Frequently asked questions about studying abroad

Exciting! After a long and probably tiring journey, you have finally arrived at your new destination. The adventure can begin. The first day is always a little messy for everyone. You still have to find your way to the local supermarket, the ATM, your new school. Also the public transport will be a mystery at first. Get comfortable and stop worrying; we are happy to answer the most frequently asked questions.

How do I reach the school on my first day?

Two words: Google Maps. The simplest way to find your way through unknown places these days is your beloved smartphone. If you have not purchased a local SIM card yet and you are not sure if you have Mobile Data or Wi-Fi on the go, make a screenshot or print out the directions and you’re ready for departure. Since it is the first day of school, I would advise you to leave on time. Everything is still new and finding your way probably takes a bit longer than normal. If you arrive a few days before school starts, you can also plan a rehearsal journey. This way you can already plan the route and find the way at ease.

How do I find a place to live?

Since you don’t want to sleep under a bridge, arranging your accommodation is the most important thing. Ask your host university or school if they offer an accommodation on campus. If not, you can look for organizations that rent student rooms or search on Facebook for special groups to find a place to live. You could even contact an estate agent. Websites that students often recommend are HousingAnywhere, Badi or Uniplaces.

How to get a good internet connection?

All schools offer free Wi-Fi and on the first day of school you will get the credentials. Also most guest houses have a Wi-Fi network. Once you’re arrived you can immediately ask for the password. In some guest houses, the internet is not free, so be sure to check this out beforehand. In addition, most countries have mobile data networks. For most countries, you have to buy a local SIM card. Check beforehand whether your phone is compatible with any type of SIM card and whether your phone won’t block the card when you put it in.

How do I stay in touch with my family and friends back home?

WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, e-mail etcetera. There are so many apps that give you the opportunity to easily maintain contact with friends and family back home, and they are all for free! You can also use most of them on your computer. Of course you can also still call, text or FaceTime. But remember, the costs for calling from and to abroad can be extremely high.

What if I don’t know the language (yet)?

Depending on the level at which you start, you sometimes have to get used to hearing nothing but a foreign language all day long. In the beginning, Google Translate will probably be your best friend. Your guest house and the staff at the school are also used to people of all different language levels, so they can talk slower or use simpler words if needed. You will see, the longer you stay in the country, the more you will understand the language by just hearing and seeing words a lot. If you want to get a good knowledge and have a fluent conversation with the locals, then I would suggest you’d take a language course. Nowadays, there are all kinds of courses and levels to do this.

What if I get homesick?

Let’s get one thing straight: homesickness is normal. It can happen to anyone and it’s certainly not childish. Usually, it feels good to pamper yourself first and it’s certainly okay to be emotional for a moment, but as much as you want to give in to eating chocolate bars and crying in bed all day, this does not help. Distraction does. Being busy and meeting with friends helps to get over your homesickness, so sign up for activities and discover your new city with your new friends. Also calling or Skyping with your parents and friends might help.

What if I don’t make any friends?

Don’t worry, the great thing about studying abroad is that almost everyone at school has the same thought. Your fellow students are probably just as nervous about making new friends as you. But it is easier than you think. Just make a casual chat with people, participate in activities and be your great, funny and open-minded self. If you still find it difficult: your classmates are often a good start for a possible friendship. After all, you are in the same class for a large number of hours per week and making homework together is a good way to bond (and much more fun than doing it on your own).