What I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad

What No One Told Me Before I Studied in Another Country

Studying in another country is a big dream for many students. It sounds exciting—you get to travel, meet new people, and learn in a new way. But when I first left home to study abroad, I quickly learned that it’s not always easy. There were many things I didn’t know, and I wish someone had told me earlier.

In this article, I’m sharing everything What I Wish I Knew Before Studying Abroad. If you’re planning your own journey, these simple tips will help you prepare better and feel more confident.

Culture Shock is Real
Before I left home, I thought I was ready to live in a new culture. But when I arrived, everything felt so different—food, language, weather, even how people talk and behave. I felt confused and even a little lonely in the beginning. That’s called culture shock, and it happens to many students.

Now I know that this feeling is normal. It gets better with time. You just need to keep an open mind and give yourself time to adjust. I wish I had known this earlier, so I wouldn’t have worried so much.

Budgeting is a Must
Money was another thing I didn’t think about enough. I thought I had enough, but I spent too much in the first month on eating out, shopping, and travel. I didn’t plan a budget, and I had to struggle later.

One of the most important things I learned is to make a monthly budget and stick to it. Write down how much you will spend on food, transport, rent, and other things. Save a little for fun, but always plan ahead. Learning to manage money is something I wish I had done before going abroad.

You Won’t Make Friends Overnight
When I arrived, I thought I would make friends quickly. But it wasn’t that easy. Everyone seemed busy, and I didn’t know how to start conversations. I felt a bit alone for the first few weeks.

What I learned is that making friends takes time. You have to step out of your comfort zone—join clubs, attend events, say hello to classmates. Most people are friendly once you start talking. Now, I have great friends from all over the world, but I wish someone had told me that it's okay if it takes time.

Homesickness is Okay
There were days when I really missed my home, family, and food. I thought I was the only one feeling like this, but later I found out that many students feel the same.

It’s okay to miss home. Talk to your family often through video calls. Share your feelings with other students—they might feel the same way. Bring some photos or small things from home that make you feel better. This is another thing I wish I had known before I started my study abroad journey.

You Need to Be Independent
Living alone in a new country means you need to do everything yourself—cook, clean, pay bills, go shopping, and solve problems. At first, it was hard because I had never done some of these things at home.

But after a few weeks, I started to enjoy being independent. I learned to cook my meals, fix small things, and take care of myself. These life skills are just as important as what you learn in class. I wish I had practiced more at home before moving abroad.

Ask for Help When You Need It
One thing I used to think is that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But I was wrong. When I had problems with my visa, classes, or health, I didn’t ask for help soon enough. Later, I found that most universities have student support services, counselors, and advisors who are happy to help.

Now I always tell new students—don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. It can save you time, stress, and even money. Knowing this earlier would have made my first few months much easier.

Learn Basic Local Language
I studied in a country where English was common, but people still spoke their local language every day. I wish I had learned some basic words before arriving. Even simple greetings or thank-you can help a lot in daily life.

Locals really appreciate when you try to speak their language. It shows respect and helps you feel more connected. You don’t need to be perfect—just try your best.

Enjoy the Experience
With all the stress and learning, I forgot to enjoy my time at first. I was so focused on studies, papers, and being perfect that I missed out on fun moments. Later, I realized that studying abroad is not just about books—it’s also about the people you meet, the places you see, and the memories you make.

So if you’re getting ready to go abroad, yes, be serious about your studies—but also take time to explore, travel, try new food, and enjoy the journey. That’s something I really wish I had known earlier.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is shared for general knowledge and student guidance. Myedugoal advises all readers to verify details with official sources or university representatives before making any study abroad decisions. Myedugoal is not responsible for any outcomes based on this content.

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