Studying Abroad: Tips, Challenges, and the Ultimate Adventures

Hey there! Picture this: you're a 21-year-old Vietnamese student, standing at the edge of the world, ready to dive into the unknown. That's me! When I was only 19, I summoned up all my courage and took off, jetting away to France with nothing but a suitcase and a dream. Fast forward a bit, and now I'm in Ottawa, Canada, halfway across the globe from home. I know what you're thinking - it sounds both thrilling and terrifying, right? Well, my friend, let me be your guide. In this blog post, I'm going to spill all the tea about my study abroad experience - the good, the bad, and the oh-so-exciting. We'll dive into the incredible moments, the challenges I faced, and even share some handy tips along the way. So, buckle up and get ready, because this journey is about to get real!

Why studying Abroad?

Let's start with the positives. Studying abroad provided me with a newfound sense of independence and maturity. It pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and take charge of various aspects of my life, such as managing finances and navigating unfamiliar surroundings. It was terrifying at first, but having supportive friends by my side made all the difference.

Being abroad forced me out of my cozy little introvert bubble and transformed me into a semi-extrovert, with a dash of confidence sprinkled on top. Interacting with people from different countries and immersing myself in their cultures was a truly eye-opening experience. From the moment I arrived in France or in Canada, I formed friendships with people from diverse backgrounds. We shared stories, learned from one another, and embarked on unforgettable adventures together. This journey made me realize just how beautifully diverse the world is, and how each person has a unique story to tell. I am incredibly grateful for these connections, as they have shaped who I am today and broadened my perspective on life.

And let's not forget about the best part - travel! As a wanderlust, I couldn't resist exploring new countries whenever the opportunity arose. Living in Europe made it incredibly easy to hop on a train and witness iconic landmarks or get lost amidst the breathtaking Swiss mountains. The thrill of exploration is truly incomparable.

Speaking of exploration, studying abroad gave me the time and freedom to discover myself. I had the space to pursue my passions and hobbies without distractions. It was during this time that I even started my own blog, using it as a platform to document my incredible adventures. Being away from family also helped me uncover my passion for photography, discovering that I had a knack for creativity all along. Who would have thought that studying abroad could open doors to such unexpected paths?

So, living in a completely unknown country has changed my life. I'm strutting around with newfound confidence, taking responsibility like a boss, and most importantly, I've discovered who I really am. Plus, I've gained friendships and experiences that I never could've imagined. These crazy experiences have given me the best memories of my life, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. 

Challenges of Living in a Different Country

Alright, let's dive into the world of challenges. Get ready to buckle your seatbelt because turbulence is on the horizon. 

Loneliness and homesickness hit you like a freight train when you're thousands of miles away from the cozy comfort of home. There were moments when I felt like the loneliest soul in the entire universe, with nobody around who truly understood me. At first, everything seemed thrilling and shiny. The freedom and independence were absolutely intoxicating. But let me tell you, the longer you spend away from home, the harder it hits. At least, that's how it went for me. Initially, I was over the moon to be away from home, reveling in the ability to party until the crack of dawn without someone breathing down my neck every hour. But once life decided to crank up the difficulty level, all I wanted was to escape into the comforting embrace of my mother, shed a few tears, and spill my heart out about all my problems. But alas, she was just a distant figure, too far away to reach. But fear not, my fellow homesickness warriors, because a quick phone call with your closed one can work wonders in banishing those feelings. Their voice is like a warm, comforting hug that travels through the telephone lines.

Now, let's shift our attention to the money monster that rears its ugly head. Living abroad as a financially-challenged student is no joke. Balancing a tight budget while still trying to enjoy the experience feels like walking a tightrope blindfolded. It takes serious budgeting skills and a bit of hustle on the side, but hey, I managed to keep my head above water. A special shoutout to Ramen noodles, the ultimate cheap and surprisingly tasty savior. You have truly saved countless broke souls like mine.

Ah, the language and culture shock. When I first landed in Canada, comprehending lectures and actively participating in class discussions felt like attempting to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. And let's not even mention the struggles of socializing at parties - it was like being lost in a translation labyrinth. But hey, I adapted and started speaking the language like a true local. Well, maybe "sort of" is a more accurate description. Lache pas la patate! C'est tiguidou!

Finally, I can't forget to address the wacky ride of dietary and health adventures. Upon arrival in Canada, my poor stomach revolted against their cuisine on a daily basis. I had a stomachache that made its unwelcome presence felt every single day. Talk about a rude introduction to Canadian food. But fear not, I survived by forging my own culinary path. And let me tell you, I've fallen head over heels in love with the iconic poutine! Who knew that a rocky start could lead to such a delicious destination?

Tips for International Students

Alright, listen up, future international students! It's survival tip time, and I've got some nuggets of wisdom to share.

First and foremost, don't let any opportunity slip by to meet new people. Integration parties, clubs, events - seize them all and let loose. These are the ideal playgrounds for mingling and forming connections. Trust me, the more friends you make, the easier it'll be to navigate this foreign land.

Now, here's a crucial piece of advice: if you don't already know the local language, make it a top priority to learn it. Being the only one in a room who doesn't get the jokes is a special kind of torture. Don't subject yourself to that mess. Jump headfirst into language classes, language exchange programs, or just dive into local culture and conversations at every opportunity. You'll thank me later when you're in on all the hilarious banter.

Next up, embrace your independence and adult like a boss. You're here to spread your wings. Take charge of your life - from managing your finances to cooking your own meals. Don't be intimidated by adult responsibilities; you've got this! Just remember, while it's tempting to go wild with your newfound freedom, don't blow all your hard-earned cash in the first week. Get to know the local currency, understand the value, and spend wisely. Your future self will thank you when you're not searching for leftover pennies in the couch cushions.

Last but not least, before you hop on that plane, do your research. I'm talking about delving into the culture, climate, and cost of living of your destination. You don't want to end up with a rude awakening, like the icy Canadian winter catching you off guard, or the shocking prices of groceries and rent (not my experience at all :) ). Trust me, a little bit of preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth transition and averting any unpleasant surprises.

So there you have it, my fellow adventurers. Follow these survival tips, soak up every moment of your international journey, and remember to embrace the challenges and triumphs that come your way. Cheers to an incredible experience as an international student!

Overall, studying abroad is like being on a wild rollercoaster ride, with its highs and lows. But let me tell you, the highs are worth every stomach-churning drop. So, if you have the chance to study abroad, grab it, brace yourself, and get ready for the wildest adventure of your life! If you want to see which country most suit you, check out this page, it could be helpful!