Studying abroad is an exciting time in a student's life. You will meet new people, visit new places, and eat different foods, in addition to lots of other things. It may be the first time you've been away from home, away from your parents' supervision, which is definitely thrilling. Once you reach your destination, however, you may lose a bit of that enthusiasm. It becomes clear that you're all alone in an entirely new place, and that feeling is a bit overwhelming. Whether you plan to study in Brazil or another nearby country, or go across the world to study Italian in Florence, or go all the way to Taiwan to learn Chinese, 500 miles can feel more like a million miles; thousands of miles of ocean can feel infinite.
Don't fret! Expanding students' horizons is what studying abroad is all about! If you're looking for new experiences but worry about making friends, here are some helpful hints:
Attend Your School's Orientation
Your study abroad program, perhaps a French school in Paris, will most likely have an orientation of sorts for students, usually held about a week before school begins, and attending it is a great way to start making friends. These programs are meant to introduce the new students to their foreign environment. By attending, you will get to meet other new students, and you will be able to make friends before school even begins.
Orientation programs also allow you the time to sort out your class schedule before the local students return for the start of the new school year.
Learn the Language
What do you do if you're studying in a country that speaks a language you're not fluent in? Remember your reasons for choosing that country, and go with them! Knowing that you might not be able to communicate with the locals can be a motivator to work on your language skills before you depart. It's a great idea to take classes in the foreign language before you go abroad, so that you'll have a basic understanding of the local language upon arrival. After arrival, if you still feel that your communication skills are inadequate, keep taking classes that your school is offering to improve your language skills.
When looking to make friends, don't limit yourself to only students who speak your language. The purpose of a study abroad is to allow students to experience the culture and people of a country other than their own. Hanging out with students who also speak your language will definitely be easier, but meeting locals is a great way to practice what you've learned and to meet lots of great new people. You will definitely find that they are as interested in the country you came from as you are about theirs! Sure, keep practicing your new language with the people who speak your native language, but when will you ever have the opportunity to speak German in Berlin again?
Communicating with local students may be difficult at first, but you'll find that you've made friends that you will never forget with a little time and effort.
Be Friendly
No matter where you're studying, being friendly can open the door to lots of long-lasting friendships. By just smiling and saying hello, you're going to find that a casual conversation will ensue, which can lead to a close relationship.
Good luck!
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