Moving abroad for higher studies is not for the weak. There, I said it. Now, let’s see why. Shifting in itself can be a nerve-racking process. Moving countries? Absolutely horrendous. As a student, you are especially bound to face difficulty in making adjustments. Firstly, you are not only in a new country but also experiencing a new culture and language shift. Then, you have just left your family and friends with a new country offering no semblance of familiarity.
Coming across these issues as an international student is inevitable. But to make better sense of your feelings as you make the transition, let us see the emotional stages of moving.
Emotional Stages When Moving Countries
Nothing like some self-awareness that can help you cope with your emotions. So, as an international student, you might counter the following feelings or emotions:
- Excitement
- Frustration
- Adjustment
- Confidence
Stage 1: Excitement
First and foremost, you are going to feel excited. You will be excited at the prospect of moving to a new place, gaining exposure, meeting new people, and much more. All the possibilities of what this new beginning might be like will keep you on your toes.
You will find yourself daydreaming and wondering about your campus life, new friends, professors, and environment. Your curiosity, sense of accomplishment, and endless possibilities will hardly let you think of your old life, family, and friends.
Stage 2: Frustration
Though as you have boarded your plane, arrived at your destination, and settled into your new “home,” the unbidden feeling of loneliness is bound to consume you. Your excitement from weeks ago will wean off, and you will realise what you have gotten yourself into.
That is not all! You might even have to face disappointment in terms of the quality of your life. Initially, you will be clueless and confused because you will not know how to navigate through the city and where to go. Plus, you will miss the familiarity of your surroundings and previous life.
Stage 3: Adjustment
As was the case with excitement, the stage of frustration is also temporary. Though the chaos of moving will continue for at least the first month, you will always feel out of place and unsettled due to the abrupt changes and almost no human interaction. You will also be completely occupied with your arrangements, both academic and personal.
Nonetheless, it will also get better. After a month or so, more of your issues will be sorted. You will also have made your initial arrangements. Since you are not as confused and panicked as you initially were, you might even begin meeting new people and looking forward to socialising.
Though, after a few months, you might find yourself missing your friends and family back home. Connecting with new people might be hard, and loneliness might take up residence in your day-to-day life. If you experience this, know that you are not alone and should definitely not give up. As things get better, you will want to make the most of this new experience. Nothing can deter you as long as you have a positive attitude and an overall hopeful mindset. When in this slump, you can make a trip, plan an outing, explore new places, or try out the local cuisine.
Eventually, as you figure out your new life, your excitement will return since you will finally be living a life you had envisioned while back home.
Stage 4: Confidence
And now, the good part! If you keep a positive mindset, five months into your move, you will feel like, “I can do this.” Due to the time you will have given yourself to adjust, you will be more comfortable with your surroundings and new life. This is when you will begin enjoying your decision and finding solace in your academic and personal life.
By then, you might even have found friends and be ready to face new challenges. This is the point when you will appreciate yourself for not giving up and for constantly trying.
Work on Your Emotional Well-Being
Nevertheless, the transition from excitement to confidence is not abrupt and easy. In order for you to successfully settle in and be mentally and emotionally well, you need to take some steps.
- Embrace a Positive Attitude
- Focus on Self Care
- Stay Organised
- See the Move as a Fresh Start
- Let Go of Perfectionism
- Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
- Meet New People
1. Embrace a Positive Attitude
Moving can be quite an adventure, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Instead of getting bogged down by what might not go right, try focusing on the exciting parts of your new journey. Remind yourself why this move is essential and how it will benefit you. Imagine all the new friends you'll make, the tasty foods you'll try, and the interesting places you'll explore. You could even start some new traditions or routines in your new home. Interestingly, a study from 2017 discovered that people who focus on positivity in their daily lives tend to feel happier overall.
2. Focus on Self Care
While having a positive outlook is helpful, taking care of yourself is also important, especially during stressful times like moving. Make sure to prioritise your self-care routines to avoid burnout. By caring for your body and mind, you'll be better prepared to handle the challenges of moving. Self-care helps you stay strong and resilient, making it easier to face each day with energy and enthusiasm.
3. Stay Organised
Moving comes with a long list of tasks. Staying organised can help reduce stress and make the process smoother. Start with a simple checklist of your main goals and break them down into smaller tasks. These might include getting packing boxes, hiring movers, and planning your packing schedule. If it feels overwhelming, consider getting help from a professional organiser.
