what I wish I knew before studying abroad for a year

Summary

In this video, the YouTuber shares valuable insights from their study abroad experience in Edinburgh, focusing on the first half of their year-long journey. They emphasize the importance of embracing new experiences, pushing personal boundaries, and finding comfort in independence. The script also touches on the reality that study abroad can have mundane moments, and the need to balance travel with academic responsibilities. Additionally, the YouTuber advises on making friends with diverse individuals, spending money on memorable experiences, and embracing the temporary nature of living abroad. They conclude by encouraging viewers to balance exploring their host country with traveling to other places.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Say yes to new experiences to create lasting memories and push your boundaries.
• 🏡 Embrace independence and self-reliance while studying abroad.
• 📚 Accept that studying abroad can have normal days and that's okay; focus on academics when needed.
• 🧳 Understand that you won't become a new person just by going to a new place; work on personal growth.
• 💸 Invest in experiences rather than material things to make the most of your time abroad.
• 🌐 Make friends with a diverse range of people to enrich your cultural understanding.
• 🌟 Embrace the temporary nature of your stay and focus on being present.
• 🏞️ Balance exploring your host country with traveling to other places.
• 📈 Learn to balance work and fun, and don't feel guilty about having normal days.
• 🗣️ Engage with locals and other international students for a broader perspective.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The main theme of the video is sharing personal experiences and advice for those considering studying abroad, with a focus on the unique challenges and insights gained from a longer-term study abroad experience.

Why did the YouTuber reference the movie 'Yes Man' with Jim Carrey?

The YouTuber referenced 'Yes Man' to illustrate the importance of saying 'yes' to new experiences when studying abroad, as it can lead to personal growth and create memorable moments.

What is the significance of studying abroad for a full year compared to a shorter period?

Studying abroad for a full year is significant because it allows for deeper immersion in the host culture, more substantial academic engagement, and potentially a greater sense of independence and personal growth.

How does the YouTuber suggest making friends while studying abroad?

The YouTuber suggests making friends with other study abroad students in the same city, as they are more likely to be interested in traveling and exploring, which can lead to shared experiences and stronger connections.

What advice does the YouTuber give regarding managing expectations about the 'fun' aspect of studying abroad?

The YouTuber advises that while studying abroad can be fun, it's also normal for it to sometimes feel like 'real life' with routine tasks and responsibilities, and it's important not to feel guilty about those ordinary moments.

Why is it important to embrace the temporary nature of the study abroad experience, according to the YouTuber?

Embracing the temporary nature of the study abroad experience is important because it helps in being present, enjoying the moment, and preparing for the reality of having to say goodbye to the host country and the life built there.

What is the YouTuber's perspective on spending money while studying abroad?

The YouTuber recommends spending money on experiences rather than material things, such as traveling to new cities, trying local food, and attending shows, as these create lasting memories.

How does the YouTuber feel about the independence required during a year-long study abroad?

The YouTuber acknowledges that independence can be challenging, especially initially, but it's a crucial part of the experience that leads to personal growth and self-reliance.

What does the YouTuber suggest regarding the balance between traveling within the host country and to other places?

The YouTuber suggests that while it's tempting to travel to many places, spending more time exploring the host city or country can provide a deeper appreciation and understanding of the place one has come to study.

Why does the YouTuber emphasize the importance of not expecting to become a completely new person after studying abroad?

The YouTuber emphasizes this because people often carry their same problems, insecurities, and personal traits with them, and it's important to recognize that personal growth is a continuous process, not a one-time transformation.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Embracing the Study Abroad Experience

The speaker introduces the topic of studying abroad, sharing personal insights from their time in Edinburgh. They mention the rarity of studying abroad for a full year, especially from a North American perspective, and the challenges it presents in terms of academic planning. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making friends with other study abroad students for travel and support, and encourages viewers to say 'yes' to new experiences, drawing inspiration from the movie 'Yes Man'. The advice is aimed at maximizing the study abroad experience, whether for a semester or a full year.

05:01

🧳 Adjusting to the Ebb and Flow of Life Abroad

In this section, the speaker acknowledges that studying abroad involves a mix of exciting adventures and ordinary, everyday tasks. They discuss the pressure to constantly have fun and the reality of balancing academic responsibilities. The speaker advises accepting the normalcy of some days and the importance of focusing on schoolwork. They also touch on the idea that one does not become a new person by moving to a new place, but rather continues to face personal challenges and grow.

10:01

💸 Investing in Experiences Over Material Possessions

The speaker stresses the value of spending money on experiences rather than material items during their time abroad. They recount personal experiences and suggest that students prioritize travel, food, and cultural activities to create lasting memories. The speaker also encourages making friends with a diverse range of people, including other study abroad students and international students, to enrich their experience.

