Lauren is a student at the University of Nevada - Reno. She is a participant in the TRIO Student Support Services program.
Blog Date - July 10, 2019
How to Survive Your Study Abroad Semester in Five Easy Steps
Step 1: Get yourself a muffin
No one who has eaten a great muffin in the morning has ever had a bad day. Think about it. Do you know anyone who has? No! So start your day off with a muffin because, if you're like me, you will soon have to go meet with a group of twenty other sleep deprived Americans in a wifi-less building -- trust me, you need that muffin.
Step 1: Get yourself a muffin
No one who has eaten a great muffin in the morning has ever had a bad day. Think about it. Do you know anyone who has? No! So start your day off with a muffin because, if you're like me, you will soon have to go meet with a group of twenty other sleep deprived Americans in a wifi-less building -- trust me, you need that muffin.
Step 2: Go to class and be engaged
Take advantage of the amazing educational opportunity you have been granted. You never know when you will have this chance again. For example, today I worked with my peers to create my own social justice campaign as well as participate in a UN simulation where I had to negotiate with other "countries." I learned a lot from these activities and without my full effort I would not have benefited from these experiences as much.
Take advantage of the amazing educational opportunity you have been granted. You never know when you will have this chance again. For example, today I worked with my peers to create my own social justice campaign as well as participate in a UN simulation where I had to negotiate with other "countries." I learned a lot from these activities and without my full effort I would not have benefited from these experiences as much.
Step 3: Take some time to relax and reflect
After a five hour day of classes, remember to take care of your health. Whether it be napping, drawing, or watching Netflix, make sure that you balance your academics with self-care. Personally, I have been journaling my experiences as a student in a new country. I believe this is a good way to de-stress but also to preserve all of the memories and adventures of my journey across the world. Another thing I love to do is read. It helps to remove me from my own mind space when I am in a high stress environment. Currently I am reading I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter which is one out of the many books on my summer reading list.
Step 4: Have fun!
Despite the long school days and homework, keep in mind that there is a whole world beyond your university that you may never experience again! Go out with friends, immerse yourself in the culture and don't forget to have fun -- you owe it to you past and future self. Tonight, summer school students were invited to meet the deputy mayor and network with other students. When it comes to rare events like these savor every moment.
Step 5: Appreciate
And finally, appreciate the new world around you. No matter where you are in the transition to a new country, keep in mind that this new country has so much to be grateful for. You may love your new home but a new environment is good for you. It's not better, nor worse, just different. So be appreciative of the new sights, smells, views, and people -- chances are you'll miss it when you're gone.
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