4. See the Move as a Fresh Start
Packing up your life can be a great opportunity to declutter and let go of things you no longer need. Remember, your memories of people and places will stay with you, even if you leave some physical items behind. This is your chance to start fresh, with less stuff and more space for new experiences. Plus, moving with fewer items is often cheaper and easier.
5. Let Go of Perfectionism
Moving is messy and often more complicated than expected. Accepting this can make the process less stressful. Avoid trying to make everything perfect and embrace the chaos instead. By letting go of perfectionism, you set healthier expectations and make the whole experience more manageable. Some perfectionism can be helpful, but too much can lead to stress and anxiety.
6. Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
One of the hardest parts of moving is being away from close friends and family. However, thanks to modern technology, staying connected is easier than ever. Use apps to text, chat, or video call your old friends and family. This connection can help reduce stress and make settling into your new place easier.
7. Meet New People
While it's important to maintain old friendships, engaging with your new community is crucial. Meeting new people is part of the moving challenge, so get involved as soon as you can. Don’t worry if your home isn't perfectly set up yet—building new relationships will help you feel more at home.
Bonus: What to Do Before You Move?
To help yourself settle in better, you can follow the following steps. These steps will allow you to be prepared to some extent for the monumental change in your life. If not followed, the sudden transition will be harder for you to handle and can make you feel hopeless. For self-awareness, it is important to be informed and this article helps you do just that.
- Research
- Network
- Practice Mindfulness
- Ask for Help
1. Research
Before making any move, it is crucial to thoroughly research the area you intend to relocate to. Delve into details such as the climate, public transport system, local amenities, and overall lifestyle to better understand what to expect. Although you won't fully experience the new lifestyle until you live there, having a solid foundation of knowledge can help you prepare mentally and practically. You can find comprehensive information about your country of choice in various country guides.
2. Network
Prior to and during the relocation process, making new connections in your future area can be incredibly beneficial. These connections can provide valuable insights into the local lifestyle, the best schools, activities, and much more. Expats who are already living in your new country can be especially helpful, as they have experienced the same challenges and emotions you are facing. They can offer tips on managing mental health and provide support and advice once you have moved.
3. Practice Mindfulness
It is common to have doubts and concerns about your decision to move. Questions like, "Am I making the right choice?" or "What if I regret moving?" can create significant mental stress. Practising mindfulness can help ground you in the present and alleviate these worries. Take time to slow down, practise breathing exercises, or meditate for ten minutes each day. Resources like Headspace and other mindfulness apps can offer useful techniques to help clear your mind.
4. Ask for Help
During times of emotional stress, it is easy to withdraw from others and keep your feelings inside. However, isolating yourself can exacerbate these feelings. It is important to reach out for help when you need it. This could involve joining local social groups, regularly speaking to family and friends, or arranging professional support online. Sharing your problems can lighten your emotional load and help you feel less alone. Establishing a strong support system is vital for maintaining good mental health during the transition.
How Can a Counsellor Help You Through This?
A college counsellor can be a great help when moving to a new country for higher education. They offer support in various ways, making the transition smoother and less stressful.
Emotional Support
Since moving to a new country for studies can be emotionally challenging, a counsellor understands these challenges and provides emotional support. They are there to listen to your concerns, offer reassurance, and help you stay positive. Knowing you have someone to talk to can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany such a big change.
Understanding Students’ Struggles
Furthermore, counsellors themselves are familiar with the common struggles students face when moving abroad. They understand the feelings of homesickness, cultural shock, and the pressure of adapting to a new academic environment. Their experience allows them to offer practical advice and solutions to help you overcome these difficulties. They can guide you on how to manage your time, balance your studies, and find resources that can assist you during your stay.
Orientation Assistance
Counsellors help students who face trouble navigating a new educational system by providing detailed orientations. These orientations cover essential aspects such as the campus layout, important facilities, academic expectations, and local customs. By ensuring you know what to expect, they help you feel more confident and prepared for your new life. This guidance makes the initial days at your new institution much less overwhelming.
Connecting with Similar Communities
Lastly, counsellors are aware that feeling at home in a new country can be challenging, so they help you connect with students from similar backgrounds or communities. They can introduce you to student groups, clubs, and organisations where you can meet others who share your culture or interests. These connections can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, making it easier to adjust to your new surroundings. Having a support network of peers who understand your experiences can be incredibly reassuring and help you feel more at home.
If you are interested in finding such help, contact us on CounsellingX, where we have counsellors from the top universities in the world.
