Lessons from a Month Abroad

       When people think about studying abroad, they usually get nervous about where they will be once they land there, maybe anxious about the friends they will make abroad. Perhaps uneasy about the entire concept. These are all valid concerns for those living abroad or moving abroad. They reveal a deep uneasiness that comes from our time abroad and our desire to seek community and comfort. But have you ever asked, “Where will I be a month into the program”? This is the puzzle I found myself in after a full month living away; I can confirm I found a home away from home.

Lessons learned Abroad

        After a month in Freiburg, I found myself developing my passions and confidence that I never believed I could earn abroad. Before we begin, I would like to share that you do not need to know everything after a month; there is no “To-Do” list or place you should be after a month. There is no loud cheering or a celebration for your ‘progress’ after a month, nor is there a party for your time away. These goals are set by you; the celebrations happen within yourself, and the time that you spend abroad is only defined by you. So don’t feel the pressure to ‘be somewhere’ after a month; you can define your goals, and you can move them. The keys to happiness are in your hands, so never lose sight of that. 

1. Learning a new language can be hard:

   It’s hard to start all over, to be challenged by simple things we take for granted, like ordering coffee or getting directions. It’s okay to be fluent after a month abroad. However, it is just as important to try, even if you’re struggling to pronounce the words correctly. Going out and attempting to speak the language in daily interactions is an important part of every experience, and you end up learning more than the day you did before. Embrace the challenge and practice your skills. Even if you only know a few Duolingo phrases.

    

2. Making friends is hard and easy:

   Face it, it’s going to be hard to make friends abroad. It’s going to be hard to make that group and click that you desire. It’s going to become challenging to establish that group you feel close to. It’s going to be a challenge to feel that community at first. And it’s totally okay if the first week of orientation didn’t result in you being the most popular kid in the program.

   The challenge of making friends also falls on you. And it’s a little easier than it seems. To go out and say you’re trying out a new dessert to get the community you need, down to curiosity: “Hey, can I come?” All these little moments help create those lasting memories, and they make that community you seek. Be curious, lead with questions and kindness, and you’ll find your community. You’ll find yourself abroad; it’s only a matter of time.

    

3. Set personal goals:

   As easy as this one seems, I never thought too deeply about it, as I never set any goals going into this program. Being excited to embrace the world and ready to challenge myself meant that the personal goal was to arrive in Freiburg and figure it out from there. Clearly, this needed to be fleshed out more. So I advise you to set your goals. Set that benchmark. Make that effort to jog every morning, or push your limits while hiking. Maybe you should try out a new recipe from your roommate. The point of this is that you should feel a sense of accomplishment through small yet doable goals. These goals can be anything your heart desires; they are your personal goals to set and yours to create and accomplish.

    

Lessons yet to be learned.

        I’m sure after a month abroad you still don’t feel fully accomplished. That is part of the plan; you still have a lot of time left after the first month. Not every goal has been checked, and not every corner of your city abroad has been seen. Not every person has become well known; there is still a long way for you to go. There will always be more for you to do abroad. There lie the challenges and the ambition to know every corner. So don’t worry about feeling that things remain undone; there is still plenty more for you to learn and more mistakes to make. The important thing is to stay curious, lead with that curiosity, and let it unlock your ambition. Be the curious one and trust your instincts. There is plenty more for you to learn, so don’t be afraid to try out that new cuisine, walk a new route, and speak to that one you don’t know well. This is your experience abroad, and only that power lies in you. Keep being curious and remember: take life one day at a time.