Life as an expat can be hard, as you are on your own, in a foreign country, where you barely speak the language, with no family or friends to fall back on.
It can be emotionally tough being away from loved ones, close friends, and familiar settings, especially on special occasions or when things are unpleasant. It may be difficult, or even stressful, to adapt to a new environment, language difficulties, and cultural differences.
I am a Romanian living in London for over eight years…this is my home now, and Romania is where I visit my family.
When I first came to the UK, I started talking to people on the street, at bus stops, and at cafes (I was pleasantly surprised to see that people were genuinely nice), just so I could try and get used to their accents. I was taking the bus anywhere to know the city and trying to repeat the stop announcement with the proper accent: “Next stop – Borehamwood Train Station,” announced in a very posh British accent. I also joined my local library, borrowed English books, and read aloud to myself to learn to speak English more clearly.
Living in or around London means it is easy enough to get around as there is a relatively well-priced and extensive bus and train network.
Dealing with the financial strain of living abroad is another difficulty. Tuition costs, housing costs, and the overall cost of living in a foreign country might be high, necessitating careful financial preparation and perhaps forcing students to look for part-time work.
Luckily, as I am a European resident, I only needed to wait for four weeks to get my National Insurance Number to be able to start working. The process is straightforward; you will fill out some papers online and wait for an interview. Once you have the interview, it takes about two weeks to get the official letter containing the NI number, and you are now eligible for work.
Please, note that, since Brexit, the rules have changed, so please consult the HM Revenue & Customs website.
I think the best thing you can do to integrate into a foreign country is: to constantly engage with people – at work, where you live, and on the streets (where and when appropriate). This will be the only way you will start feeling like you may belong and that maybe leaving home was a good idea.
Living in a very diverse and cultural city London has taught me to appreciate art and to be kind to myself and others.
From the start, I have loved walking the streets of London and visiting its museums and parks. There is always something happening in the city, so you will have plenty of ways to socialize. Living abroad offers several benefits, including exposure to various cultures and viewpoints. People can widen their perspectives, enhance their language abilities, and develop a more in-depth awareness of global concerns.
Deciding to go to a second university abroad came quite easily to me after five years of living in London and several administrative roles. I knew that having an English degree meant becoming a renowned professional, and it was time to get one.
The next step was the scary part. The application, the interview process, knowing you will study in a language that is not your own, and that you will owe money to the government (student loan). I was excited but terrified of the unknown. I knew that, once I started, I would be ok as I love learning and being amongst like-minded people. Visit aru.ac.uk for more information on how to join the university I attended!
Studying abroad will provide students access to famous academic institutions and programs that would not otherwise be accessible. Studying abroad also provides the chance to learn with eminent academics, participate in cutting-edge research, and broaden their intellectual horizons. Additionally, because they have essential worldwide and cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, and a global attitude, those who have lived and studied abroad may have an advantage when entering the employment market.
It has proven to be the best decision ever because I made new friends, got to know new cultures, and learned so much about Marketing, which is my degree and passion.
In conclusion, while working and studying abroad has many benefits, like exposure to different cultures, educational possibilities, and job chances, it is crucial to be aware of its drawbacks. People may make the most of this life-changing event and emerge stronger and more aware of the world by being prepared, open-minded, and resilient.
Studying and living in a foreign country can be scary but is also so much fun and exciting. Do some research before you decide to go; a Google search will tell you all the do’s and don’ts when studying and living abroad, try and learn the language spoken in that country, and just go for it! It will be the most courageous thing you’ll ever do; I guarantee it will change your life.