Studying in another country: An authentic “roller coaster” of emotions

Doing your studies in a foreign country has many positive aspects, and, in most cases, all students get to enjoy the experience and get the most out of these types of opportunities.

Studying abroad is a wonderful experience, but it’s true that you the student will face many difficulties. It takes time to adjust to the culture of the country and the language. This adjustment period is called cultural adaptation.

To know a little better the feelings we experience in the cultural change involved in studying abroad, it is important to reflect on the different phases and moods that may exist during the course of the experience. In this post, we will talk about the phase prior to arrival in the destination country, and we will review some attitudes that can help maintain the emotional balance during the journey. 

Expectation

This is the most common feeling among students who decide to start studying abroad. This idea of embarking on a trip to the unknown can arise after reading an article, chatting with another student, teammate, teacher, coach, or family member, so in most cases this is an initiative with clear external influences. That is why our expectations vary according to the references we receive from those people who in one way or another influence our decision making. Tips:

• Get all the information you can about the different options that exist to continue with your training in another country.
• Make sure that you know the procedures necessary to do your studies abroad.
• Speak and get references from other students, athletes, teachers, etc. who have experienced similar experiences.
• Identify any elements that may cause difficulties during the process and try to be prepared to face them.
• Prepare your action plan and set different goals for short, medium, and long term.
• Leave room for contingencies.

SATURATION

The necessary procedures to obtain a scholarship, to obtain an admission in a university in another country, and the necessary steps for everything to turn out well can be very stressful. Many students have to perform all these administrative processes while studying, working, practicing a sport, etc. so the load can sometimes be disproportionate. Tips:

• Find out about the possibilities of professional advice available.
• Take leadership of the process, but make this project a collective one involving family and friends.
• Include day to day activities that allow you to escape (do sport, read, stay with friends to chat, enjoy family, etc.).
• Try to be constant at all times.

EUPHORIA

After weeks, months, or even years of paperwork, applications, translations, documents, etc. many students experience a state of euphoria with the confirmation of a scholarship, the arrival of a letter of admission, or the announcement informing of the next incorporation to a selected educational center. Tips:

• Look for a moment of isolation to retrace the path and look forward.

• Save yourself the time it takes to make a decision about the alternatives that exist now.
• Share with your friends and family the good news, because without them you would not have gotten it.
• Try to be calm … Most likely, there is still enough left to achieve the goal.

INSECURITY

Several weeks of farewells, family events, and parties with friends can overlap with the feeling of insecurity at the imminent departure. Questions like Do I really want to leave? Is this the best option? Is this experience really positive? Will I be able to do things right? These doubts arise as a result of the possible exit of your comfort zone. Tips:

• Take the time before your trip to perfect the language in which you will be communicating.
• Make sure you have everything you need to travel (documentation, luggage, mobile, credit cards, etc.).

• Talk to people who know you best and ask them any questions.

• Take a good look at the challenges that you have overcome before.
• Start communicating with your future colleagues, teachers, coaches, host family, etc.
• Create a list with the expectations you have for this experience.

This is a small idea of the most characteristic moments of the phase prior to conducting studies in a country other than your own. We recommend you to follow our blog to discover new and interesting things about studying in the United States and in the United kingdom. Also, create your profile for free in Mooxye, and start looking for opportunities!