The reality of the first week studying abroad | Column | Columns | Opinion | Daily Collegian

Upon beginning a study abroad journey, many expectations can arise.

As I prepared for my own trip, relatives and friends asked me if I felt nervous or excited, while students who returned home from studying abroad told me it would be the best time of my life.

It was natural for me to assume the “best time of my life” would begin as soon as I arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark. For the first couple of days, this was true. However, studying abroad isn’t akin to a four-month vacation like I originally thought.

Here are four ways studying abroad has been different than I originally expected.

1. Settling in is very similar to the first year of college

As with any move-in, shopping trips are a necessity — even more so when moving to a different country. There’s only so much room in your suitcase for essentials.

Upon arrival, I thought I’d unpack, maybe take one shopping trip, and feel ready to take on my new surroundings.

Contrary to my original thoughts, shopping has been ongoing. Each day I realize I’m in need of another item. Most recently, I needed more towels.

2. It’s okay to not have plans

The first night abroad, I found myself sitting in my new dorm room with no plans. I felt somewhat embarrassed. I wondered how I could spend a single night not busy in a foreign country with so much excitement happening all around me.

However, the truth is that not every night can feel like a vacation. I’ve found that it’s extremely important to remember that for the next four months, this is my home, and chill nights are just as important as ones that never seem to end.

3. Feeling like an outsider

Going from a big college town where all my friends were within a 20 minute walk from me, to an entire city filled with people I’ve never met, is still an adjustment I’m adapting to. In a way, I have no idea what’s going on at any point in time.

Even when I’m walking home from class, I feel like a fly on the wall rather than an actual member of society. I’m always observing, and trying to learn as much as possible about the area around me.

4. Finding friends is an individual endeavor

I guess it depends on what host institution students are attending, but with DIS Scandinavia, social activities are mostly optional. I expected there to be mandatory activities to encourage students to get to know each other the first week. However, the only activity that I had to attend was a tour of the campus.

A lot of people have come here with a multitude of other students from their school. As a result, they arrived here with a group of built-in friends.

While I thought it would be a friend free-for- all, not everyone is looking to meet new people.

While my first week has been full of surprises, they have not been bad ones. I’m learning to expect the unexpected as I go and enjoy every second of it.

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