11 Things I Learned While Studying Abroad
If there’s a moment in my life I enjoyed the most, was my semester studying abroad in New Jersey in 2015. For the first time, I was completely alone. With no friends or family who I can run to if I was sad or in trouble. But it was an experience full of learning and personal growth.
I met wonderful people and got the chance to explore around. Also, an amazing opportunity to improve my English. That was my number one reason why I decided to spend a whole semester in an American university. Fun fact: I was so tired the first weeks that I not only slept super early but also had to take naps everyday! I told that to an aunt and she told me it was probably because I was using my brain too much. That made me laugh because certainly, I was. I was translating every word people told me 24/7. It was exhausting.
1. If you are learning a new language, don’t be scared of making mistakes
I was sharing an apartment on campus with three girls. From Korea, Brazil, and England. So I didn’t have anyone to speak Spanish with me. It was speaking in English or becoming mute. So even though I didn’t know some words I tried my best to express what I wanted to say. It was really frustrating trying to explain a funny story and in the middle of the story, I would need to look some words in the dictionary because I didn’t know the word in English. It totally killed the funny part.
But the important thing is: go for it. Do the best you can! People will help to figure it out what you are trying to say. I tried many things to explain what I wanted to say. I would be like: you know… the thing that goes over there. And it’s black and yellow. What’s the name of that? Forget the embarrassment. At the end, you will laugh. It’s part of the studying abroad experience.
Are you scared people will laugh at you? Rude people are everywhere and you need to ignore them. Take any correction the best you can. They don’t get how hard can it be to learn a new language.
2. When meeting new people. Leave anxiety behind
We all have been there. Going to a place where you just know one person can be hard and awkward. But going to a place where you don’t know anyone can be a total nightmare, especially if you are shy. Before studying abroad, I was scared no one would like me and I would be alone all the time. But I told myself: Melissa, don’t think too much about it. Be yourself and talk. You won’t be the only one trying to make friends.
So don’t overthink it. Be yourself and enjoy the moment. The chances are, you will make great friends while studying abroad! And remember… not everyone has to like you. You just need to be nice.
3. Learning different cultures is an amazing thing
I didn’t only have the chance to immerse myself in the American culture. I also had the opportunity to learn about three others! Thanks to Holly, I got to try British food (she cooked for us many times!), we went with Ah Ra and other Koreans to Koreatown in NYC and try their food. And I danced Brazilian music with Mainah.
Four different cultures were living in an apartment. We were learning many things every day!
It’s important to have an open mind about what other people do. It might be weird for you. But for a whole country is totally normal.
4. Have patience with yourself
You are learning many things at the same time. You don’t have to do everything perfectly. It’s okay if you make mistakes or if do something wrong. I got upset with myself many times. Especially because I knew I could do better. One time I got a D in one exam. I was so sad! I called my mom crying; because it wasn’t only the first time I got a bad grade, but it was also my first exam there! I felt like a failure and since I stress so easily I started saying I would fail all my classes. At the end, I passed that class with a C!
So love yourself and be proud! You already made a difficult decision of studying abroad. You left your family and friends. You are allowed to do many mistakes.
5. Be proud of your accomplishes. Even when they are little
I was always nervous to go and buy things at the grocery store, or a restaurant. Scared they wouldn’t understand what I was saying (I still am sometimes). I even spelled wrong my name once because I couldn’t remember the vowels on my own name! The girl at the cash register look at me weird and she told me: okay, Malesse. You order will be ready in a few minutes. So embarrassing!
The next time I rehearse in my head while queueing. And when it was my turn. I did it the right way! I high five myself after that. So, people, every small victory needs to be celebrated.
On a side note: Some people can’t get my name right because of how I pronounce it. In English, it sounds like muh-lihs-uh. And I don’t say it like that.
6. Don’t study too hard. Studying abroad is more about experiences
I am responsible. And you should be too, by the way. I did all my homework and I went to my classes. But I didn’t study as much as I would have been if I was in Chile. I used my time for different activities. Like exploring and traveling.
The week after spring break I had all my midterms. And I didn’t study enough for them. Why would I if I was in Hawaii learning other things? Like what happened in the Atack on Pearl Harbour, for example. I passed all my exams, not because I studied a lot. But because I cared enough to pay attention in class.
What I mean is. Go, explore, and learn. But also, don’t fail in your classes.
