Hello guys!
We hope the previous posts about different universities and exchange abroad were helpful so far.
Today, this post will present tips and advice to all of you interested in exchange programs, or in case you have other opportunities to go abroad.
Being an exchange student is hard work sometimes. You might get homesick at some point, miss home made food, the traditions and festivities of your country etc...
But you need to keep in mind that this is a once in a life time opportunity! If you'll be going abroad for a year or a semester, you need to make the best out of it.
Here are some tips:
"Let's go to the market downtown", "Let's go to X place" and so on. The answer should always be "YES". Just go with it! It's important to try new things, see the world, mix yourself with new people, discover the culture and the community's life there.
P.S: Even if you end up in some....strange situation, at least you will always have a good story to tell after! :p (stay safe tho ok? No tooo crazy dangerous stuff...)
2. Take Initiative :)
Don't wait for others to come talk to you or ask you to hang out with them. Take the initiative and do it yourself!!
Remember that is YOUR exchange. You want to do something fun? Go ahead! Don't just sit around waiting for other lonely exchange students to ask you. Make it happen!
3. Be Honest
Being honest is the best way to live your life. Even more when you are abroad! Don't try to keep angry and sad thoughts wallow up inside of you. Just be honest about it.
If someone offended you, be honest and let them know. If you are having a hard time in a class, tell it to the professor.
You are coming from another culture, it's normal to have different opinions, perspectives, and different ways to deal with life.
Don't be afraid to express yourself about your own feelings.
It's a good learning experience for everyone.
4. Make friends with other exchange students and other students from your host country/university
It's important to make friends with people from the country and university where you will be living 24/24 all semester or year. You don't want to feel out of place, lonely, and homesick right?
As previously said, take initiative, and start the talk. Other exchange students want to be friends with you as well.
So communicate and socialize with them :) They will be your friends and travel mates during your journey abroad.
5. Be open-minded, have some cultural perspective
Obviously going abroad, exploring a new country, new environment, language, and culture is never easy. Some things are just so weird, when you compare it to your own culture and your society's norms.
Beware! Don't judge the people there in a wrong way, it could be offensive. There is always a reason behind everything they do, say, or behave. So do you back in your country, you have been raised a certain way, just like they have been too :)
So be open-minded, and try as much as you can to embrace the culture.
6. Learn the Language
If you are in a non-english speaking country, you will probably have a hard time reading menus at the local restaurants, shops, or just communicate adresses to the taxi driver, or find the correct destination and bus station. So try to learn the language, at least a few basic words to help you out in your every day life :)
7. It's okay to make mistakes, don't be afraid!
8. Food is a large part of culture
Remember that food represents both the culture, tradition, and norms of a society. So if you're gonna be picky about food, you might miss out on a lot of new flavors, and what the culture has to offer.
"Will I be able to try new food"? Ask this question to yourself, look up the kind of food the country you are going to looks like. Can you try it? If the answer is "No", you'll probably resign yourself to only a partial cultural experience.
P.S: of course your religious beliefs that might not allow you to try some food is totally understandable :)
9. Say "Thank You" a lot! :)
Always be grateful for what others do for you, with you, and the help they give you in adjusting to your exchange life.
If you don't know the language as well, just saying "thank you" will show that you appreciate others' efforts and they won't have to worry about you.
10. It's normal to feel weird when you're back home
Many returnee students felt this after their exchange ended. They can't help themselves comparing their country with their host country, stating each country's positive and negative aspects.
More than that, some returnee students get hit by culture shock.
If you spent a year in Japan, or a semester in China, you'll probably find yourself bowing "out of habit" to the grocer after your purchase.
But no worries! After a month of home made food, and some catching up with your friends, you'll be back on track!
That's all folks! :) Make sure you take these tips into consideration. See you next time in a new post.
