Studying abroad can be one of the best experiences you can have in life. It can be an exciting time. You discover a new culture and a new place. I went through it myself. It was not last century but, the internet and social media were not part of the deal. And that is a huge difference

Communication with our families and friends happened through the mail. We had no FOMO issues because we did not have instant information. It was a completely different experience No possibility of sharing instantly what goes on as it happens nowadays.

Once we start getting ready for our programs, we jump into a rollercoaster of emotions. It is usually a nerve-wracking time. Fears are everywhere. This happens when we realize we have more of an introverted tendency than an extroverted attitude during all that preparation.

You leave your safe home to enter a completely new world. You are expected to generate interesting and funny conversations in this new world. Sometimes, these conversations are in a language that is not even yours. The intensity of it all can be stressful. This big exposure can even be overwhelming for those who consider themselves introverted.

The introvert.

A shy person is often apprehensive and fearful about others’ opinions and judgments. As a result, such a person tends to avoid speaking or facing an audience. Imagine a shy person in a new environment with new people. An introverted person, though, is often not bothered by what others think, but they are quickly exhausted by socializing. Again,, imagine, the effort they make to socialize in this new community-

Shyness and introversion are two different things. The term introvert is not extremely popular and is usually misunderstood. Carl Jung suggested that an introvert is more inwards oriented. While introverts enjoy and gain power from reflection, extroverts enjoy having big groups around. Shy people feel, on the other hand, inhibited by people and avoid interaction.

Introverts are not shy.

Introverts and extroverts enjoy social life but with different intensities and diverse ways. We all are neither completely introverted nor purely extroverted, we have a mix, certain degrees of one and another tendency.

Introverted tendencies and studying abroad

Here a few tips and advice to fellow introverts to prepare for their study abroad program.

1-Contact the people in the program before you leave. That will help you feel better. If you will be staying with a host family, find out who they are, and their interests. If you are going with a group reach out to them to get to know them in advance. Use technology, which makes it easier. Use forums and all the ways you can to start the conversation online. By starting online, you can find like-minded people before you even arrive.

2 Stay connected with people at home. This one is easy but can be tricky. Use your social media and stay connected but do not abuse it. Sometimes you get homesick, especially when bored, but that is normal and even expected. If you need to vent, contact people at home. They know you better and that avoids exposition..

3. Reach out to new people. Interacting and making friends in a new place is an effort for everyone. For introverts, it is even harder. My suggestion…Mix, being with people with time alone. Push yourself to allow yourself to get to know them and they can get to know you.

4. Schedule time alone. Introverts enjoy being alone, well then, embrace the fact of being alone and even schedule alone time. Alone time is useful for charging batteries…Alone is not lonely. Embrace your time alone and do not stress about what others think.

Last and most important…

Enjoy it. Studying abroad takes you out of your comfort zone. It is threatening, especially if you perceive yourself as an introvert. Sometimes stress will make you wonder if it was worth the effort. It only depends on you to make it worth it.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your study abroad program is what you make out of it.