Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow while taking in the wonders and culture of a new country. The experience can help students develop new skills, expand their worldview, and increase resilience and independence as they learn to adapt in different environments. Studying abroad can also be a transformative experience that may help students define a career path or select a college program that will best fit their interests.
While many of us know that studying abroad is a great opportunity, it can be a nerve-racking endeavor to start planning for travel to a new and unfamiliar place. Lexie Leeser and Alex Polon, two of our high school sophomores who recently had an amazing experience studying abroad in Australia over the summer, have offered four great tips they wish someone had told them before starting their adventure abroad.
1. Don't Overpack
It can be tempting to anticipate all your potential needs and cram your bags full. The trick is to distinguish between what you might want versus what you know you will actually need. Remember, although you may be traveling overseas to a new place, there will generally be convenience stores where you can find many of the things you may have left behind. To figure out what you should pack, Lexie suggests going through your daily routine in your mind to figure out what you use regularly. Alex also recommends leaving space in your suitcase for souvenirs and gifts you'll pick up along the way.
2. Anticipate Being Homesick
Traveling and studying abroad is an exciting adventure full of new sites, smells, and tastes. Being abroad is also an opportunity to engage with new cultural norms that may be different than your own. With all the "newness," it's common to start missing family, friends, and even your own bed! Alex recommends that you start preparing when you're packing and getting ready to leave. "Prepare mentally, because three and a half weeks, at least for me, is a long time away from home... You have to be ready for the mere length of studying abroad. Three and a half weeks is nothing compared to a semester, or even a full year."
Being homesick can be challenge, but it shouldn't deter you from traveling. There are a number of great articles online to help you, including this helpful article from studyabroad.com.
3. Make New Friends
One of the best ways to immerse yourself into a new culture is to develop new relationships and make friends. Making friends abroad is a great way to learn about the culture and practice the language; it can also help alleviate feelings of homesickness. While making friends in a new country can seem intimidating, especially for those of us who are shy, there are a number of strategies to help you get integrated into the culture. For instance, you could join a club, take part in social events arranged by the school, look for a language exchange partner, or volunteer.
4. Focus on the Experience
If you're busy checking in on your friends via Instagram and Twitter, you're missing out on what's around you! "Yes, you're homesick, but this crazy experience will never happen again!" says Lexie. "It is worth it to focus on the people and places here while you are here, and wait to get caught up with your family and friends when you get home." Alex recommends eating new foods and pushing yourself to try something you haven't done before. Not only will it make the experience more enjoyable while you're there, but you'll have plenty of stories to bring back home with you to share with your family and friends.
Sandy Spring Friends School provides opportunites for our students to travel and study internationally, from language trips to China, France, and Spain, to service-oriented trips in Costa Rica. Learn more about our Signature Trips and Intersession.