Studying Abroad For The First Time ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ

Moving abroad is intimidating—especially when you’re heading somewhere completely unfamiliar and don’t know a single person. Still, taking that leap turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. (๑>؂•̀๑)

Studying abroad in Korea was my first time traveling to another country alone. I arrived without knowing anyone from my university, was assigned a random roommate, and had to figure out how to build a social life from scratch. Even though I had always planned to study abroad, the reality of being completely on my own felt overwhelming at first.

It felt like I was a freshman in college all over again, that feeling when your parents drop you off and let you off into the real world for the first time, that’s what I felt. I remember my first day vividly: I was anxious, quiet, and unsure of how to approach people. (╥﹏╥)

However, with time I started to make friends. I found joy in creating new connections and was lucky enough to have my friends speak to me and to be able to get closer to them! I find that to make friends, you should speak with people in your program/university, go to club events, and even just compliment people that you think are cool! Don’t be scared to be social and be out there, it’s fun getting to know people!

As time is passing abroad, I also have become so comfortable in the environment I live in now. I would say I’m a little bit of a directionally challenged person, but I was able to understand how to use the buses and subway system quickly here! Everything is pretty much a walkable distance within each city that you go too! Explore every city that you can and stop at every shop, if you’re able to speak Korean and mingle with the local students and locals and workers.

There will be ups and downs while studying abroad. You’ll feel lonely and sad and even helpless at some points. However, you can always get through those times. Remember that you have your friends, family, and that things will always go up. I think that it’s a good thing to feel everything because then you know that you are also human. You’ll get through those times and feel happy that you’re abroad, and think back to be happy that you decided to go abroad. Time abroad passes quickly, so do everything you want and don’t be afraid to take risks! 

If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t let fear stop you from taking risks and trying new things. Talk to everyone, try things alone, try things scared, and always take the risk because you never know what can happen. Growth comes from moments of fear and uncertainty, so let these experiences allow you to change and grow. (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶) ‹𝟹