What comes to your head when you think about an exchange semester? Movies, YouTube videos and stories from others give us a certain picture of how an exchange semester will look like. Today I want to share some of the expectations and thoughts I had before I started my Erasmus semester in Belgium. Let’s see how I look at them now…
First of all, expectations are a tricky thing. On one hand they can help us to be excited about something, on the other hand our hopes and mood can be crushed, when something is not the way we expected. So, let’s take a look at some presumptions, worries and hopes I had about studying and living abroad:
1. Adapting to a new environment
Being thousands of kilometres away from home. All on your own. Maybe it’s your first time living alone. All this can sound really frightening, but trust me – reality is way less scary. Actually, it took me much less time to adapt to the new environment, than I expected. Maybe it was a little easier for me because Belgian culture is not completely different from the one in my home country Austria. I’m sure, the adapting process can be more difficult when the study destination is very dissimilar from your home. But once you make yourself at home in your accommodation, know your way around town and get to know some people, you will develop a new routine.
2. Making friends
The good thing about being abroad because of studying is that all the other exchange students are in the exact same position as you are! That’s something you should always remember, especially in the beginning. Personally, approaching new people is not the easiest thing for me. But the exchange semester is your chance to try new things and maybe be more outgoing than usual. Nobody has any presumptions or knowledge about who you are. Most of the others start their journey on their own as well. And everyone is looking for friends!
3. Language barriers
Be aware, that 90% of the time (or more) you will be communicating in English. It is the perfect opportunity to improve your language skills. Be prepared that your brain will be working day and night! It has to process all the new impressions, while constantly translate, think and process in English (or whatever language you speak on exchange semester). At this point I started dreaming in English as well. To practice your English beforehand and during your stay I can advise you to just watch every movie and series in English. It really helped me to become fluent!
4. So many cultures coming together
One of the main purposes students go on exchange semester is to meet new people from all over the world. What’s so great about this experience is, that you will meet like-minded people, who are on the same journey as you are. Even though everyone has a different origin and background, you will see that similarities always predominate. Everybody is hoping to build friendships, have a good time and make lots of memories.
5. Time for traveling
Many students use their Erasmus time to travel as much as possible. Of course, I was hoping to do that too. And well, I think I’ve been doing good so far! I visited 3 countries outside of Belgium plus many different places in Belgium within 2 month. I love it! You want to know where I went? Then definitely check out my new vlog on YouTube! There I share my “5 takeaways from traveling” with you. At home we are often stuck in our routine or don’t have time for trips and traveling. The exchange semester is an exceptional situation. Use it to escape your ordinary life and explore as many places as possible!
6. A once in a lifetime experience
For sure we all expect our exchange semester to be a once in a lifetime experience. Let me tell you, it is! Your time abroad won’t last forever, so make the most out of it! Say yes to new adventures. Enjoy every minute. Yes, there will also be busy times with exams and assignments, but that’s part of the experience as well.
What I learned since I’ve been abroad? Sometimes it’s better to expect nothing and be all the more impressed by what will happen.
Do you have other worries and expectations I didn’t tackle? Leave a comment below or contact me on social media!
You can’t get enough of content about studying and living abroad? Then take a look at these websites from my friends as well: