How to Survive a Year Abroad

Time is slipping away from me in the same way that water slips through my cupped hands at two in the morning when I wake up dehydrated and unable to find a glass. Too fast.

I have been living in France for more than seven months now. In less than three, I’ll return to California.

Today I reread my posts on this blog. When I say I meant to post more, I really do mean it. Sorry for being flaky.

But I’m back now, and that’s what counts! So, as a now seasoned exchange student, I’d like to share the ups and downs and the ins and outs of living abroad for a year.

Whether you’re going on youth exchange or heading off to college, here are six tips for surviving a year away from your family.

1. Reach out

Any exchange student who’s done their research should know that reaching out to others is vital to a year abroad. This is how you make friends– how you find your second family.

For some, it can be very hard to do this. To make it easier, join a club or a sports team. Just make sure there are people around you who you can lean on. Your time away from home will go so much smoother if you know there’s at least one person who you can go to when things get tough.

2. Ask for help

I have always been a very independent person: when I was learning how to walk, I refused help from my parents.

Like this, when I am approached by a problem, I will do everything in my power to avoid having to ask others for help. This has presented me with problems at various times in my life, this year in particular.

I’ve found that often, people are willing to help. You just have to take the first step by asking. You are not being bothersome.

Independence will serve you well when you’re away from home. But knowing when to depend on others is just as important.

3. Live in the moment

If you’re like me, you think about the future a lot. Some might say you think about it too much. As an exchange students, we should try to benefit from the moments we have in our host countries. They won’t last forever.

This year, I’ve had to learn to not worry about the future. My days are so much better when I’m there mentally, as well as physically. The future will figure itself out without me worrying about it.

Learn how to appreciate where you are now. Look around. What do you see? What do you hear? Will you remember this moment? The story you’re living is one that not many others have. Remember that. Be thankful.

4. Be prepared

Keep physical and electronic copies of all important documents. I cannot stress this enough. More exchange students need to do this.

The amount of times I’ve been asked this year for my birth certificate, my visa, my authorization to leave the country, my Rotary guarantee forms, and the IDs of my parents is, frankly, astounding. Knowing that I have them at all times takes so much stress off of my shoulders (as well as the shoulders of my host parents).

I keep the original copies and a photocopy of each important document in a nicely organized file folder that stays in my suitcase or room. As for the electronic copies, Google Drive works well. Keep the documents in a folder and share it with your parents back home.

Trust me when I say this will make your life so much easier. Everyone will love you for doing this. In addition, your host parents will be impressed at your organization. Tell them it’s thanks to my dad that you’re on top of it (it was his idea).

5. Be flexible

Plans change, or don’t come to fruition at all. When this happens, don’t become discouraged!

The students in my exchange year were unlucky in that our end of year meet ups and trips were cancelled. It was easy for many of us to think very negatively upon this. I did that for a while. But that’s exhausting and draining.

Choose to see failed plans as new opportunities. Now that I’m confined to my house, I can bond with my host siblings. I can bake. I can keep my blog updated!

Learn to find at least a little bit of optimism in even the most trying times.

Tell yourself: I’m growing from this.

6. Stay in touch

Download Skype. Call your friends and siblings. Check in (your family will get mad at you if you don’t do this often enough. I know from experience).

Stay in touch virtually, yes, but also remember your roots. Bring your family recipes with you. Save the playlist you hear on Sunday mornings to your phone. Print photos of the people and memories you love to hold close on the hard days.

Find ways to be with your family or loved ones that don’t involve waking them up at 3 a.m. because you’re sad.

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If you’ve made it this far, thank you so much! I hope you’ve somehow benefited from my words. If not, tant pis.

À bientôt !