By Monique Evdokiou (UC Berkeley)
Prior to starting my study abroad experience, I felt confident that I was more than prepared. To get ready for the experience, I had a group of friends that I already knew attending the program. I was prepared to feel the initial culture shock. I had even practiced my Italian on Duolingo for months leading up to my departure.
I was indescribably excited to immerse myself in Rome, a city with an incredibly rich history and cultural background. I was most enthusiastic about the thought of many new adventures and stories around every corner. I could not wait to step off the plane and start my journey.
Within just a few weeks of arriving, that euphoric feeling of confidence and security changed dramatically.
I soon found myself stuck between going to class, interacting with friends I already knew, and visiting the trusted cafes and restaurants established in my first few days in Rome. The area surrounding the campus had plenty to explore for months on end, but how would I even start? It dawned on me that trying every Italian restaurant, coffee shop, and bookstore would be impossible, so I limited myself to a few.
I found myself rotating through a rigidly scheduled routine, rarely daring to venture out of that new comfort zone despite being surrounded by an unlimited number of new sights to choose from. I was frustrated while also feeling overwhelmed.
After setting my sights for studying abroad so high, I felt confused as to why I was having so much trouble diving into this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Here’s what I did to break out of the comfort zone rut and adopt a study abroad mindset.
Step 1: Reset your expectations
After realizing that I was stuck in a new comfort zone of my own creating, I became determined to expand my options and make a switch in my mindset.
I remembered my primary intention in coming to Rome was to fully immerse in the culture of Italy in unique ways. I wanted to live like a true Roman university student.
Reminding myself of this goal was inspirational as it helped me realize I needed to take tangible actions if I wanted to see it become a reality.
I knew that studying abroad would be so much more meaningful if I made the most of the experience, and from that moment on, I took it upon myself to seize each special moment.
Step 2: Embrace exploring on your own
The first step to changing my mindset started with becoming comfortable doing things alone. This was really tough at first because I was usually so dependent on my friends and family for comfort when I was home. I realized that coming on a study abroad adventure with a built-in set of friends was holding me back.
I started by doing small things like going to the grocery story by myself. Later, I ventured out to find a new park or cafe where I could write in my journal. As I began relying on my own interests to guide me to find new adventures in the city and the surrounding areas, I was able to break out of my comfort zone and do things I really liked by myself.
I had to push past anxiety by taking things slow and making time to revel in the sights. I will never forget my first solo day trip to Tivoli, a small town 45 minutes by train from Rome. Historically, wealthy people from Rome would escape to Tivoli to appreciate the countryside and escape the heat, noise, and general filth of the city. I spent the entire day wandering the beautiful villas and meandering streets in the quaint mountainside town.
Taking this day trip alone provided me with such a unique day. I was able to do everything I wanted at my own pace. It resulted in a mindset switch where I became a more mindful and intentional traveler. I noticed a much greater appreciation for Rome and all the wonderful experiences it had to offer.
Step 3: Rediscover curiosity
The next shift I made was to start thinking like a curious student and tourist. There was so much more history and culture beyond what I already knew.
To spark my curiosity again, I made sure not to take the eternal city of Rome for granted any more. To make the change, I met each day with a sense of eagerness to learn about everything I encountered. In doing so, I found excitement in taking a new route to class and made time in my schedule to explore new things, like a museum, every day.
With my daily routine untethered from the rut I had designed, each day held so much opportunity for exciting possibilities.
As I learned to relax a bit and focus less on my schedule of responsibilities, I truly embraced the slower pace of the Italian lifestyle. I let myself drift between the beautiful ruins and gardens that are so unique to Rome and discovered the true reasons why Rome will always be so close to my heart.
Step 4: Connect with local students and the community
I continued my mindset shift by engaging in my program’s cultural events and volunteer opportunities. This allowed me to dive into the Italian community and make genuine personal connections with the local people, including university students.
I found myself in a fascinating exchange with one student who is planning to study abroad in the US next year. It was fun for both of us to exchange tips about our home countries while also learning so much from each other. It was a conversation I’ll never forget.
It was rewarding to be met with such authenticity and step into the lives of Roman university students and I’m grateful that my program allowed those opportunities to engage with the culture. Putting my new attitude of openness and curiosity to the test really paid off!
Step 5: Adopt a study abroad mindset
Moving to and living in a place where everything is so new, it can be daunting where to begin and it’s normal to feel lost. Adapting my way of thinking to what I now call the ‘study abroad mindset’ is what truly made my experience the most memorable semester I’ve ever had.
Looking back, I rooted myself in a comfortable daily routine quickly after arriving so that I could cope with the feelings of instability that studying abroad can bring.
It’s important to recognize that those emotions affect people in various ways, but taking the time to reflect on my intentions and being willing to adjust is what brought me the most enriching and fulfilling experiences of my life. In pushing myself to try new things and embrace the challenges alone the way, I know I’m a much more resilient person than I was before studying abroad.
I look forward to returning to my home university as a more intentional, independent, and creative woman who will carry these lifelong memories and lessons with her!
To learn more about overcoming the unique challenges that study abroad presents:
- See how journaling while studying abroad can help you develop self-reflection and arrive at personal growth.
- Check out the shy person’s guide to studying abroad from a self-described introvert.
- Learn how to approach solo traveling when you study abroad.
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