Being an international student “wallflower” isn’t good for you – 5 things you should do

Being a wallflower may be the least challenging of options in a foreign country and less scary but it definitely won’t pay off in the long run. When living in a foreign country, you will only get out of it what you put in. Make the most of each day and you will be guaranteed to have the most memorable experience of your life. Here are five tips to help get you started:

1. Get out and explore your new surroundings:

One of the best things about living in another country is that you are discovering everything for the first time. Make sure you make the most of each day by participating in community and local activities as much as possible. Also visit different neighbourhoods, try new foods, and go on adventures – both big and small. It’s a whole new world!

2. Make an effort to learn the local language:

While it’s not essential that you become fluent in the local language, making an effort to learn some basics will really help you to get more out of your experience. It will also make day-to-day life a lot easier, from ordering food and asking for directions, to making new friends and understanding local customs.

3. Seek out opportunities to meet new people:

One of the best ways to really immerse yourself in a new culture is to meet as many locals as possible. There are lots of different ways to do this, from joining local clubs and societies, to simply striking up conversations with people you meet day-to-day. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – you might just make some lifelong friends.

4. Embrace being foreigner:

Even though it can be challenging at times, don’t be afraid of being a foreigner. You see things from a different perspective and learn about other cultures in your own unique way. You might make some mistakes along the way, but that’s all part of the fun and what makes you special.

5. Keep an open mind toward new experiences:

One of the most important things to remember when living in another country is to keep an open mind. Be willing to try new things and go with the flow, even if it’s outside of your comfort zone. You never know what amazing experiences you might have if you just keep an open mind.

So, there you have it – five things you should do every day while living in another country to avoid wallflower status. Of course, there are endless other things you could do to challenge you and make the most of your experience, but these are a great place to start. So, get out there and start exploring! Connect with a Gradstar Dream maker if you are planning to study abroad. Our Dream Makers will support you every step of the way.