Sure, I’ve traveled to other countries in the past, but the significance of the “study abroad” experience was unparalleled. I grappled with questions about whether the investment was truly worthwhile and if it offered more than just another checkmark on my travel list. These uncertainties lingered in my mind for weeks leading up to the crucial decision day.
As the deadline approached, I made the bold choice to embark on the study abroad journey. Fast forward a few weeks, and Singapore transformed from a distant place on the map to a place I fondly called my “home away from home.”
Now, back in my familiar environment, I perceive the world through a new lens. The initial fear of the unknown has dissipated, replaced by a newfound confidence in navigating unfamiliar territories, both literal and metaphorical.
But what about you? As you contemplate your own study abroad expedition, what factors should you take into account and prepare for? Let’s delve into the realities, challenges, and ultimately, the gratifying aspects of studying abroad.
Go Somewhere Completely Unfamiliar
At first glance, this suggestion may seem counterintuitive. Why choose an unfamiliar destination when moving to a foreign country for an extended period? The beauty of studying abroad lies in the established support system it offers. You have the backing of your home university, the host institution, and a network of international peers. This safety net allows you to take a leap of faith and explore a destination that may lie outside your comfort zone, knowing that you’re not alone in this endeavor.
When I initially planned to study abroad, my sights were set on a program in France. My goal was to enhance my French language skills, and the familiarity of the country made it a comfortable choice. However, when the program got canceled mere months before my departure date, I faced a dilemma: either forfeit the opportunity or select an alternative destination from the remaining options. With popular programs in countries like the U.K. and Spain fully booked, I had to choose from less conventional locations such as Morocco, Norway, Thailand, Denmark, and Singapore. While these countries weren’t initially on my radar, Singapore stood out due to its thriving international opportunities in my desired career field, particularly the potential for an internship.
Opting for the seemingly “unfamiliar” Singapore turned out to be a transformative decision.
Identify Your Motivation
Studying abroad transcends merely checking off travel destinations from a list. It presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in a foreign culture, gain new experiences, all while being supported by your academic community. It can open doors to a realm of possibilities that may not be accessible in your home country.
What drives your desire to study abroad? Are you eager to refine your language proficiency in France, challenge yourself with research in the Amazon, or delve into the rich art history of Italy? Perhaps you aspire to secure an internship in Tokyo’s tech sphere or volunteer in a rural Kenyan village.
Therefore, selecting a destination should be a strategic decision. If professional growth is your objective, explore programs offering internship placements aligned with your field. Seeking adventure? Look into programs that involve field research, outdoor expeditions, or immersive cultural encounters. Remember, the ideal location is one that aligns with your unique aspirations.
While my initial motivation was to enhance my French fluency, fate intervened. The cancellation of my program led me to explore the opportunities Singapore presented in my desired career domain, ultimately leading to an internship that shaped my professional trajectory.
Account for Additional Expenses
While program fees often take center stage during budgeting, studying abroad entails supplementary costs that significantly impact your finances. Let’s examine some crucial areas:
Visas: Brace yourself for the visa application process! Different countries have varying requirements, translating to diverse costs. A friend who had previously studied in France shared that she spent over $1,000 on her student visa, including expenses for a visit to the French Consulate in Chicago to obtain specific forms and hiring an official translator to verify the accuracy of her French-filled documents. Conversely, acquiring my Singapore student visa incurred a nominal fee and fortunately didn’t necessitate a consulate visit.
Early research on your chosen country’s visa prerequisites and budget for potential embassy visits, translations, and associated fees to avoid financial surprises.
Living Expenses: Costs for accommodation, food, and transportation vary significantly by location. Conduct thorough research! Evaluate average rental prices, grocery expenses, and public transportation fares to gain a realistic financial overview. Your lifestyle choices will greatly influence these costs, so consider your preferred level of comfort, dietary habits, and travel intentions.
Travel & Exploration: Studying abroad offers the chance to explore not only your host city but also the surrounding region at a relatively lower cost compared to traveling from your home country. Imagine embarking on a weekend escapade to Bangkok for \(400 instead of spending over \)3,000 and enduring a 23-hour journey from the U.S.
