What to expect from studying abroad?
Studying abroad is a serious decision, which can
be threatening for those, who don`t know what to expect. When decided to study
in France, It felt ambiguous. This country was unknown & its culture
differs much and what more is the lack of language
To relax – is my own advice for everyone, who
will be even in my place. You are thrown into a foreign country without
anything, you have always necessary orientations to guide you, there are always
people you can call in case you have problems or just need to talk. Moreover,
there's a group of other foreign students, who can be your company as well. If
you want, you can discover the country on your own, or you can do this with
your group. The only thing to remember is to do what makes you feel
comfortable. You are to consider some things to get more satisfaction.
Of course, while being abroad you should pay much
attention to your studying. Still, try to get closer to your mentors and
professors. They appreciate when students wonder about the culture and
traditions of their country. Don`t be afraid to ask about interesting places
you can eat it, places to visit, things you should compulsory do while staying
there. My international professors helped me change my opinion considering new
and unknown things, unfamiliar isn't always dangerous, it`s just different. And
this gives us a chance to think the other way and from the other angle.
It`s proved that your experience will be much
better if you blend in with the foreign country. When I was in Paris, it was
easy to notice the foreigner in the crowd. Make some researches considering the
culture of your host country, read about people`s behavior etc. Leave things,
which are not common for that foreign country at home and this will help you
avoid stares from local people and, of course, you will avoid pickpockets.
The only word I knew while going abroad was:
Bonjour! By the end of a trip, I was able to take part in some conversations
and make an order. There were students who took a semester of French before
going abroad. But they couldn`t improve their language knowledge as they didn`t
leave their comfort zone of other Americans, they didn`t have a chance to
practice French. My advice is to speak the language of the country you are
going to even if it`s difficult and you are afraid of mistakes. This will help
you to adapt quickly. You should hold a pocket dictionary, which will translate
words for you. Try to ask locals for directions, make orders using the foreign
language. This will make your studying experience brighter. Moreover, you can
celebrate your achievements every time when you learn a new word, or when you
manage to get what`s on billboard. You should keep calm, be patient and fully
enjoy the experience.
Fully explore the culture of your host country.
Don`t concentrate on your safe, just take into account the surroundings. Go and
learn the city yourself. If you don't want to do this alone, invite your
friend. But you should agree to speak the foreign language only. Moreover, you
can make friends with locals. Being in France, I found out that lots of people
want to learn English. And I offered local to speak English to them while they
speak French to me. You know, it works! You can visit some interesting and
famous places with locals, have coffee together or just go to the park.
It`s obvious you`d like to share the experience,
emotions and feelings of your trip. But very often you just forget some moments
and you have nothing to tell your parents and friends. It's a good idea to have
a notebook to write interesting places you've visited, people you've met,
things you`ve seen. Moreover, you can note even famous people popular in your
host country. Add your feelings and emotions. There are things I`ve forgotten
from Paris, but when I open my notebook everything comes to my mind again and I
feel the same emotions once again.
Studying abroad is an opportunity of the whole
life. It taught me a lot. I felt minimum stress when got to the foreign
country, still, the culture shock is normal and it soon disappears. Discover
the country you travel to, learn new things and don`t be afraid of differences
Comments
Post a Comment