You step off the plane in a whole new country and you can’t quite believe you’ve actually made it. After months of planning and paperwork, you’re finally at the country of your choice, and you know the next few months will be a fantastic experience.
You step off the plane in a whole new country and you can’t quite believe you’ve actually made it. After months of planning and paperwork, you’re finally at the country of your choice, and you know the next few months will be a fantastic experience.
Understandably, the first 24 hours are going to be pretty scary. If you’re in a country that you have never visited before, everything seems pretty alien. You don’t know how to get anywhere and the public transport makes no sense whatsoever. The thing to remember is that you will make it to where you need to be – after all, it’s the only choice you have.
When you do finally arrive at your accommodation, there’s a sense of relief. It’s quite exciting to know that this will be your home for the next few months. And even if the accommodation isn’t great, it’s not the end of the world. After all, what’s university without living in slightly rubbish accommodation?!
At first, you may feel fairly isolated. You may not know anyone and may be alone in a foreign country. Then it really hits you that you’re far from what you know and the homesickness may kick in. However daunting it may seem, it’s up to you to help the situation. If you see someone going past in your halls, say hi to them - they will most likely be feeling the same way as you - try to make contact with those living around you and work together to overcome the terrifying public transport. There are so many positives about putting in the effort.
So, the first 24 hours of study abroad is something of an emotional rollercoaster. There’s excitement; nervousness; fear; joy and loads more. But once you get to know people and navigate your way around, it’s bound to get better.