Why Your International Friendships Will Last A Lifetime

As you look to study abroad, you might think that making friendships abroad might seem like a daunting task given your destination, but the long-term effects are worthwhile! Developing lifelong connections with other international students and your local peers will provide you with a deeper understanding of other cultures, after interacting effectively with people from cultures besides their own. If you’re coming back from being abroad, you’re probably thinking about how your new friends from abroad will play into the rest of your life.

In 2015, a research study measured 571 adolescents from Germany regarding their interpretation to intercultural competence and characteristics that matter most in various friendships. Intercultural friendships are defined as, “a friendship in which the friend is perceived to have different cultural affiliations than oneself” (Schwarzenthal et al., 63).

Researchers within the intercultural psychology community examined the aspects of intercultural situations that influence adolescents toward cultures beside their own. Essentially, studying abroad presents students with windows of opportunities to expand their views of the world and reflect on the impact of acclimating to an unfamiliar culture.  

In today’s blog, we’re going to examine the specific ways that connections abroad can last a lifetime!    

The Wellness Perspective 

Why should you, as a student, care about your wellness when it comes to relationships with your peers abroad? 

Students should consider the connection between their wellness and relationships while they’re abroad because it will drive your experience abroad and once you come home. Researchers from The Research Center for Internet Psychology and School of Psychology in Canada explored the dimensions of friendships and determined how the wide-spread usage of technology affects the features of friendship.

This study, in particular, validated why friendships enriches one’s personal life, primarily because “friendship is essential for wellbeing” (Amichai-Hamburger et. al 38). In this context, wellbeing regarding friendships, refers to the concept that human beings receive companionship through meaningful interactions with one another, from rewarding and mutually positive social situations. 

Moreover, the implications of friendship directly relate to one’s emotional and psychological being. According to a research study conducted in 2012 regarding the variations in offline and online friendships and the impact it has on one’s mental health, an important benefit of friendship is, “[the] ability to provide various forms of support, social and material, at times of stress” (Amichai-Hamburger et. al 36).

One could even argue that a critical component of survival includes maintaining friendships, due to fulfilling relationships playing a major role in physical and emotional well-being. It’s important to also acknowledge the improvement in one’s happiness, as a result of a close bond or friendship. To summarize, the contribution that human connections have are significant, everywhere in the world! 

Developing Friendships During Programs 

The variety of friendships abroad get planted and nurtured from your first days and weeks that eventually blossom and form into different, life-long connections. For instance, homestay families create an initial bond with peers and adults within a home in a host country that later extend outside of your home, and EdOdyssey supports you along the way. 

EdOdyssey’s own custom designed programs and study abroad terms afford students the advantage of staying in homestays, meeting local students, and feeling connected to the culture. One of our high school students did a homestay in southern Spain, and he mentioned that he liked engineering and trains. We matched him with a family, and his homestay father worked for the Spanish train company and took him to the local train station and told him about his work. When there is potential for connections, we seek to bring that connection together because it acts as encouragement later on to stay in contact with one another upon return home! 

A degree of comfortability and closeness directly results from insightful conversations with host families. Not only do they act a great resource for local culture and language skills, but being in daily proximity with one another grants a whole new level of appreciation one might not have had if they stayed in a dorm or hotel. Living with host families makes experiences abroad all the more rewarding, and prompts many students to continue keeping in touch for years to come. 

Keeping Connections Alive during Study Abroad   

Why is it important to maintain bonds abroad? 

A vital aspect of being abroad involves maintaining bonds with friends, whether someone currently studies abroad or has already returned home. Students can sometimes focus too much on the fear of missing out (FOMO) when they can’t spend time with their friends from home. Instead, it’s wise to be aware of the many possibilities to bond with local and international students within the host university and country. 

These particular interactions show evidence that these initial connections have potential to evolve into lifelong friendships! The German study determined that, “active engagement with diverse cultural perspectives can promote intercultural learning” (Schwarzenthal et al., 70-71). This outcome supports the idea that intercultural socialization in friendships does offer opportunities to exchange cultural perspectives and valuable learning experiences (Schwarzenthal et al., 72).

Overseas programs, homestays, and service learning opportunities allow for personal growth. Intercultural friendships and interactions not only assist students by increasing intercultural skills, but also open up conversations with diverse perspectives (Schwarzenthal et al., 63). Overall, developing connections abroad generates a greater variation in values, beliefs, and worldviews, compared to friendships from the same culture. 

Upon returning home from studying abroad, a realistic piece of advice accommodates both parties by not forcing overseas friends to stay in immediate and direct contact every single day. Releasing pressure from one another will alleviate frustration when dealing with time zones and schedules, and allows ample room to cherish and appreciate the physical time spent together abroad. 

