Dear Students,
So, you did the hard and scary part. You committed to study abroad. You applied, received your placement, packed your bags, said good-bye to your friends and family, boarded the plane and now here you are in the airport looking for your host family. You see them. They are holding a sign with your name on it with big smiles on their faces. You walk over and say, “Hello.” They greet you warmly, grab your bags, and you’re off to the car for the ride to your new home for the next 10 months. It’s about now that the panic starts to set in. Ok, you’re here, now what?
Don’t worry. We know it’s a lot. It’s scary. Everything is different. Everything is new. It’s ok. You are not alone. Every international student goes through this. When I arrived in Fukuoka, Japan at the age of 16, I felt exactly the same way. Even the bathroom in my new home didn’t work the same. All the things I thought I knew I had to relearn and in a second language too! It can be overwhelming and exhausting. It’s going to be ok. Your AHLI host family is here for you. We understand. Give yourself some grace.
Here are a couple things we suggest to help you settle in:
- Ask lots of questions. Don’t be intimidated. Asking questions is how you learn and everyone will be there to help you. It’s also a great way to share your story and your culture by telling people how things are different in your country. People love to learn about your country and the way things work there. They might not ever get the opportunity to learn these things without you. Your story is unique, so share it.
- Make a list of goals for yourself for the year and share it with your host family. What do you want to accomplish in school? Is it improving your speaking and writing skills? Do you want to get all A’s and B’s? What are your social goals? Do you want to join a sport, a club or volunteer? What do you hope to experience with your host family? Are there places you want to go? Foods you want to eat? Holiday traditions you can’t wait to experience? Writing all of this down for yourself and sharing it with your host family can help motivate you and plan out your year. Check back in with your list every couple months to see what you’ve accomplished and what you might want to add to your list. This will keep you accountable and help ensure you get the most out of your experience.
- Check in with your family back home, but give yourself boundaries. Remember, you want to be present in your new life. I know you’re excited to talk to your friends and family back home to share all the amazing things you’re doing and seeing. You should share with them, but make sure you limit the amount of time per week you spend with them, so you’re not missing time with your American friends and family. Remember, you can share your adventures when you get home, but you can only have them now while you’re here. Time is precious, and believe me it will go by quickly, so don’t waste it.
- Help yourself adjust to your new time zone with a consistent eating, sleeping and exercise schedule. Jet lag is for real! It can take a week or so for your body to settle in to your new schedule. You can help yourself though. Get a good night’s sleep, every night. I know it’s tempting, but you have to be consistent here or the jet lag will last longer. Eating healthy and getting some exercise daily will also help your body adjust faster. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
- Be open to trying new things everything from foods to new experiences. I know this can be overwhelming. There is so much new, every single day. You’ll love some of it and some you won’t. Remember that different isn’t bad. It’s just different and sometimes different is amazing! The only way to find your new favorite things is to put yourself out there and try them. I never thought I would like caviar. It looked weird. It smelled weird, but once I tried it, I quickly found my favorites. I tried out for my high school softball team and guess what?! I made the team! Some of my favorite memories are with my teammates on that field! I’m so excited to hear what new things you’ll discover this year!
- Most of all, have fun! I can tell you. I’m now in my 50’s, and I still think of my time abroad all the time! It shaped who I am as a person and what I choose to do for a living. I learned to be adventurous, try new things and most importantly not to take myself too seriously. I made tons of mistakes and found the humor in all of them. Some of the dumbest things I did or said are my favorite stories to tell now. It can be the same for you.
- Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Your host family is here for you. Your Coordinator is here for you. You’ll make new friends at school who will be there for you soon. All you have to do is put yourself out there and try. I know you can do it.
I’m praying for you. We all are. I can’t wait to hear your AHLI story. It’s going to be amazing!
Stacy Kinsey, Program & Marketing Director
AHLI – International Education and Homestay
