On Exchange: Living Overseas

Living overseas can be exciting but completely disorienting especially in the first few weeks, when you are operating under the combined effects of euphoria, frustration, and culture shock. The process of transitioning into your new culture can take some time and will require a lot of effort on your behalf. Have you ever heard of the term 'Life is what you make of it'? This is a perfect description of the possibilities available to you with your exchange experience. If you want to make the most out of your experience then you should not pass up any opportunity offered to you. Open your mind to trying new things and meeting new people. You will learn so much about your host country and even about yourself.

Remember your overseas exchange can and will be as exciting and profound an experience as you want it to be.

Arriving in your Host country

Before you organise your plane ticket you should check with your host university on the preferred arrival dates. Consider arriving at least one week before the start of classes to give yourself a little extra time to adjust to your new surroundings. If you can't arrive that early try to ensure that you arrive on a weekday during normal business hours. That way if you have any problems you can contact the international department at your host institution for assistance.

Once you arrive make sure that you take some time to familiarize yourself with the area. Your first stop should be to the international office of your host university to introduce yourself. Take a walk or bus ride to locate nearby supermarkets or restaurants and try some new foods. Learning the public transportation routes around your city or town immediately will help you to adjust and make you feel more independent.

Another important thing to remember is to take enough money to last you the first few days in your new country. This is especially important if you arrive on a weekend when you may not be able to access a bank to exchange traveller's cheques.