Technology has added immense value to today’s society, and the ability to connect with friends around the globe has created an incredibly convenient for study abroad students to develop and maintain friendships. With either scenario, whether it’s connecting with friends from home while abroad or vice versa, “electronic communication allows two people to interact without being present at the same time” and supports the idea that, “friends provide invaluable social support...at stressful times,” no matter the mode of the interaction (Amichai-Hamburger et. al 33). 

Though the ways in which friendships develop typically progress through close proximity and the amount of effort put into the relationship, “once this closeness is established it can be equally fulfilling,” irrespective of being online or in person (Amichai-Hamburger et. al 35).

When you create close bonds that can be sustained throughout life transitions, you truly make the most of the time abroad. These lifelong connections are irreplaceable and valuable because they remind you of your own power to overcome obstacles and challenges in a new place!

Developing bonds with others while overseas does not have to take months, sometimes the most spontaneous interactions become the most profound. No matter the amount of time you’ve been abroad, it’s important to give thought to past experiences.

Check out “Six Key Questions to Reflect on Your Experience Abroad” if you’ve already gone abroad and are thinking of going again, or if you want to get a sense of what study abroad might look like after you come home!

Si usted está interesado en leer o compartir este blog en español, por favor continue a "Por Qué Tus Amistades Internacionales Durarán Toda La Vida" que fue traducido por nuestros amigos de Travolución.

If you're interested in reading or sharing this blog in Spanish, please enjoy the translated version of this blog "Por Qué Tus Amistades Internacionales Durarán Toda La Vida" that was translated by our friends at Travolución.

Sources

Amichai-Hamburger, Yair, Mila Kingsbury, and Barry H. Schneider. “Friendship: An old concept with a new meaning?” Computers in Science Behavior, vol. 29, 2012, pp. 33-39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2012.05.025 

Schwarzenthal, Miriam, Linda Juang, Maja K. Schachner, and Fons J.R. van de Vijver. “‘When birds of a different feather flock together’ - intercultural socialization in adolescents’ friendships”. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, vol. 72, 2015, pp. 61-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2019.07.001 

Why All Undergrads Should Consider Studying Abroad

If you have dreamed about stepping outside of your hometown, or college town, then there’s no better time to explore your options. Can you fully appreciate your life at college without having stepped off campus to try a new experience somewhere else? Do you think that you’d regret not going abroad once you find that stable job and career after you graduate?

There are a few important decisions to be made, regarding your commitments (jobs, clubs, extracurriculars, etc) and housing, but the flexibility of living overseas for a short time and returning home to family and friends are key factors that push students to study abroad 

Besides leaving the comfort of a hometown, let’s delve into some other reasons why everyone should consider studying abroad: 

Connect with locals & other internationals 

EdOdyssey Marketing Intern Amanda Lowrey (left) made lifelong connections while abroad, including friends from Malaysia, Thailand, India, Australia, and a fellow American!

Lifelong connections are one of the most rewarding components of studying abroad. How amazing is it that we can have friends from all over the world? You get to experience life together and make incredible memories! Though technology does most of the grunt work for us, developing connections with local and international students makes your time abroad worth it. 

Don’t be afraid to make friends! The majority of student travelers study abroad on their own, or with a friend or two, so chances are they’re looking to make just as many friends as you are! Who knows, you might end up having them as your travel companions for the rest of your life! 

Experiences Beyond Your own backyard

Depending on where you decide to study abroad, there will be a plethora of similarities, but there will always be differences. Countries have different perspectives, therefore, experiences will also be dependent on your host country’s culture. It’s important to understand that you won’t miss out on experiences back home, because you’ll be able to participate in unique ones. 

Learn about yourself & a new culture 

The popular saying, “you learn something new everyday,” is so accurate when it comes to traveling overseas. By improving your knowledge about one’s culture, cuisine, language, history, and attitudes, you’ll build confidence as a traveler.

Immersing yourself in a new environment opens your mind and heart up to learning about yourself, and developing skills that can be utilized in all areas of your life. You’ll come to discover interests and preferences you hadn’t been aware of previously with an all-encompassing global outlook on life. 

earn credit by exploring the world 

This is one of the greatest selling points for studying abroad. You can earn credit for courses that you would’ve taken at your home university, but instead, live your best life in a foreign country! While taking courses at your host university, you’re able to meet interesting students, faculty, and familiarize yourself with their educational system.

