Choosing to study abroad is a big decision to make. You are thinking of leaving everything you know and love and starting from scratch in a new country. A big step that can feel very overwhelming. When I chose to pursue my master’s degree abroad, I was excited about the challenge but also scared about leaving my family and friends and being fully on my own in a country I did not visit before. It forced me to get out of my comfort zone every day, and I learned much more about myself than I could have imagined.
Plan ahead!
Before you leave, research a lot about the university you are attending and the country itself. Also, research whether you need a visa, what documents you need with you, or even health insurance. There is a lot to know before leaving and many things you should figure out before buying that one-way ticket. Make sure to not only apply and get accepted into your dream university but also find accommodation before moving. It can be particularly difficult to move to a country with a housing crisis such as the Netherlands. Luckily, most universities have a lot of information on their website regarding international students and moving!
It will be hard but worth it!
The first months might be very hard for you as being on your own, possibly for the first time in your life, can be draining. There is so much to get used to and so much bureaucracy to get through, but once you get past that, you will see that it made you stronger and more resilient, and now you know that you will manage in any situation! Or maybe the first months will be easy, and the hard part will come later. That was the case for me; the first two months were full of events for international students, with no time to think. Then when all the excitement wore off, I realized that I was in a new country, alone, not speaking the language. It gets easier, however, as you settle into a new life. I can safely say that choosing to study abroad was one of the best decisions I have made in my life!
Do an activity you enjoyed back home!
What helps a lot is finding like-minded people and doing something you love and did back home–it makes the transition a bit easier. There are usually a lot of opportunities to join some activities/clubs that your university offers. For instance, if you played soccer for your whole life, consider joining a local team! If you love to paint, find an art class. You will get to do something fun and will have an opportunity to meet new people that might become your friends.
I was a bit skeptical at first and thought I should only focus on studying, but I am so glad I did not follow my own advice. I joined a local choir, and I love every second of it! I met so many wonderful people, and a new scary country came to feel like home. So, my advice: join any clubs and activities you enjoy/want to try, anything that sounds good to you, cause studying abroad is not just about learning.
Culture shocks are a real thing!
I chose to study in another European country and thought I did not have to deal with cultural shocks because it is Europe and a country that is quite close to my own. How wrong was I…a new place will most likely mean a new culture or at least some things that you are not used to and might feel strange to you. Be prepared!
For me, it was biking. Biking is such a big thing in the Netherlands, and when I first came here, I couldn’t understand. In my opinion, riding the bike was just for a weekend trip or an active holiday, not for everyday use. Now, I cannot imagine not having a bike as it is such a convenient means of transport. With that being said, you will also be surrounded by international people, so you should be ready to be considerate and understanding towards others as studying abroad comes with a clash of many cultures and it takes time to get used to!
If you are considering moving abroad to study, I say go for it! Make sure to do your research and be prepared. Get ready for a wild ride! Do not expect it to be easy–not everything will go according to the plan but expect to get to know yourself better and evolve! Studying abroad is not just a nice thing to add to your CV; it is an experience of a lifetime that will become a memory you will not want to forget!
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Written by Dominika Balounová. Edited by Matheus V. Carvalho