7. Don’t be scared to be alone
I’m a people person. Even when I want to be alone, I need at least one person in the same place as me. Or a dog. That can work too. The point is, being alone while you are eating lunch, walking to your classes, or while you are exploring a new place doesn’t mean you will have a bad time. You don’t have to be with someone to enjoy a new experience.
Not everyone will want to go to the same place as you. And that’s okay. Just go and have a good time!
8. Being independent is important
Before going to New Jersey, I had my mom and dad to help me with everything. Also, they had the power to make me do whatever they wanted. Even deciding the places I should or not go. While studying abroad I was on my own, making decisions for myself, cooking just for me and deciding if I wanted to go or not parties.
I learned so many things! For example, being an adult sucks. Not always, but is certainly hard. And also, being your own person is really satisfying. When you grow up in a bubble like me, being independent meant a lot for my personal growth.
9. Stay calm when problems come
Whatever it is, it has a solution. Don’t panic. The best you can do is breath, think your options and do the best you can to solve it. Also, you are not alone. Your family might not be there to help like they would usually do. But you will have other people there to help you. Depending on what the problem is, you can always ask your friends there or your advisor at the University.
10. Say yes to every opportunity
Even if it’s something boring! The woman in charge of the international students asked me if I wanted to be in a university fair talking to students about my country and why they should go to Chile to study abroad. Not many knew where was Chile, or what happens there. And I was happy to help them with all their questions!
So even if it is a 10-minute thing. Do it! You don’t know how good that can be for you in the future.
11. Truth. It will be the experience of a lifetime
Guys, I still can’t get over my amazing experience at Montclair State. I made amazing friends, met the love of my life and I got to improve my English. If you ever have the opportunity to do it. Go ahead! You will love it.
Hi, Melissa, it’s Luiza, I’m the Brazilian girl who lived at 4B, I don’t know if you will remember me, I was friends with Mainah and we hung out a lot in your apartment. This post described everything I personally felt while living in MSU, I have so many good memories!!!!!!!! Actually, I remember exactly about that picture from that snow day we all went outside The Village to slide. God, I miss those days so much!!!!
I’m glad to see that you are okay (:
You’re blog is amazing and I have only good memories of meeting you.
Best of luck!
OMG Luiza! I’m so happy to hear about you. This comment means a lot! Just the other day I was looking at the photos of our time at MSU. It was definitely the best experience.
I hope you are doing amazing!
I send you a big hug.
Studying abroad would be amazing! I declined my opportunity to go to England and I still regret it to this day. I’m currently living vicariously through my friend who is living in London. I studied Spanish and learning about the culture was some of the most interesting (and best) part about it. I loved everything about it.
Maybe you can try again in something else. Like doing a Spanish course in another country! It’s really interesting to know how other people does certain things. Thanks for reading!
Studying abroad really opens your mind =o)
https://dreamofadventures.com/
It really does! In so many ways.
This is amazing! I studied abroad in Beijing for a semester during my junior year of college & it was definitely life-changing! I always wanted to go to China and learn Chinese. So since I was able to go there & improve on what I learned in the USA – it was literally indescribable. I completely agree with all of your points and I know that it’s a once in a lifetime experience that we were so lucky to have the opportunity to do!
We were really lucky! How amazing is that you went to Beijing! I tried to learn Chinese a few times. I just know how to write my name, say hello and it’s too expensive lol
I love this post. You are so brave for going somewhere by yourself and not even knowing the language. That must have been incredibly intimidating – I can’t even imagine! Also, I love your picture with the squirrel. If you don’t already read it, you should check out the comic book Squirrel Girl. I know it sounds weird, but it’s hilarious and so great! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23732096-the-unbeatable-squirrel-girl-volume-1?ac=1&from_search=true
xo
Bobbi
http://www.bobbihearts.com/
Awww, thank you Bobbi! I’m going to check out that comic now. Sounds really funny.
I think my biggest thing is I like to plan everything and have a schedule and I know that wouldn’t be the case always and that stresses me
It’s hard. But you learn many things with the experience!
My sister traveled abroad and I lived vicariously through her experience since it didn’t work into my course schedule. It definitely seems like a life-altering experience and something you should do if given the chance!
It was life-altering for me, for sure. You can always try something different! Like working abroad 🙂
These are such great tips! I’ve never studied abroad during college but all of my family lives in Europe so I have been able to travel to a lot of cool and new places! I think #9 is so important – I’m such a planner type of person and when something doesn’t go my way or how I planned it then I get really stressed out. Part of traveling is to enjoy the entire experience including things that are unplanned!
xo, Allie
http://www.champagne-tuesdays.com
Traveling is an amazing experience! You learn many things. And me too! when things don’t go as planned is a really stressful situation for me. Thanks for reading, Allie!