For me, I became a more versatile student because of it and improved on my adaptability because I had to quickly adjust to alternate preferences and teaching styles than what I had been used to my entire life. Overall, studying abroad is incredibly attainable! Pick a destination that benefits your education and preferences for travel, and set yourself free.

One of the greatest ways we can experience life is by traveling, so take the chance if you wish to! When I realized that I would have missed the opportunity to explore a handful of countries had I not stepped out of America, I jumped at the chance of going abroad. 

Interested in reading another personal testimony of how studying abroad has changed a student's life? Check out Why I'm Grateful for my Study Abroad Experience. 

Why I'm Grateful For My Study Abroad Experience

Plenty of people have an itch to travel, and studying abroad allows us as students to explore other parts of the world without interfering with our education. As a part of the study abroad community, we continuously gain appreciation and reflect on how living abroad has affected our individual perspectives of the world. If there was one thing that I am more than grateful for within the past years, it would be my experience studying abroad. My time in China and Peru has enriched my life with a love for languages, new foods, and travel. 

Here are the three biggest reasons why I’m grateful for my study abroad experience:

New People, New Experiences

Study abroad enabled me meet a variety of people from different backgrounds.  When I say this, it is not just meeting new people in the sense of knowing a lot more people.  

I feel as if study abroad enabled me to meet new people that I may not have been friends with before and gave me time to create deeper connections.  When abroad, despite different backgrounds and personalities, barriers become broken. 

I felt that there was less separating us when I was abroad.  It has opened me up to people who I consider some of my closest friends today who I continue to stay in touch with.

Studying Languages

A component of studying abroad that I thought would be the most beneficial was studying languages.  In both China and Peru, I wanted to study Mandarin and Spanish, respectively. Studying these languages in their native countries themselves was very helpful in learning them in an authentic way.  

When I first arrived in China, I had to get over my fear of learning Mandarin, since I had not known a word of the language prior to arriving.  After studying Mandarin for my first month in China, I realized how much language really opens you up to a country and its culture.  

Personal Growth

I am also grateful for my study abroad experience for helping me grow as a person.  I found that through my travels, I became a more independent person. Even now in college, I’ve found that I do not need the safety net of a college campus.  I am always looking for travel opportunities, whether it is weekend trips with friends or traveling to Vietnam where I went this summer for a school program.  

In gaining more independence, I have realized that travel becomes a way of life.  Travel doesn’t seem scary or intimidating, which is how I perceived it prior to studying abroad.  It has become a priority in my life and this would be impossible without my study abroad experiences.

If you want to see how my study abroad experiences through EdOdyssey have positively impacted and shaped me in college, check out How Study Abroad With EdOdyssey Prepared Me For Harvard!

Five Ways To Work Through Culture Shock

Challenges and cultural differences are to be expected when you study abroad and both can be internalized as overwhelming at times. Culture shock can create an initial feeling when challenges seem insurmountable when you move to a new country for a few weeks, or a few months, but you’re not alone. If you experience homesickness, loneliness, or isolation then you’re probably feeling like the rest of the students who are abroad with you! As educators with years of experiences abroad, we want to share resources, tips, and ideas to help you overcome the initial obstacles.  

Read on for five productive ways on working through culture shock. 

1. Learn About Your Destination

For starters, it’s always comforting being able to learn as much as you can about your host country! When students acknowledge a country’s habits, traditions, and cultural values, it offers a surplus of knowledge. This will help you understand cultural differences easier and adapt with various perspectives. 

2. Give Yourself Time to Acclimate 

It’s normal to need to take some time out of your day to process what you’ve experienced. Explore your surroundings and make yourself feel at home. All of those amazing monuments and architecture are there to be viewed so take time to appreciate them for their beauty.

Trying new foods can be an intriguing way of getting used to another culture. Tasting different cuisines and finding dishes you like can calm nerves or initial dislikes. Relaxing or spending some alone time after class with a journal and your thoughts is another way to acclimate. If you’ve made a bunch of friends, or a few, you can create groups and explore. You can also reach out to the EdOdyssey team to see if we have any ideas!

In a world where we like staying busy, checking in with yourself can alleviate suppressed feelings. These are all great ways to help yourself get used to a new environment.

3. Maintain An Open Mindset

Try to begin taking every experience in as an adventure, no matter its significance. As you keep an open mind, you’ll allow yourself to get connected with acquaintances or other students and immerse yourself in unfamiliar experiences. 

Observing another culture besides your own also grants you the ability to empathize with others when you see other points of views. Maintaining an easygoing attitude empowers you to say “yes” when trying new things. When we’re open to ideas, we have the ability to take chances and see change. 

