I have studied abroad for a year in China and in the Netherlands. This is my take on what to expect in your first year as a student.
Education
First things first: the main reason why you are now abroad: is educational development. I love to start with this one because specific repeated memories come to mind. In a sentence, I will say it like this: too many people will be better and smarter than you and that is fine. Allow me to start with China. I went to this country to study the language. I had taken some Chinese courses back home during high school and thought I was ready to defend myself. No Way. In the intake, I could not even remember how to say the seasons of the year I was directly put in level 1 of 12 😂. Later on, I discovered my roommate (3 years younger than me) had been allocated to level 10 of 12😵💫. In the beginning, it was a shock, then I embraced the opportunity of having Emily close by when doing my homework. So please expect to feel the competition, many will be better than you and that is only an opportunity.
Fear
Wow… the fear! The overwhelming feeling of stepping out of the comfort zone. For that, my best example is in the Netherlands. I remember the first day I rode my bike to a dinner with some friends… It was terrifying! The city center of Maastricht seemed so confusing and the restaurant was so far away. The adrenaline I felt when I made it and found where to park my bike is still unforgettable. Studying abroad will make you step out of your comfort zone and that can be scary many times.
Culture Shock
Do your best to know what to expect about people’s behavior. The Dutch for example are incredibly straightforward, they will say what they think all the time especially if you ask for their opinion and they will not sugarcoat it. To reduce disappointments, keep yourself aware of cultural behaviors.
Keep the Balance
When I think back to my years of studying I remember making more efforts to comply with school than socially. Although I am convinced I did my best to keep all my interests covered, I highly suggest keeping your balance between the fun and the responsibilities. All the fun will not only bring you closer to the degree, but also missing out on friends and connecting with new people, and going to new places will not bring you closer to a more fulfilled life experience.
FOMO
Another advice I can give is to not let FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) creep on you. You will not be able to do it all, not even in one full year, with time-wise, and budget-wise, it might get tight here and there, nevertheless stay present, the best of avoiding FOMO is to keep your balance, put your phones down, connect with others, enjoy one day and one moment at a time.
Budget and a Side Job
Speaking of the budget getting tight, it is important to plan your monthly expenses, separate the fixed ones, and manage the variable ones. Sometimes things seem too cheap and are easy to get carried away (e.g. me in China and buying things on Taobao), sometimes we are just not paying attention and end up spending more than we should (e.g. drinking a bit more, a larger dinner out…) in some countries you will be allowed to have a side job, for example in the Netherlands you can work as a student for some hours per week. Having a student job to make some pocket money is advisable.
Possibilities to Stay Longer
Towards the end of the study experience, chances are that you will want to stay longer. You will not want it to end and/or you might want to extend your studies or find a job. My best advice is to check this before during your application process to know what to expect. For example, when in China we could extend our scholarship for an additional year. In the Netherlands, after graduation, all alumni are entitled to apply for an “Orientation Year Permit” , a 1-year visa to work part-time while they look for a full-time job and a visa sponsor. Plan ahead your stay! perhaps you can prepare documents and requierements before hand.
I wish you an extraordinary and successful first year studying abroad.
With love,
Sofia
