Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about study abroad programs. I have studied abroad several times and taught classes abroad. As a professor, I have had many exchange students who come to study in the USA. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to share both the positives and the negatives of travel, whether it’s short-term or long-term. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about being a foreign exchange student.
Hate #1: Getting a Student Visa
If you are studying in a country that requires a visa, it can be kind of a hassle to get. I’ve had to do this several times, and you end up wasting an entire day at an embassy or consulate. Fortunately, a lot of undergraduate study abroad programs will help arrange this for you, but most Master’s and Ph.D. students are on their own to obtain a student visa. So when you are looking at programs make sure you schedule a day or two to deal with waiting for an interview or filling out an incredible number of forms.
Love #1: Studying Abroad is Fun
For most people, studying abroad is one of the best times of your life. You get to meet new people, oftentimes you are treated like a local celebrity, and living in a new country opens up a ton of new travel possibilities. Student exchange programs often have additional activities and opportunities to meet other students, in addition to the friends you will make through classes and living arrangements. And let’s not forget the incredible amount of parties that exchange students are famous for, just saying you are an exchange students puts people in a different frame of mind, you are already cool and fun just by being an exchange student.
Hate #2: Finding Accommodation
Figuring out where to live while you study abroad is a frustrating process. You can a dorm or an apartment, live with roommates or on your own or have a host family that you live with. I’ve tried each option, and they all have their pros and cons. Make sure you ask at the study abroad office if they have a program in place for helping students find housing.
Love #2: Side Trips & Travel
Continuing with the first “love” is all of the travel you’ll do while studying abroad. You definitely have to take advantage of living in a new country and getting out to see more than the city where you are studying. Find out where the locals go on the weekends and holidays, and take advantage of shorter flights to nearby countries. If you study abroad in Europe, you’ll be amazed at how many countries you can visit just by traveling on the weekends.
Hate #3: Studying Abroad
It used to be that exchange students got a bit of a pass when it comes to actual school work. But professors these days do not really differentiate and expect the same effort from all of their students. A lot of grades today also depend on teamwork, so you’ll be put on teams with students who are taking their grades very seriously, and will expect you to do the same.
Love #3: Improved Job Prospects
This is a good reason to present to your parents so they will approve your study abroad plans. Studying abroad looks great on your resume, and nearly every job interview I’ve had turns to my study abroad experience. It’s a great conversation starter, and it shows that you are adaptable and willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.
Hate #4: Getting Sick Abroad
It’s inevitable that you’ll end up sick at some point while you are studying abroad. Even if it’s just a minor cold or cough, it sucks being in a foreign country. Maybe you don’t speak the language and you don’t know what medicine to buy, or you don’t know where to find a doctor that speaks your language. It’s always a good idea to carry a small amount of medicines from home. I’ve had a couple of situations where some instructions were lost in translation when a doctor prescribed medicine to me.
Love #4: New Friends & Family
Nothing compares to the new friends and family you will make during your time abroad. You’ll have an easy bond with your fellow exchange students, as you are all new in town and going through the same “loves and hates.” You’ll also meet the locals, and if you live with a host family, you’ll likely form a strong bond with them as well.
Hate #5: Leaving New Friends at the End of Your Term
The worst part of studying abroad is when it all comes to an end. You’ll end up making so many new friends from all over the world, and saying goodbye to them can be really hard. You may or may not ever see these friends again, and it really can feel like heartbreak to leave your new life behind, even if you are super excited to also reunite with your friends and family back home.
Love #5: Broadening Your Horizons
Regardless of your travel experience or cultural background, studying abroad will open your eyes and broaden your horizons. You’ll see the world from a new perspective, in addition to learning a new language. There is just something that happens when you study abroad, it is not a vacation sensation. It is a life changing opportunity that really broadens your horizons and helps you better understand the world.
Seven Tips for Learning a New Language
The entire study abroad experience, including the “hates,” is worth it. Of course, the hates are just things to think about when choosing a study abroad program, not a reason to stay home! Want more travel tips? Check out these blog posts: