Preparing the paperwork
Going abroad for one year requires some paperwork. Prepare it in advance to not be surprise at the last minute. Especially, have a look on the visa procedures, the documents requested. Another point to care of is the insurance and vaccines. In some cases, vaccines need to be done few months in advance. Finally, estimate a budget. Living abroad is money-consuming so make sure to be able to afford it.
Finding Home
First source of stress and headache of the international student: the housing ! Many foreigners care about it at the last minute and have to stay therefore in shady places. Facing stress to get a house, most accept grotty places or find a temporary solution.
In order to avoid this kind of situation, search for your accommodation far in advance. As soon as your choice to go abroad is taken, do not waste any minute for searching a room. There are several options to explore: homestays, facebook groups, online websites. However, be careful as internet is full of scammers. Paying online is in most situation dangerous. Housinganywhere.com is one option to consider: partner with several universities, the booking system allows you to be refund if the flat does not fit the online description.
You can also choose to stay to locals via Lingoo. A nice way to know better the culture and meet people.
Gaining language fluency
Hanging out with people from your home country is always easier and comforting when being abroad, out of its comfort zone. However there are so many to regret at the end of the year ! Going abroad is an opportunity to meet new people, discover new culture and speak a new language: what you will not do if you hang out with people from your country. Try to push yourself, meet some local people and practice on a daily basis your new language.
Befriending the locals
Let’s be honest: if you are living with people from your home country, your social life will be restricted! Making friends from home country is much easier but won’t bring anything. Local people will give you a real taste of the local life, teach you the culture. Dare to speak to the others, remember, you won’t get this opportunity twice !