⏳ Embracing the Temporary Nature of Study Abroad

Here, the speaker reflects on the temporary nature of the study abroad experience, discussing the emotional challenges of knowing the time in a new place is limited. They share their personal feelings of being a 'nomad' and the practice it gives them in adapting to new environments. The speaker also talks about the importance of being present and enjoying each moment, despite the knowledge that they will eventually have to leave.

🌐 Balancing Exploration of Home and Foreign Lands

In the final paragraph, the speaker discusses the balance between traveling to other countries and exploring the host country in depth. They mention the impact of COVID-19 on travel plans and how it led to a deeper exploration of Edinburgh and Scotland. The speaker suggests that spending more time in the host city can be just as rewarding as traveling to multiple countries, and they encourage viewers to appreciate the place they've chosen to study.

Keywords

💡Study Abroad

Study abroad refers to the experience of attending university or college in a country other than one's own. In the video, the speaker shares personal insights and advice based on their ongoing study abroad experience in Edinburgh. This term is central to the video's theme as it sets the context for the advice and reflections shared.

💡Independence

Independence, in this context, refers to the ability to live and make decisions without relying on others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of getting comfortable with independence while studying abroad, as students often find themselves in new environments without the support systems they are used to at home.

💡Comfort Zone

A comfort zone is a psychological state where a person feels at ease and in control. The video encourages students to push beyond their comfort zones by saying 'yes' to new experiences, which is a key part of personal growth during study abroad.

💡Temporary

The concept of 'temporary' in the video script refers to the transient nature of the study abroad experience. The speaker discusses embracing the temporary aspects of life, such as living in a new place for a limited time, which can be both exciting and challenging.

💡Travel

Travel is a recurring theme in the video, as the speaker discusses the opportunities and challenges of exploring new places while studying abroad. The advice to balance travel within the host country and to other places highlights the importance of experiencing the local culture as well as broader international travel.

💡Experiences

Experiences, in the context of the video, refer to the events, activities, and memories that one accumulates while studying abroad. The speaker advises spending money on experiences rather than material possessions, emphasizing the long-lasting value of memories over things.

💡Home Country

Home country is mentioned in relation to the contrast between the familiarity of one's own country and the novelty of a foreign land. The speaker reflects on the unique perspective gained by living in a new country and the importance of balancing time between exploring the host country and traveling to others.

💡Friendships

Friendships are highlighted as a crucial aspect of the study abroad experience. The speaker talks about making friends with a variety of people, including other study abroad students and locals, which enriches the experience and provides a support network.

💡Real Life

Real life, as used in the video, contrasts the often romanticized idea of study abroad with the everyday realities of living in a new place. The speaker acknowledges that despite the excitement, there are mundane aspects to managing life abroad, such as work and school.

💡Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is the process of thinking deeply about one's own experiences and emotions. The video encourages self-reflection as a means to understand personal growth and to navigate the challenges and rewards of studying abroad.

💡Cultural Immersion

Cultural immersion refers to the process of becoming deeply involved in a foreign culture. The video touches on the idea of cultural immersion as a valuable part of the study abroad experience, suggesting that living in a new country offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate different cultural practices.

Highlights

The speaker shares 10 things they wish they knew before studying abroad, reflecting on their experience halfway through.

They discuss the unique challenges of studying abroad for a full year versus a semester.

Advice on saying 'yes' to new experiences, inspired by the movie 'Yes Man' with Jim Carrey.

The importance of pushing oneself out of their comfort zone, regardless of their personality type.

Tips on getting comfortable with independence while studying in a foreign country.

Acknowledging that studying abroad can sometimes feel like 'real life' and that's okay.

Insights on how studying abroad doesn't necessarily change who you are, but can help you grow.

Encouragement to spend money on experiences rather than material things while abroad.

The value of making friends with a variety of people, including other study abroad students and international students.

Embracing the temporary nature of the study abroad experience and the lessons it teaches.

Balancing travel within the host country and to other places while studying abroad.

The speaker's personal realizations and how they've handled the temporary aspects of living abroad.

Practical advice on making the most of the study abroad experience, including dealing with the reality of 'normal' days.

A call to action for viewers to ask questions or request more specific travel tips in future videos.

