5 Best Ways to Socialize When Studying Overseas

 

Studying overseas is not only about performing well in academics and bagging a high-paying job afterward but also about experiencing a new culture and exploring a new way of life!

We understand living away from your family and friends for too long can be stressful and daunting. Nevertheless, you are bound to experience the culture shock that makes you homesick during your initial days in your host country, but it is important to adjust to your new life sooner or later.

And the best way to achieve that is by integrating yourself into the social environment of your host country! So you should step out of your comfort zone and work towards making new friends and professional contacts. Remember, the more you interact with people, the quicker you can adapt to the local life in your host country.

Here are five ways you can socialize better when studying abroad!

1. Have an Open Mindset

Before doing anything else, you should have an open mindset and willingness to integrate into a new culture. We understand that it is difficult, especially when your home country and host country shares minimal similarities, but if you prepare yourself beforehand, research your way in, you will get a good idea of what to expect, and you'll be able to mix up in no time at all.

So don't be afraid to exchange a hello with a classmate or break the ice with your neighbors! You can even ask your relatives back home if they know someone living in the same city as you. This way, you will have a mutual friend and a recourse to fall back on in an unfamiliar country!

2. Stay in Shared Accommodation

Living in shared accommodation is a perfect choice to forge new friendships, you will meet people of diverse backgrounds. You can choose university dorms, shared private accommodation, and homestays for that purpose.

While the university dorms are popular amongst first-year students, the shared private accommodation is well-suited for students who crave independent living and want their uni life to be restriction-free. Another excellent way to expand your local network is to go for homestays. It is best for someone who has never lived away from their family and tends to get homesick. The comfort of a local family can help you adapt quickly to learning the native language, values, & traditions.

3. Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to expand your network on a global level. And it starts from your very university campus. You will find many like-minded folks with whom you can share your interests, ideas and knowledge contributing to your personal growth & upskilling.

And the best way to achieve that is by actively participating in your university's extracurricular activities. Join a hobby club or student society that fits your interests & skills. These clubs or societies often conduct meetups and discussions where you can interact with your contemporaries.

Also, keep an eye on your university's social calendar. And make sure to attend both networking and cultural events. They present ample opportunities for volunteer work and workshops at university premises.

4. Pursue a Hobby

Just because you have shifted to a new country doesn't mean you have to bid adieu to things you are passionate about. In fact, you must hone your skills by joining a proper course, further expanding your knowledge and networking circle or even transform your passion into a professional career.

Moreover, if you wish to learn something new that wasn't possible back in your home country, it is the perfect opportunity to give it a shot. After all, not everyone gets to relish the perks of studying abroad. So stop staying-in at your house, and instead, step outside and start looking for such professional classes in your vicinity. You can also take assistance from your neighbors and university professors. They can guide you better with the best available help.