What to Learn and Pay Attention to Before Studying Abroad for the First Time

1. Language Barrier: One of the first and biggest challenges most international students face when they first arrive abroad is the language barrier. You may find that the expressions you’ve learned in your home country differ significantly from the everyday language used by locals. This could lead to awkward situations where others don’t fully understand what you’re saying, and you may struggle to comprehend their words as well. If your professor has a particularly strong accent, this situation can become even more challenging. But don’t worry, as you gradually adapt, things will get easier!

2. Embrace and Respect American Culture: If you’re going to the United States, it’s important to embrace and respect American culture, which is vastly different from Chinese culture. For example, during the pandemic, the Chinese approach was rooted in cautious ideology, while Americans valued individual freedom, leading to starkly different government responses. It’s important to avoid making simplistic judgments about which approach is right or wrong. In this highly multicultural country, discrimination and social injustice are issues that many international students are likely to encounter. Although we’ve been taught from a young age not to cause trouble, standing up for yourself is also important and is a value encouraged in American culture. In building friendships, respect the other person’s culture, step out of your comfort zone to communicate and understand. Moving to a foreign country requires a lot of courage, but as you make an effort to integrate, you’ll find that it gets easier with time.

3. Time Management: Once you enter university, you will be responsible for managing all your time. American universities place a stronger emphasis on students’ ability to learn independently. So, in addition to the time spent in class, American students need to devote even more time to extracurricular reading and self-study. However, time management isn’t just about studying! Your study abroad experience includes both academics and life in general. For those new to university, it’s important to participate in activities like club fairs and cultural events to discover your true passions and make friends who share similar interests. Then, by reasonably allocating your time, you can maximize the richness of your life. As long as you properly manage your extracurricular activities, social life, and travel, and prioritize effectively, you’ll do just fine!

4. Mental Health: The most crucial point is mental health. Overcoming loneliness is a common issue among international students. With many solitary moments and being away from home for the first time, combined with the pressures of academics and social life, it’s normal to feel a significant amount of stress. Managing this stress is important, and everyone has their own way of coping. Universities offer a wealth of resources, so if you ever feel overwhelmed, remember that your friends and family are always there for you. It’s important to express your feelings and relieve your emotions when needed.