5 things you didn't know about studying abroad
Studying abroad is often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to so many people; a unique chance to be immersed in a country, city and environment by studying a new language and living with a host family. All your careful planning may still not prepare you for these 5 surprising things you didn't know about studying abroad.
Studying abroad will...
...change you and your perception of the world.
One amazing thing that people do not know about studying abroad is that a drastic change will happen to them. First, you will begin to embrace a new lifestyle and culture when immersed in a new environment. You will begin to think differently as you learn about other political and social systems. People from different tribes, tongues, races and nations converge into a single place, such as your language school, and share their cultural backgrounds. You will begin to analyze yourself using different criteria. Your perception of yourself and the world will change. In fact, you will begin to have another notion about the world entirely.
...cost more than you expect.
The cost of studying abroad is usually more expensive than you may think. Upon arriving at your place of study, there is every possibility to start doing, seeing, tasting and buying new things that are lacking in your home country. You will want to explore and visit some new places. This may be above your normal budget expectations prior to departing from home so be prepared to spend more than planned.
...be frustrating.
Frustration may creep in at times while studying abroad. Cultural differences may put some frustrations on you along with the language barrier. You may have miscommunications with your classmates or host family. You may not understand some basic things, such as how to buy a train ticket. However, this is the beauty of learning as you will finally adapt to the new culture, language and way of life.
...make you fall in love.
Another thing you did not know about studying abroad is that you will likely adapt quickly to so many new notions. This can be found in the likes of falling in love with food, culture, world views and maybe even someone special. You will meet unexpected people and discover new places. You will fall in love with your new environment and you may not want to return home.
...change your life.
Studying abroad is an irreplaceable, life-changing experience that you may not expect. You will never be the same person after studying in another country; your morals, attitudes, habits and other personal experiences will certainly change. You will never look back.