Advice from past participants

Education Abroad participants share advice on overcoming challenges, preparing for the journey and using helpful resources.

24 June 2025

view from airplane

 

 

We are not made for a sedentary lifestyle. Our ancestors were nomadic hunter-gatherers, and to this day, there remains an unmistakable pull towards movement, and not just in the literal sense. 

The glamour of travel is only exacerbated by social media, with pictures of breathtaking landscapes dominating our Instagram feeds. 

The pandemic forced us into isolation, and now that the world is running again, the temptation to extract ourselves from our comfy couches is almost irresistible. 

And yet we do resist. Why? Because we’re scared — of having to make new friends, of travelling alone, of living in a new country, even if temporary. Of change. We convince ourselves that home is where the heart is, with our family, friends and familiar comforts.

You may have browsed the Education Abroad programs with excitement, eventually closing your window, finding reasons not to apply. 

According to past participants Marleina, Harikrishna Rao, and Rio, there are three reasons not to listen to that pesky voice in your head. 

 

Overcoming challenges

As humans, we yearn for a sense of belonging, regardless of where we are. This feeling is amplified abroad, but the good news is that you’re not alone. Everyone strives to connect, looking to make new friends just like you.

Harikrishna Rao imparts some wise words, “Having that sense of belonging is really important. It gives us that foundation. It could be anything — food, sports, perspectives, having experiences that are similar to what you are looking for.”

It's easy to forget about our mental health as you try to adjust to life abroad, but even just doing small things with other people can greatly lift your spirits.
 

Preparing for the journey and settling in

Preparation involves getting your paperwork together, booking your travel and accommodation, and perhaps even applying for a visa. 

The more challenging part is located somewhere in a sea of unknown. On one side, on the sparkling white sands of a beach lie your expectations. Across the water, where the waves oscillate between feelings of readiness and doubt, lie your future memories, just waiting to be made — if only you can reach them. To get there, you’ll have to wade through a tide of self-doubt. 

Marleina took courses at the 海角社区 that taught her about the emotional highs and lows of studying abroad. 

“When I was actually on my own, I just tried to get into a sense of normalcy — going to my classes and meeting with friends as usual, and also thinking for myself what my priorities were. Did I come here mainly for my classes, or am I alright if I travel a little bit? Does that cut into some of my studying time? It's all about what you want from there.” 


Useful resources

The 海角社区 has a host of resources available to you as a student. From advising to pre-departure orientation, you will be equipped with all the knowledge necessary to craft your own journey. 

Marleina’s most valued resource was her academic advisors. 

“It was really important to me (in order to graduate) that the credit that I was taking actually transferred to the 海角社区. I also actually ended up needing their help to get my visa, so I think it's really important that you start those conversations early.”

Rio chalks his personal growth up to his experience abroad, “It definitely makes me more confident and more self-sufficient — recognizing my own abilities rather than having to rely on familiar environments. I feel like it gave me more freedom, more identity.”

While staying at home might be a creature comfort, travelling is like chicken soup for the soul. Once you get the craving, losing it becomes nearly impossible. You’ll always be yearning for a taste of travel.