#year abroad

[bababeks]

Autumn sun through my window

7.11.2022

[lastrosebloom]

02.12.2025

After a lovely weekend in Paris (will share some more photos soon/write a post on my year abroad blog about it, promise) I'm back to regular uni life. Yesterday I had no lessons but today I have my Antique Literature class followed immediately by my Madame Bovary exam, which I am currently looking over my notes for.

This exam is for the international students specifically, so it's in December rather than January and they've made it so that we respond to specific questions rather than having to write an essay for four hours! I'm very grateful for that. We are allowed bilingual dictionaries too, so I have borrowed one from the university library. I am not particularly worried about it as I feel fairly confident that I can answer most general questions about the book, but I do fear that my French grammar might let me down here so I am going to make sure to check and double check all my gender and plural agreements.

(Also I <3 the library vending machine cappuccinos❗️ they're 1.60€ and warm me right up on these rainy days ☕️)

[emiwuaidmslomc]

I stand by the fact i love being alone and want to live alone ........

however,,, I do fear that without my friends I am reaching new levels of delusion which make it harder to integrate back into normal society

[griffineatsbread]

things that i learned in canada so far

Five year olds do not understand the rules to UNO.

Walmart is the most absurd thing ever

Social awkwardness transcends cultural differences and can be great for bonding

Big trucks

Milk cartons are not the way you would expect them to be. Embrace it

Tim Hortons really is everywhere. I know it's a cliché but it's kinda true

[slavic-roots-western-mind]

The right mindset for an exchange year abroad

There's no singular correct mindset or way of thinking when it comes to planning and preparing for a year abroad. However, there are some aspects that can make life a little easier so here's what you should consider doing.

Accepting being an obvious foreigner If you're doing a year in a country such as China, then be prepared to be the odd person. Yes, chances are you will get stared at. You may hear "waiguoren"!, especially if you got travelling outside of the more international areas. Yes, you will sometimes feel like an outsider, like you'll never fully integrate. And that's ok. A reality that I had to accept is that whilst I may be welcome to stay here, I will remain an obvious visitor here.

Trying new things An obvious one, but don't just stay in your dorm watching tv-shows all the time. Get out and explore the city. Even if you decide to talk a stroll in the local park, that also counts. Obviously there wil be days when you need to recharge and spend some time by yourself, but going out and leaving your bubble can be the greatest kindness that you show yourself.

Break out of your shell Similar to point #2, but this one can be tricky. Trying new things e.g. trying a new dish at your school canteen vs going to a local restaurant by yourself are a tad different. This one takes time, and even the most outgoing person can struggle with this in a foreign place. Baby steps are the way to go here. If you feel anxious about going to the restaurant, try a cafe in a student/university area first. You can order your drink and if you feel comfortable enough, you can find a spot there and do some reading/studying. In time, you'll feel confident enough to try other places that you may have previously found intimidating. Breaking out of your shell takes time, so don't push yourself too much.

The local customs will endure long after you have left My professors back at my home uni always said "the local way trumps your way", and they were proven right time after time. Certain things are done a certain way, and whether you like it or not they will continue. The best thing to do, is to research in advance and try to adapt to them. Who knows, maybe in time they'll grow on you (aka me almost forgetting how to use a fork after using chopsticks for so long).

It's usually curiosity, not malice Sometimes you will get stared at, or you may be asked odd questions that in your culture would seem bizzare or perhaps a tad offensive e.g. how much do you/your parents earn? are you married? do you have children? Usually it's asked out of curiosity, rather than to cause offense or malice so try to keep that in mind.

Overcome the feeling of temporariness This is an odd one, but the fact that I'm here in China only for a while sometimes gets to me. Like why bother decorating my dorm room if I'll leave in the end? Why buy an extra blanket if I'll have to donate it if it doesn't fit into my suitcase? Forget this mentality. Yes, you're here for only a year, or maybe even half a year. But. This doesn't mean that you should neglect yourself and your living space. If its affordable and if it'll make your life much more easier and comfortable, then get that thing! If you don't have space in your suitcase, then either ship it back home, sell it, give it to a friend or donate it.

Don't forget about your life back home Keep in touch with your friends and family. You don't necessarily need to call them everyday, but do sent a message every once in a while. A simple "good morning!" text can be enough to reassure your parent(s) that everything's ok. Make sure to keep in touch with your home uni academic advisors, and to make sure that you're meeting all the necessary requirements. Mark the application deadline for those summer internships in your calendar, and don't forget to send your auntie that happy birthday message. You have your current life, but please don't neglect your relationships with your loved ones back at home.

[rina-studies-ir]

I got allocated to SNU for my exchange uni! <3

[unhingedlesbianvampire]

Feeling very what the hell am I doing right now, studying abroad in a beautiful city with so many wonderful people but feeling well and truly overwhelmed. Does anyone have tips for studying abroad in a foreign language? 😅

[studyjapanesewithme]

My study abroad (留学) in Japan will start next February and I’m in the process of picking which universities to study at!

I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could let me know about their experience abroad!

I want to apply to Waseda university 早稲田大学 and Meiji university 明治大学, which are both prestigious unis in Tokyo!