The first few weeks were overwhelming. Everything felt unfamiliar—the accents, the food, even the way people interacted. I was constantly second-guessing myself, wondering if I would ever truly fit in. Being an introvert made things even trickier. Social events felt intimidating, and networking—something I had never been comfortable with—seemed like an impossible task. I missed home, the comfort of my family, and the ease of familiarity. There were days when I questioned whether I had made the right choice.
But slowly, things started to change. I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone, even in small ways—starting conversations, saying yes to new experiences, exploring the city on my own. I met people from all over the world, each with their own stories and struggles, and realized I wasn’t alone in how I felt. The diversity around me was eye-opening. I learned so much just by being surrounded by different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
One of the biggest changes in me was confidence. I used to think that networking was only for extroverts, but I learned that it’s really about making meaningful connections. Whether it was chatting with classmates, attending career events, or just learning to speak up more, I slowly became more comfortable in my own skin. This journey has also given me incredible career growth—opportunities I wouldn’t have had if I had stayed in my comfort zone.
Living abroad has taught me independence in ways I never expected. From managing my own responsibilities to making important life choices, I’ve realized how capable I truly am. What once felt scary now feels empowering.
Studying in a new country wasn’t always easy, but the growth, friendships, and experiences have made it all worth it. If you’re considering taking this path, know that the challenges will come—but so will the moments that change you for the better. And in the end, you’ll look back and be proud of the person you’ve become.
