The hard truths about leaving for a study abroad

I have just begun my first week of study abroad at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and I can honestly say it has been one of the craziest experiences I have ever had. Having never been out of the country on my own before, and now studying in the other hemisphere, it has been a massive change for me. 

Initially, before leaving for my year abroad, I was unnerved, so much so in fact that my parents were more nervous than me! And for the first few days (we basically had a fresher’s week), I was in a honeymoon phase, meeting lots of new people and hanging out with all the exchange students, but not long into my studies, the realities were beginning to hit. 

Now that studies have started, I have begun to miss home, the place with all my friends and family

The biggest surprise for me was, of course, the culture shock. The university staff in charge of exchange students drilled into us how you must be careful around here; you can actually buy university branded pepper spray! This took a lot of getting used to. For the first week, I was very nervous to even walk during the daytime on my own, let alone go out at night. But as I became more comfortable with my surroundings, I felt more confident going shopping alone and going out at night with others, but I am still always armed with my trusty pepper spray!  

Another big issue for me was homesickness. The first week I was on such a buzz that I didn’t even have time to think! But now that studies have started, I have begun to miss home, the place with all my friends and family. What has certainly helped me a bit with this is just keeping in contact with people at home – just last night I had a phone call with one of my closest friends and a fellow exec member of my Darts Society.  It definitely helps to talk to others and realise that everyone is just a phone call away.  

Believe it or not the old advice I give to freshers still works here. Join lots of societies and sports teams during your first few weeks and there you will make friends!

Coupled with the homesickness, I have also felt a bit lonely. It has been so difficult actually having to make friends again, which is something I’ve not really had to do since first year. And since most of the exchange students at my university are German, most of them tend to stick to other Germans and speak in their own language to each other, meaning making friends with the international exchange community here has been extra difficult. I have been able to make a couple of friends – one of them actually being German – and we do stuff together, but it never feels enough for me.  

I spoke to my friend who also did a year abroad the previous year,r and he reassured me that not making many friends in your first week is normal. Believe it or not,ot the old advice I give to freshers still works here. Join lots of societies and sports teams during your first few weeks, and there you will make friends! I’ve joined the E-sports team and the football team and met so many home students who have all been very nice to me. Eventually, I – and you too – will definitely find your people at your host university abroad. It may just take some time, and you may have to meet lots of people before you find your people.   

If I could give one piece of advice to any new exchange students, I would just say don’t stress

Another thing Stellenbosch also did for us, which was very nice of them, was to give us a Matie Buddie. This is basically a volunteer university student who is just there as a friendly face and is available to answer any questions you may have. I met my buddy today for the first time, and she was honestly one of the nicest people I have met at university so far. She even invited me to her home to bake cakes (something I love to do but can’t in my accommodation as we have no oven) or watch TV (again, no TV in my accomm). She has been really good at answering all my questions about the university here and has just been a friendly face that I now know.  

Of course, the university you may go to might not have this system in place, but there will almost certainly be someone who will be around to answer any questions you may have. 

If I could give one piece of advice to any new exchange students, I would just say don’t stress. You will go through a range of emotions in your first few weeks,s from excitement to loneliness and homesickness, but you will eventually adapt and feel okay! And of course, if you ever have any issues, es you can always just ask people! 

I hope by sharing my story, I have reassured you that things will all work out eventually on your study abroad! It is a great experience and something that you will take with you in everything you do.