Stephanie Siu: Flying Solo On A Journey To The Unknown

Starting to what feels like a new chapter in your life is often the most memorable moment in life. There are many things that a student can prepare for when going to study abroad, such as what clothes to bring, school supplies, amenities, purchasing airplane/train tickets, etc. If this is the first time traveling completely alone, keep in mind that you’re pretty much responsible for your own well-being. This includes having the appropriate and necessary ID’s and Visa passport. Also, it is vital in having enough financial support to last the span of the time abroad. For example, there were a few students that I met that did not expect to incur additional fees to the host school. Make room in your budget for groceries and also be aware that bringing your own tote bag can save you a few (Euro) cents. For myself, produce in France was quite expensive, so I’d advise to shop wisely.

    

     Spending a fair amount of time to research would be wise when choosing a location. After all, you will be stuck there for the next 3-4 months. When you find yourself in a culture that’s almost 180 degrees different from what you are use to, you should be able embrace it, not fight it. Fighting it will only bring unwanted frustration, making your trip immensely unpleasant.

    

     Being in the homeland of wine and cheese, how could I not try the different foods the culture offered? When you’re traveling, it is almost imperative to try the different tastes just to tickle your taste buds a little.

    

     Don’t forget manners! As Canadians, it is almost in our DNA to say, “sorry”, “please”, and “thank-you”. Just because you’re in a different country, it doesn’t mean that you should throw all your manners out the window. Say “please” and “thank-you” in the language that the locals say. That way, you are showing respect to them.

     If you’re feeling lonely for the first couple of days, don’t fret! There are other international in the same position as you. Even though some international students do go with other students from their own country or university, they will clump together. Everyone will clump together with people that can easily relate to in terms of language and nationality. If you are the only one from your country, you will eventually, if not sooner, find a group you can fit in with. The friendships that blossom from these experiences are ones that you should really nurture. It’ll be rare to ever have an opportunity to go out and make exquisite international friends like these.

     The education system outside of North America will be incredibly different. Just be aware that the marking system is completely different and just do the best you can to accept their  marking methods. For example, in France, everything is marked out of 20. We were told by teachers at my institution that’s almost impossible to get a perfect 20 and that 12 marks was already exceptionally good. When the semester is over, all students’ marks are then sent to a panel of school judges to asses all the grades to see if it was marked fairly. It is a long process and may well take a few months to complete. As for school work, I experienced many group projects, which I thought was great because then I could get to know my fellow peers better.

    

     Studying abroad is a rare opportunity to come by and should be taken advantage of in terms of education. Being out in a different environment can really help you better understand yourself and help build confidence. The hardest part of studying abroad is parting with the international friends that you’ve met and got to know so well during the 4 months. However, now you know that you have friends all over the world.