10 Things You Need to Know About Studying Abroad Alone

6. — Be able to say no to others

Before I studied abroad, I had never been outside of my home country. My parents had never been either, so I had to learn everything I needed to know on the go.

When I asked those who have the experience, they would only talk about what they deemed essential; accommodation and money. About tips on living abroad? Not so much.

But now that I’ve lived it, let me share with you a few things you should know or do before studying abroad:

1. Use Tinder Passport to make friends in your chosen country in advance

There will be a gap between the time you arrive in your chosen country and before school, college, or university starts.

In that period, you need at least one friend to help you settle faster in the city where you’ll live. They can tell you about cheap and good places to eat, the best routes to take, subway and bus systems, as well as a few insider knowledge about the city.

If you’ve made a good friend in advance, you can even ask them for help to pick you up from the airport and see how it goes from there.

Of course, be careful of fake people in the app.

2. Speaking English is not enough

Unless you’re going to a country where English is the main language, speaking only English is not enough.

I’ve made the mistake of thinking that the people of my chosen country (Malaysia) should be understanding of me for not being able to speak their local language because I’m a foreigner.

The reality is that I was the one who decided to move to the said country. The people don’t owe me anything. Therefore, I have to be the one to adjust.

Learn frequently used words like how to order, how to introduce yourself, and other common words.

Being able to speak their local language helps you connect with the people and understand them better.

3. Don’t go home every semester break

I know that most of us get homesick after a while, but if you can help it, don’t go home.

Use your free time abroad to work part-time or to explore more about the country, or even the countries nearby.

It’s time for you to find yourself as an individual and overlook your roles of being a student and your parents’ child.

It’s time for you to form your own thoughts on the world.

4. Don’t be picky with friends, but leave toxic ones

Befriend everyone, or at least be kind to everyone.

When you're alone in a foreign country, you don’t know when you’ll need help. So, having more people on your side will definitely be beneficial when the time comes.

I found a part-time job (although it was illegal) through a senior of mine. The employers were willing to accept me easily and even paid me a handsome amount of money for a part-timer.

Furthermore, living alone is hard enough. So, do yourself a favor and cut off all your toxic friends.

5. Find a country that allows you to work part-time if you’re tight on money

I used to think that all countries allow international students to have a part-time job easily.

I was wrong.

Although I found one, working illegally will make you anxious every time you work, and the consequences of being caught could be devastating.

So if you’re thinking of getting one abroad, research it first.

6. Be able to say no to others

When you’re under your parents, they’re the ones who have the authority of whether you’re allowed to do something or go somewhere.

Or when you’re not willing, you can always give an excuse that your parents won’t allow you to.

But when you live alone, you can’t do that because “Your parents won’t know anyway.”

No one’s going to take care of you except yourself so, be a little selfish. If you really don’t want to do something, say no with conviction.

7. You might experience your first bar or clubs visit, go with responsible people

Whether you think you’ll like the scene or not, try it once. But try it with responsible people.

If you’re going in a personal car, make sure that there is a designated driver who will stay sober. If you’re going with other methods of transportation, make sure that there is at least one person who will stay sober to take care of you.

A tip from my experience, going to a bar or clubs with a group of people who can be shameless is the best, and don’t drink so much if you’re not acquainted with alcohol.

8. You might not like the country or the people

We expect a lot from studying abroad that we forget the chance of not liking the actual culture or the people.

So keep your expectations low to avoid being deeply disappointed.

9. Go on at least one trip with your friends abroad

During your studies, you’ll have more than one free weekend. Use the opportunity to have a weekend getaway from your hectic student life.

I went on a trip once with my classmates to a neighboring city. It’s really fun. You get to see the different sides of your friends as well.

Furthermore, going with local friends is a plus as they know more about certain places. You’ll experience things like locals would.

10. If you can’t manage your money well, don’t carry a credit card

This is important, except if you have great restraints.

During my studies, I’ve met a lot of people. One of the scariest people I’ve met are students who spend their allowance money as they please because they own a credit card.

Before they know it, it was only half the month, and they’re already out of money.

To be safe, carry a debit card instead, hm?

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking of studying abroad, do so. It’s worth it.

The experience might be overwhelming or underwhelming, but you’ll learn a few things that you won’t ever learn if you don’t go.

“Try everything at least once”

That’s what my lecturer would always say.

Anyway, plan your move well, be yourself, find yourself, and have fun!

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