My Three Rules to Having a Successful N.U.in Experience Abroad
It finally hit me that I was leaving home to go to college when the day finally arrived. However, to make the situation even more terrifying, I was going abroad during my first semester of college as a part of the N.U.in Program! What is the N.U.in Program? Northeastern’s website defines it as “…a unique first-year experience for a select group of applicants to begin their fall semester studying abroad at one of our international partner locations, and then transition to the Boston campus in January…”. The comforting thought of being able to drive back home or my parents visiting me at college was not possible in the fall semester since I was going to be in London, UK. I told myself that everything will be okay as I stepped onto the plane that was taking me on this scary yet eye-opening journey.
For three and a half months, I followed three rules I set for myself:
- Be open-minded
Being abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something to cherish forever. The culture, language, and people are all different which might be shocking, scary, and stressful all at once. Therefore, be open-minded about everything since the majority of the things you do, hear, eat, or see will be different than back home. When you judge something before even trying it, that is when you don’t experience the whole study abroad journey fully.
- Explore as much as you can
When I was in London, I kept telling myself that I should be grateful and be enjoying my time abroad. Whenever I felt like not doing anything or just wanted to sit in my room watching TV, tell yourself that you are studying abroad and that people are so envious of your situation. Go explore as much as you can, don’t waste any time.
- Be active
For however long you are abroad, be as active as you can be to take the whole experience to heart and experience as much as you can. In classrooms, make sure you are active, learning as much as you can and enjoying the new culture in classrooms. Furthermore, make sure you are socially active; go introduce yourself to other students and start a conversation or attend one of the many Northeastern events where you can meet more people and broaden your horizon. Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. That is when you truly find out who you are, what you are capable of, and really enjoy your time abroad.