My memories of Bangkok still evoke joy: the vibrant street food, the magnificent temples, the bustling markets – experiences that wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t budgeted for such regional explorations.
Cultivate Relationships with Local Students
While forming connections with fellow international students enriches your study abroad experience, confining yourself to this circle may deprive you of a valuable aspect: building friendships with local residents.
I understand the allure of bonding with international peers due to shared experiences and cultural affinities. Yet, some of my most cherished moments in Singapore stem from interactions with local friends. They introduced me to hidden gems – quaint eateries, unexplored corners of the city, and the warmth of their homes.
One of my fondest memories from Singapore was being invited to a friend’s home for Chinese New Year. At the conclusion of the meal, my friend unveiled a large platter adorned with raw fish and an assortment of vegetables, known as Lo Hei or prosperity salad. Equipped with chopsticks, we encircled the dish – eight of us in total – and at the countdown of “Three… Two… One…” we gleefully tossed the salad in the air with our chopsticks, exclaiming “Lo Hei” for prosperity. Amidst the carrot shreds and peanut fragments adorning my attire, I found myself laughing alongside my new friends. We toasted to prosperity in the New Year, and secretly, I toasted to the bonds forged and experiences gained.
Pack Wisely
Preparing for an extended study abroad stint may seem daunting, especially when it comes to packing. How does one condense a myriad of outfits into a single suitcase while ensuring readiness for any occasion?
Ditch the “Just in Case” Mentality: While packing an outfit for every conceivable scenario may appear tempting, it often leads to an overstuffed suitcase, leaving minimal room for souvenirs or potential shopping sprees at your destination.
Embrace Versatility: Opt for versatile neutrals and mix-and-match pieces. Pack a selection of high-quality staples such as versatile jeans, a skirt, a few tops, and a multipurpose jacket. These items can be effortlessly combined to create an array of day, evening, and travel-ready ensembles.
Accessorize for Impact: Invest in a few statement accessories like scarves, belts, or jewelry that can elevate your basic outfits into distinctive, personalized looks. Accessories are lightweight yet wield substantial style influence.
Prepare for Varied Weather: Familiarize yourself with the climate of your destination, but remain adaptable as weather conditions can be unpredictable. Pack layers that can be easily added or removed, and don’t overlook essentials like rain gear and comfortable footwear for exploration.
Prioritize Essentials: When embarking on an extended journey, I opt to exclude items readily available at my destination. Toiletries such as toothpaste, razors, lotion, and shampoo are generally accessible worldwide. Save space by purchasing these essentials upon arrival.
Allocate for Weekend Getaways
Studying abroad extends beyond your host city; it serves as a gateway to exploring an entire region at a fraction of the cost compared to traveling from your home country. Picture indulging in a weekend escapade to Bangkok for \(400 instead of shelling out \)3,000+ and enduring a lengthy journey from the U.S.
My reminiscence of Bangkok continues to evoke delight: the lively street food scene, the majestic temples, the bustling markets – experiences that wouldn’t have materialized if I hadn’t allocated resources for such regional excursions.
In Conclusion
As I sat on the plane en route to the U.S., observing the cargo ships fade beneath the clouds in the port of Singapore, I couldn’t help but reflect on my transformative months spent there. The individual who departed from the U.S. a few months earlier wasn’t the same person witnessing the same cargo ships upon arrival. From someone who initially dismissed the notion of “studying abroad changing lives” to someone articulating the impact in an article, the journey had reshaped me in profound ways.
Embarking on the study abroad venture may have seemed like a leap of faith, but it emerged as the most enriching decision of my college years. It propelled me beyond my comfort zone, broadened my perspectives, and instilled in me a sense of . If you’re contemplating taking the plunge, I urge you to seize the opportunity. Embrace the unfamiliar, step outside your comfort zone, and immerse yourself in the experiences awaiting you. The memories forged and lessons learned will endure a lifetime.
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