An Introvert’s Guide to Studying Abroad

Accounting major Megan Watkins ’23 studied abroad in Stirling, Scotland during the spring of 2022

I never thought I would study abroad. I was, and still am, a shy, anxious, introverted person. So, when I thought about spending several months in an unfamiliar country surrounded by strangers, it sounded like a nightmare. But I always wanted to explore the world. I’ve been fascinated by architecture my whole life, so traveling in Europe and seeing the architectural marvels that line every street was always a dream of mine that I never thought I would be able to make happen.

Then, one day in the spring of 202,1 I was talking with my friends and realized that almost all of them would be studying abroad the next spring, and I would be practically alone on campus. So, in that moment, I was faced with a decision: I could be alone for a semester on a familiar campus OR I could take that leap and be alone in a foreign country.

Obviously, we know which I chose. And I am so grateful for that little push because my semester in Scotland was one of the best experiences of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. All of this to say – here are my top tips for people who really want to spend a semester abroad but are terrified by the thought of going through with it.

Do a short trip abroad first

I was fortunate enough to participate in one of Etown’s faculty-led trips during my first year. Through this program, I spent spring break of 2020 (yup, mere days before COVID shut everything down) exploring Prague with a small group of students and two business professors. This was the first time I had ever left the east coast and only the second time I’d ever been on a plane in my life. Traveling for a brief time with a more regimented schedule allowed me to dip my toes in the waters of international travel without committing to months at a time.

Make friends with your roommates

Good roommates can be a luck of the draw. I was lucky enough to live with some amazing people, and they became my travel/activity buddies. It’s not always easy to find friends, especially in a new country with a different culture. But putting yourself out there in the beginning will make your whole experience better.

Take time for your normal activities

I wanted to do and see everything I possibly could. I spent every weekend traveling or participating in fun events around town/on campus, in addition to a normal course load and figuring out how to live in a new country. I became burned out very quickly, but I felt like just sitting and relaxing would be a waste of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You need to take some time off to recharge, watch some television, work on a hobby, or do something to allow yourself to relax. That time will let you truly make the most of your experiences.

Do it scared

In study abroad, nearly everything you do is a brand-new experience. I was terrified most of the time, but I didn’t let that stop me. It’s okay to be scared, and it’s okay to be anxious, but you can still do that thing. Get on that plane, go on that trip, do that activity. It will be worth it.