Transcripts

put on my youtuber voice hello

hey

this is

how i talk

sorry

hi everybody so today we're going to

talk about 10 things that i wish that i

knew before i studied abroad so

obviously this is going to be like it's

gonna be like a part one because i'm

only halfway through my experience i am

lucky enough that i actually got to come

home for the holidays because i am going

back i'm going back to edinburgh in

like a month and after that i'll be

there for way longer than i was for the

like the fall semester so i want to make

a video from the perspective of somebody

who's going for a whole entire year and

obviously some of these tips will

they'll come in handy if you're only

going for like four months or three

months but

going for a year as i might say like a

north american is

it's kind of rare like i i have barely

i've talked to

like maybe like a handful of people who

are doing this for a year and i don't

know if it's just like our education

system or the way that like our college

credits are signed up but it's it's a

lot harder to go for longer and like

still graduate in time jumping right

right in going for a year is

like a weird amount of time

because it's not a semester because if

you go for a semester like it's a little

bit less like it's a little more like i

am i'm only here for a semester like i'm

just going to do whatever i want like

you know talk to as many people as i can

and you know it's in those situations

like it's good to make friends with

other study abroad students who are also

like in your city because a lot of the

times like you want to travel you want

to go other places and those are the

people that are probably going to be

more down for that rather than like

students who actually go to the school

and are there for school it's just like

you going to like your home university

you're not you know jetting off to

i don't know where you would jet off to

in the us we we have i guess like road

trips and stuff like not every weekend i

don't know so starting with my first

piece of advice is number one is i would

say yes to as many things as you can so

back in like august or like uh like july

i watched this movie called yes man with

jim carrey and i think it's on netflix

still

um just was like i don't know why i

watched it it was just like there and i

was like hey what's this

and it's about this character and he's

just kind of like stuck in a rut in his

life and so he goes to this like weird

meeting where there's like this like

it's kind of like an mlm i don't know

i don't know uh don't take my word for

that but like it's it's a little culty

vibes and basically they have this like

whole philosophy of like saying yes to

more things like open up you know

avenues in your life and like while the

movie

ends in chaos

it does have a good moral so i would

watch the movie but i i took away from

that is that you thinks can happen when

you say yes to things that you wouldn't

necessarily

say yes to and i think that like

studying abroad like that is a big thing

for me and i am an introvert like for

sure i'm i'm a confident person but like

i like there's just like certain things

i'm like i don't need to do like i don't

i don't i know myself like i don't i

will not enjoy that scenario or that

situation i think a part of this is like

pushing yourself out of your comfort

zone like no matter what your comfort

zone is because whether you're you know

an extrovert or an introvert or like

you've traveled a lot or traveled none

at all whatever your comfort zone is

like try and go outside of it and if

someone invites you to go do something

like just like i think

a lot of the times in my head i like

weigh the like weigh the

the pros and cons but i would say when

you're on study abroad like that first

couple of weeks and like keep this

energy throughout you're gonna run out

of energy like trust and believe but

i think that just like not thinking and

saying yes to things and just going and

doing something like you normally

wouldn't like is part of the fun and i

have a lot of cool memories now because

of things like that because of moments

like that so that is definitely my

number one tip okay number two is get

comfortable with independence so you

will be doing everything by yourself um

i know some people go with friends but

most likely if you're going for a year

to a brand new country that's a little

scary and i definitely had a bit of a

crisis not a crisis but like you get to

like your room and you're like oh like

i'm alone in a foreign country and like

i made a video about this you can watch

it but it's it's definitely like a

little it's a little shocking like i

can't believe i did this to myself like

why did i do this

like then it gets good it gets really

good yeah i think getting comfortable

with independence like getting

comfortable just like like being

your own cheerleader if that makes any

sense like a lot of the times like if

you're at school and you have a roommate

or you have you know like a best friend

or something like that like you can lean

on them and if you're having like a hard

day like you go to them and you know you

might have that like i definitely i made

friends like not even yeah like

eventually like you know it takes time

to like make those like close

friendships that you feel like you can

like you can really like confide in

people i would say so you know having

those moments where like you're having a

hard day and just you have to get kind

of good at like like hyping yourself up

and um just get comfortable with that

feeling because you know that's uh

that's life

number three so when you're going to

study abroad i will say that it is just

know that it's okay for it to feel kind

of like boring and like real life i

definitely struggled with this just a

little bit like i you know was just like

trying to like go and do my thing but

you know when you're there you start

following a lot of people who are like

also on study abroad or like your

friends are all studying abroad and

you're like oh my gosh like they're just

having so much fun all the time like

and yes it's a really fun

i'd say like it's probably some of the

most fun that i've had in college so far

but some days they're just normal like

some days i have to wake up and i have

to write a paper and like do work so i

can pass because like i'm there for a

year like i really can't well even if

you're their first master like you can't

really mess it up because then that'll

kind of like mess up your trajectory for

your college degree so like there are

