Looking back at my now two-and-a-half years of living and studying in London, one thing is clear to me – I have often said that choosing to study abroad was and is one of the best decisions I ever made (…and I always meant it!).
Leaving behind the small Norwegian town I grew up in, I packed my suitcase and headed for the big city in 2015. With me I most certainly brought great expectations, and (as I had never set foot in the UK before!), butterflies in my stomach.
If you’ve already spent some time here, it will come as no surprise to you that King’s is a university with a global focus. As such, you’ve probably heard all about the global opportunities available to you during and after your time as a (proud) King’s student. It’s all out there – Global Summer School, Study Abroad, Global Internships, you name it! And it’s no surprise when engaging in global opportunities can enhance your university experience and boost your employability.
While I could, of course, go on and on about WHY you should study abroad, I thought instead I would share some of the “lessons” I’ve learned while studying abroad which are applicable whether you’re looking at heading out of the UK or coming here to study!
Your nationality or country may be joked about, a LOT!
It almost certainly will. And I mean this in a good way.
Being someone coming in to a new country is always a unique experience. You might be a little bit different, do things a little bit different, or, say things that are a little bit different. From my experience, my Norwegian heritage was often the central topic of conversations – but again, in a GOOD way. I have lost count of how many times I have heard this classic: “How are YOU cold? You’re Norwegian!!”
Just as you might wish to learn about the culture of the place you are going to, the people from that place might want to learn more about the country you are coming from. Jokes are also a great way to get closer to people. It is absolutely true – like Zsofi said in her study abroad blog – that studying abroad will allow you to form life-long friendships.
People might ask you to pronounce weird words, or use idioms you simply don’t understand…
At more than one occasion since moving to London, I’ve been asked to pronounce the famous Mary Poppins song title “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”. And that’s just one example.
They might laugh at you when you mispronounce a word, but this language game can be enjoyed at both ends. Most likely they’re not any better at pronouncing your weird words! In the end, all it does is improve yours and theirs language skills. All that matters is that you’re curious enough to ask questions about the language you’re learning…
You will pick up habits or quirks from people!
Just embrace it – it’s the new you.
Spending a lot of time with people is likely to create this effect no matter where you are, BUT, the habits you pick up in a new country might be culturally different to yours. Maybe you’ll pick up a certain phrase? It can be anything. Personally, I’m using the word “sorry” way more than I used to. Yep, I apologise for everything now. Even when it’s not my fault…
But embrace it – it’s the new you! Studying abroad is a great learning curve – both academically and personally. And chances are, once you’ve got a taste for being abroad you’ll be looking for your next international adventure (I know I am!).
If you have any “lessons” or study abroad experiences you would like to share with us, you know the drill