first few days abroad.

You can take advice from overseas college admission consultant in Mumbai who will assist you with the admission and visa processes. All the best for your Adventure Ride abroad .