some days like you have to kind of like

narrow in and you know focus on your

schoolwork and yeah it can feel a little

boring like there are some weeks like

not a lot's going on and you know it's

just like a normal monday but you're

living in a new city and i think that's

okay and i think it's part of the fun

like you know it's it's more than a trip

because like you find yourself making

new habits and like having like building

a new life in this new city which is

kind of cool but sometimes it can feel

normal which is like don't feel bad

about that because i i definitely had

moments where i was like i kind of feel

bad that i'm not like i don't know

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like

why do i like literally why do i feel

guilty about like not having fun

sometimes you have to do work that

i feel like i try i have i find new ways

to feel guilty about things like every

day of my life

why do i do this i don't know i have no

idea number four i got this advice so

much and over again like people were

like yeah like you'll go to this new

place but you won't become a new person

and like that's just

like it hit you know what i mean like

you will go to this new place and you

will still have your same problems you

will still be you you will still have

your own insecurities and you know

things that you need to work on and

that's okay like you know just you gotta

keep going and it it'll be good

but yeah there are definitely moments

where i'm like oh like i'm gonna be like

so fun and like free and easy and then

like i'm sitting there like i'm feeling

guilty because i'm not having fun like

you know like it's like those moments

are like okay like

you steal you yeah

number five so spend your money on

experiences so if you have a budget you

know it can be really tempting

especially in edinburgh like

you you know to go shopping and you know

i definitely have but i think like if

you have

money set aside for study abroad like

spend it on experiences

you know if you have a free weekend to

go and see a new city

and eat the food and see the shows and

just you know

like make new memories like i would say

that is that should be your number one

priority because that is just like

that's what it's about so yeah i would

say that that is my tip okay so number

six is going to be make friends with all

kinds of people so

i made friends with like other study

abroad students other international

students i actually really met a lot of

people from like my area in maryland

which is really funny like i think i've

met like maybe up to like 10 people from

like my direct area yeah you know it's

it can be a little tricky because when

you make like i made such great friends

this semester who like were also on

study abroad but like unfortunately they

were only there for the fall semester

and you know what like we had such a

nice time and like i made some great

memories this fall semester

um so like like just don't worry about

that like go and like meet people that

you connect with and like go have fun

like go travel go see the world make

some cool memories make a new friend and

that's sort of my advice with that okay

so number seven embrace the temporary

knit race

the tempora

temporariness

embrace the temporary aspects of life

that's how i'm going to rephrase that

sentence i think that

for me personally

you guys if you've been on my channel

for long enough like i had a year

of college and

then my second year like was cut off

by covid and then i took a gap year and

now i'm here

so when i go back my senior year of

college like i'm going to have another

year of temporary

living it's a little

just a little spicy you know

nomad

absolutely rebranding my life is my i'm

a nomad you know what i mean i will have

lots of practice on um you know

may remaking a life for myself you know

re-meeting people and which next year

will be a little different because like

i i know the city i know my routines and

like have a job and things like that but

um

there are moments where i get like a

little scared not like scared but like

yeah like it's a little it's a little um

weird to like only go to a place for a

year and like i feel like a semester is

a little bit like that's really

temporary but like a year is like a

little bit longer to like settle into a

place and like really get comfortable

but then like have to say goodbye like

it's a little weird but i think that i

it's

it's giving me practice and just like

trying to be present and trying to like

just focus on

what's right in front of me and just

enjoy myself because that's all that you

can do and hopefully that's a skill that

will like translate to my actual life

next year but yeah it's definitely good

practice in that number nine is to

balance travel in

your home country versus

other places so i didn't really travel

that much out of the country because as

of right now the code restrictions are a

little bit difficult to deal with but

a lot of people say this and i think

that because of kobe right now a lot of

people weren't like jetting off to

different countries on the weekend and a

lot of us just spent a lot more time

like actually exploring like the city

that we we were in

and it was really cool like we got to

like see a lot more of our city than

than maybe study abroad students like

usually would see because

kind of the whole point of studying

abroad is like to go see other places

too because you're in europe like if you

go to europe like it's very easy to

travel around and see other places but

honestly spending a little more time

like just in edinburgh in scotland has

given me a lot more like a lot more

moments to appreciate the actual place

that like i i went to go to and like i'm

going there for a year so like

it's a little different but still

oh the

construction

literal jackhammering

okay well i think i got to eight

and i definitely this video is long

enough so i am going to say goodbye if

you have any more questions about like

studying abroad and like i want to make

like more like legit travel tips like

these are more like floaty like life

lesson like travel tips i have like

concrete ones like of things for you to

join things for you to do like i have

all of those ideas in my head so if you

have any questions or like you want me

to further elaborate in another video

please comment down below and subscribe

because i post new videos every friday

thank you for watching

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ah

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