By Jillian Jimenez (UC Los Angeles)
Making the decision to study abroad—leaving behind friends, family, and everything familiar—can be daunting. For introverts, or anyone who recharges or feels the most relaxed during moments of solitude, the idea of packing up and living in a foreign country can seem especially overwhelming.
I’m here to tell you that fear shouldn’t hold you back. With the right mindset and a little self-care, this rare and rewarding opportunity can be truly life-changing.
Studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Yet, while I was initially thrilled at the prospect of exploring a new country, I was also terrified of how I would fit in and make new friends. Looking back, I realize these moments of trepidation were normal, and pushing past them was well worth the temporary discomfort. I explored my beautiful host city, traveled to other countries, built lasting friendships, and grew both academically and personally more than I imagined possible.
If you’re introverted or just worried about finding your place abroad, here are a few tips that helped me make the most of my time without losing myself. I hope they can be of use to you as well!
Leave your accommodations (even when you don’t want to)
As an introvert, one of my favorite places is in the peace and solitude of my own bedroom. This is my sanctuary and the place to recharge, which is okay! However, I couldn’t let my introverted tendencies prevent me from embracing Scottish culture or taking in the beautiful sights of one of this country’s most magical cities.
It’s tempting to stay in your comfort zone, but getting to know your city doesn’t have to mean being social.
Find your own special place and make it your go-to. For me, this was a little coffee shop called Books n Cups just outside the central touristy area of Edinburgh. It was cozy and book-themed – two things I love! I enjoyed going there to read, work on assignments, sample the different pastries and coffee, or just people-watch on rainy days or when I wasn’t in the mood for interactions.
On days when I craved a bit more adventure, I turned to my list of “must-sees.” Before going to Edinburgh, I researched hiking trails, cathedrals, and gardens I wanted to visit. Picking one randomly and heading out solo was a low-pressure way to experience more of my host city.
Say yes to new things (especially when you initially want to say no)
This is one of the hardest challenges I face as an introvert. Before studying abroad, I was very much a “no” person. I liked the comfort and security of my apartment, and I ventured out only when necessary. After spending some time abroad, I realized this is a limiting mentality.
Saying yes opened doors I never expected – from pub-hopping with friends to touring art museums in other countries. I’ll never forget seeing Michelangelo’s final statue, the Rondanini Pietà, during a Spring Break trip with friends. On our final day in Milan, while waiting for our train to Lake Como, a friend who was studying art suggested we visit the Museo Civico del Castello Sforzesco, where the statue is on display. It was not a place I would have chosen on my own, and I’m so grateful for the experience! Seeing this piece of history in person was incredible and sparked a newfound love of art that has stayed with me throughout my travels in Europe.
Another time, shortly after I arrived in Edinburgh, a few girls invited me to go pub-hopping on a Friday night. Despite feeling wrung out from the journey to Scotland and all of the first week’s welcome events, I said yes. It turned out to be a fantastic night! We really bonded, and our night out became a weekly tradition. We even bumped into Kit Connor from the Netflix series Heartstopper.
I would have missed these experiences—and so many others—had I not shifted my mindset to “just say yes.” More importantly, I would have missed the chance to create an amazing group of friends and rediscover a new appreciation for art!
Saying “yes” can be hard initially, but keep gently pushing yourself. The more experiences you open yourself to, the easier it gets. the memories you’ll make are so worth it!
Make friends where you find them (and don’t stop looking!)
You never know where you might meet someone you really connect with. It’s a high probability that many students are in the same position as you, hoping to make a friend, a study partner, or a travel buddy to share this incredible experience.
There are countless opportunities to make connections, so take advantage of as many as you can.
First, and perhaps the most obvious, is to attend the welcome events put on by UCEAP, your host university, and your accommodation. In Edinburgh, UCEAP hosted an all-day event for its three programs in Scotland. This was a great way to connect with students who shared similar environments, learn some basics about living in Scotland, and get started exploring its capital with a tour of Edinburgh Castle.
At a University of Edinburgh scavenger hunt, we split into groups and searched for answers to questions about the university. This provided an opportunity to socialize while familiarizing ourselves with our uni and city. My group then went to lunch together after.
Second, I found social media to be a useful platform for making friends. Several months before I was due to leave for Edinburgh, I joined a Facebook group for my accommodation and others for students studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh. In one of these groups, I connected with another student coming from the US who would be living in the same accommodation as me. Both of us were nervous about adjusting to life overseas. We exchanged contact information, started getting to know each other by text, and even coordinated our flights to meet in London and continue to Edinburgh together. Once there, we went shopping together to find necessities for our flats, met for welcome events, and became travel buddies for the rest of our term. We remain close friends and have even gotten together since we’ve been home.
Third, and this suggestion may seem odd, but hear me out. Don’t ignore Bumble BFF. Bumble may be known primarily as a dating app, but the BFF feature is excellent for making platonic connections. It can be incredibly useful to people who aren’t as social and struggle with connecting in person. Not only is it helpful for connecting with other study abroad students, but also with people your age in the country you’re staying in. I noticed many locals on the app who were “regular” students attending uni in Edinburgh.
Know your limits (I can’t stress this enough)
I’ve stressed the importance of challenging yourself while abroad, but it’s just as important to look after yourself. Studying abroad is meant to be an enjoyable time. If leaving the house suddenly feels overwhelming, pausing for self-care is fine. Do your laundry, tackle some assignments, or watch your favorite show—whatever makes you feel grounded and happy.
Don’t make it a habit to stay home, but if you need a night or day to recharge, that’s okay.
These solo moments can be crucial, especially for introverts. We need the time to reset so we can be our best, most energized selves when it counts.
Closing thoughts
If you’re nervous about studying abroad, especially as an introvert, know you are not alone. Trust yourself, take small steps, and let the adventure unfold! It’s about so much more than exploring a new country—it’s about uncovering new facets of yourself.
Whether agreeing to a fun night out with new people or enjoying a peaceful day in a cozy coffee shop, every experience adds to your journey. Embrace the uncomfortable, face the unfamiliar, and trust that some of the best memories will be those you never expected to make.
Learn more about all the ways introverts can adjust and thrive while studying abroad in a new country:
- Francesca Casmiro (UCB) embraced her shyness to meet her personal goals while studying abroad in South Korea.
- Going on a journey abroad is a chance for a clean slate in your academic and social life – see all the ways to build friendships while studying abroad.
- Natalie Glennon (UCSB) overcame imposter syndrome and found study abroad to be as much uncomfortable and overwhelming as it was awe-inspiring and wonderful.
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