Such great tips! That’s one thing I never did that I wish I would’ve done.
You can always try to live abroad!
I totally agree with your post. When I was studying in abroad, I barely knew how to speak English, so I was also very scared and nervous when I had to speak in English. But, once I overcame my fear, I became so confident. I mean, we should take the challenge and experience new things in a new place! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this! Love it! xx
Dabin / http://dabindb.blogspot.kr/
Overcoming the fear of talking is the key. I realized that when I started to feel more confident with my English. Thanks for reading, Dabin!
I completely regret not studying abroad in college. I wish I had more of an opportunity to get out and explore the world before I got bogged down with the work routine. It’s almost impossible for me to visit anywhere longer than a week now. I’m so glad you had a wonderful experience!!!
That’s what upsets me the most with adult life! Traveling is an amazing experience.
Ahh I love this! Makes me regret that I didn’t study abroad – wahhh!
Enclothed Cognition
You can always try to live abroad!
I always wished I could’ve studied abroad. It sounds like you had such an amazing experience.
I did! It was fun and I learned a lot
It’s amazing what comes of getting out of your comfort zone. You really learned and grew so much after studying abroad!
I did! I was a better person when I came back. Thanks for reading, Nicole!
I have never been abroad, but I loved that you touched on celebrating your accomplishments even if they’re small. In another place, that’s huge!
Exactly! For me it was huge, so I deserved a celebration hahaha.
I LOVE this so much!!! These are such important things to remember! It’s such an experience and you really do have to make the best of it and live out of your comfort zone – that’s the whole point! 🙂 Great post girl!
Thank you, Adriana! I was totally living out of my comfort zone. Here and then it’s something we all should do 🙂
I loved reading about your perspective of studying abroad! That’s one thing I wish I did when I was in school.
Thank you! It was a really good experience 🙂
I always wanted to study abroad, but never had the chance. It sounds like such an amazing thing to do! I’m glad you had a good experience here in the US. So funny about the squirrels – I didn’t realize Chile didn’t have them!
Carrie | http://carrieeliseandkho.com/
The best part it’s learning about other cultures! And yeah, we don’t have 🙁 Every time I go to the US I get so happy when I see them! They are adorable.
Glad you enjoyed studying abroad here in the US! So funny to hear your experiences, especially with squirrels!
Squirrels are so funny! They ones in Central Park where so smart they know when you have food to give hahaha
Such a beautiful and insightful post! I wish I could’ve studied abroad!
Thank you Rachel!
Your experience sounds amazing! I love the tip about saying yes to every opportunity. I would want to try everything I could if I had the ability, it could be a once in a lifetime thing!
Madison // http://www.madsmaybe.com
That’s so important! And even if you don’t have the ability and you see a chance. Take it!
It’s so cute when foreigners obsess over our squirrels! Americans see them everyday, so we don’t really care about them, but I guess they are cute! I’m glad that you enjoyed your studying abroad experience! I live in CT which is pretty close to NJ!
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
I know! I always joke with my boyfriend about getting one. He never gets too happy with that hahaha
My study abroad semester is the best thing I have ever done! Good for you for taking the bull by the horns and using your English!!
Tori
http://www.mooretori.com
It is for sure the best decision you can make! Amazing experience. Thanks for reading, Tori!
So fun! I always struggle with meeting new people like that.
Moments like this one are a great opportunity to overcome that struggle!
So glad you had a good experience! Loved seeing photos of your best memories! I studied abroad for a summer in college and unfortunately it wasn’t the best experience, but I did still have a few fun adventuring days. 🙂
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Oh no! I’m sad to hear that. But at least something good happened while studying abroad 🙂
I love all of these! I never got to study abroad in college, but I did get to travel a lot! My husband is Zimbabwean, so I am slowly but surely learning his native language. I want to be able to hold a conversation whenever we go back to his country and visit his family, but I always get so nervous whenever someone here speaks to me in Shona. You’re so right, though, you can’t be worried about making mistakes. I loved reading about your recount of studying abroad, it looks like you had a fantastic time & learned a lot! 🙂
That’s amazing! Learning a new language is so changeling. For your brain and for you as a person. Thanks for reading, Christina!
This is wonderful. All of these things are very important for people to think about when studying or living in a different country!
Exactly! It can look hard, but the you are already there you just have to keep swimming hahaha