Should I stay or should I go, A Guide To Your Semester Abroad

  Manchester, England • July 27th 2024

Your Guide to a Fulfilling Exchange Experience

There is truly nothing more terrifying than the pre-exchange anxiety, nothing can prepare you for packing up your entire life and moving country, to a completely different culture and leaving all your friends and family behind but I can say wholeheartedly it will be the best experience of your life. It is undoubtedly one of the best things that has happened to me and has changed me completely as a person for the better. 

I moved from Scotland to Sweden for 7 months and it of course changed my life entirely.

Moving from the bustling big city of Glasgow to the tiny town of Lund in South Sweden was a daunting idea but if I could I would do it over again, I would do it a million times over just to experience exchange life again.

The friends you will make will be lifelong and special, learning to live independently helps you discover new parts of yourself I promise, you didn't even know existed. You will be changed forever. 

I know it is terrifying, the idea of upping your comfort and familiarity to a new place, making new friends, and making new norms is so scary but so worth it. I've been back a month now and I thought I would compile what I've learnt since being away and something I wish someone could have told me before I left.

My core advice post-study:

There is always a flight back, but often, staying and pushing through the challenges lead to the most rewarding experiences. It is okay to feel overwhelmed or homesick at times but don't let those feelings overshadow the excitement of your new adventure.

Say yes to everything,

Of course within reason but this is one of the best ways to make friends in the beginning. 

Coffee after your first lecture? Yes. Drinks on Friday night? Yes. A new friend has found flights to a cheap nearby city? Please say yes to everything.

Adapting to a new environment takes time and patience. You'll experience moments of frustration, loneliness, and uncertainty but each hurdle you overcome adds to your personal growth. Embrace the journey, knowing that every low point is temporary.

No one is standing on the top from day one. Embrace the learning curve and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember success is not about how quickly you reach the top, but rather the lessons learned and experiences gained during the climb.

And most importantly: You have got this.