Written by: Stephanie Gonzalez | Fall 2024
ISEP Exchange – Australian Catholic University
This past fall semester I had the opportunity to study in Australia for the semester. It was my first time solo traveling and also my first time being so far away from home. There were many lessons that I learned while being abroad, but the main thing that stuck with me was that I, a severe introvert, was able to explore a different part of myself – like becoming more extroverted! A lot of my experience was shaped by the fact that I stepped out of my comfort zone and explored the part of my personality that is often too shy to come out. Many introverts or shy students worry that they will not adjust to being away from home, but I actually encourage these students to do it! It was such a beautiful experience that I am extremely grateful for. Before my trip, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make friends or find community because my introverted personality often prevents this, but by pushing myself, I found so much love and friendships abroad. I would not change my experience at all! So, I put together some of the things that I learned as a chronically shy person that helped me on my trip!
1. It’s okay to embarrass yourself
Let me just say, I embarrassed myself many times while in Australia. When going somewhere abroad, it’s not uncommon that you’ll find yourself in embarrassing situations at the start because you’re learning a new culture, environment, and oftentimes a new language. However, it’s important that you don’t let these little moments get in the way of you interacting with others. The good thing about embarrassing yourself in a new place is that you most likely won’t see these people again! If you do, it’s a funny story that brings you together. It’s important to be lighthearted and not take things too harshly. Your time flies by when you’re studying abroad, and the times you embarrass yourself won’t be the most important part of your trip.
2. Ask questions
I cannot stress enough how important it is to ask questions! Do research on your city, your school, your program, etc! Beyond that, ask questions to your host family, new found friends, professors, and anyone who is willing to answer your questions. This is extremely important for safety, like water drinkability and much more. As an introvert, it has always been hard for me to ask questions, but I found it to be vital so I could get around the city, find the cheapest grocery store, and get my school work done. Asking questions can be intimidating, but I also found it to be a great way to meet new people and create more friendships.
3. Get out of your comfort zone
Getting out of your comfort zone is extremely hard, especially for someone who is shy, but it is almost inevitable when abroad. Stepping out of my comfort zone were the best moments I had while abroad. I introduced myself to so many people, which lead me to so many amazing experiences such as going on an impromptu trip to Sydney and many beach trips. Getting out of my comfort zone was also how I met my best friend on my trip. I remember being so afraid to reach out to this girl who was also in Australia through ISEP, but I am so glad I did because we instantly clicked and spent lots of our trip together.
4. Solo traveling – can be scary but SO worth it
Before I landed in Australia, I was already set on telling
myself that I was not going to travel anywhere alone. I told myself that this was for safety reasons but really it was because I was scared to be on my own. However, I mustered up the courage to go on a tour of the Great Ocean Road solo. I ended up meeting a lovely woman who was also by herself and we made great friends with our tour guide. Had I prevented myself from going on this tour, I would’ve missed such an amazing experience. On this trip, I got to see koalas in their natural habitat, so many beautiful birds – like cockatoos and parrots-, and beautiful beach landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles! For introverts who want their alone time, solo trips are the perfect getaway, but trips with friends are also just as fun! Going on a trip by myself made me nervous, but I was sure to keep my friends updated, and I loved my time visiting the Great Ocean Road!
5. Your friends from home aren’t gone forever
Something that was hard for me to grapple with was being so far from friends and family – which all students abroad experience, but we live in an age of technology! Even with a 16+ hour time difference I was able to stay in touch with friends and FaceTime to get updates on what was going on back home. With that being said, don’t rely on your friends back home to support you through everything – building relationships abroad is so important. Meeting new people can be intimidating but starting a simple conversation can change everything. I am incredibly thankful for the conversations I started because it led to friendships that made my trip so fun! Reach out to other students who are studying abroad with you, more than likely they are experiencing the same feelings as you are. Also, make friends with locals – they are your guide to your new city! Opening yourself to new friendships allows you to get to know a wide range of people, furthering your scope on the world. While in Australia I met people from different parts of the US, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, India, China – the list goes on and on! All these people have incredible stories themselves, and I encourage you to learn something from others’ experiences!
Above all, know that in a few months you’ll miss it! There is no right way to study abroad, but stepping out of your normal allows you to grow in ways that you never thought possible. When I came back to the states, I noticed how much I had changed in just four short months. I loved every minute of my time in Australia, and I feel extremely proud of myself knowing that I tried new foods, new activities, and met people who were different from me. Study abroad is where you can find a new part of yourself so don’t worry if you’re an introvert or just nervous about these new things because you’ll appreciate it in the end! Soak up every moment!