4. Get Involved

Being involved with other students is crucial to building meaningful relationships. You’re not the only one that might feel frustrated, and it’s exciting meeting people from other countries you wouldn’t expect! 

Enjoying each other’s company gives you a sense of community and support that you’ve been used to back home. Another helpful tip is joining a club or community that offers other opportunities for engagement within your host country. 

You may try making friends with locals who will be able to explain the ins and outs of any questions that you may have about their city. They can also become great informal tour guides while you hang out together during your spare time! Engaging yourself with people of different backgrounds is what studying abroad is all about.

5. Connect With Family & Friends At Home

Sometimes homesickness comes to us unexpectedly. And that’s perfectly normal and okay. Set up a structured time during the week where you can chat with your family about what’s been happening in your life. 

Keeping an open line of communication can help you feel connected to those back home. Although it’s important as a student who’s living abroad, and with your family, to stay updated, it’s also beneficial to put the phone down and live in the moment. 

Overall, try to make the most out of your time abroad, since you’ll be back home before you know it! Check out “Four Keys For Having The Best Homestay Experience“ to read more about navigating through a new living situation while abroad!

The Transformative Journey of Studying Abroad

My name is Amanda and I recently graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with my bachelor’s in psychology. I have always been fascinated by how people perceived their situations and the process of finding one’s identity. Being from California, there is plenty of diversity represented in the state, but I wanted to delve into conversations with other nationalities to gain a greater sense of cultural awareness. 

Travel has been very good to me over the last five years, but the places I explored during my time overseas was more than just a check off of my bucket list. It transformed my life for the better. I sought to expand my horizons about culture and international education, and the adventures I had during my time studying abroad surpassed all expectations.  

High School: An Unexpected Friendship 

For the majority of students, myself included, we daydream about what an epic adventure would be like. I knew that I wanted to go abroad at some point when I was in high school. Though I was uncertain about what might happen in the future, I wondered what life would be like if I had the opportunity to study abroad. I knew that I would appreciate traveling, but I had no idea the impact it would have on my life from a personal and educational perspective.

Nicki and I capturing a moment together during our last day of Junior year.

During my Junior year in high school, I met an exchange student from Bangkok and had the best time getting to hear her story. We developed a close friendship during her time in California and enjoyed learning about each other's backgrounds. It was certainly hard saying goodbye, but I loved being able to communicate with a friend somewhere else in the world. This prompted the idea that I could connect with a greater quantity of international students, and the dream of studying overseas was ignited. 

Finding the Right Fit 

Later on, as I approached my freshman year in college, I became an avid researcher on all things study abroad happening on campus. I wanted to find out everything I could about the application process and how life would be in another part of the world. For various reasons, my luck kept falling short on being able to apply to a program. 

Enjoying the sights during my first international solo trip.

Do you know that feeling when you sense the urge to try something exciting? If you're thinking about traveling, it can be hard to ignore it for too long. There are so many countries waiting to be explored, and the possibilities that studying abroad provides enables you to take a dive into a culture you’ve always wanted to understand. 

From high school into college, I never let go of my dream of studying abroad. I wanted to immerse myself into somewhere unfamiliar, and strove to get out of the bubble I had developed in my hometown. 

In the meantime during college, I had solo-travelled, but consistently returned with the idea of living overseas. It wasn’t until I transferred to California State University, Sacramento, that I was fortunate enough to be mentored by my Study Abroad Advisors and was accepted into a year-long experience overseas.

Determination drove me to studying abroad, and if traveling is something you have always wanted to do, keep at that dream, because it’s completely possible. 

Studying Abroad Down Under

As a student walking onto a new campus, everything seems exciting. Studying abroad felt very similar in regard to starting classes and trying to make as many friends as possible.

My roommates and I exploring Hosier Lane in Melbourne, which is known for its graffiti artists and street art.

One of my biggest takeaways while abroad was this beneficial outlook -- Traveling is more than just a location, it’s about stepping into a new world with an open mind. I gained this mindset while I was living abroad in Melbourne, Australia, and sought to hear more about my roommate’s upbringings, since two were locals and the others were international students from Malaysia and Taiwan. 

“All the people you meet on the path of life have something to teach you.”
- Unknown 

Having the unique opportunity to live with various cultures is such a special and noteworthy circumstance. Becoming aware of preconceived notions, language barriers, distinct values, and lifestyles of others made me start appreciating travel for its unexpected opportunities. There are people I met during my journey that I wouldn’t have met if I didn’t take the chance. 

Adaptability Makes a Difference  

Practicing throwing a boomerang for the first time, which was incredibly challenging!

During my program, adaptability was key because it allowed me to overcome unforeseen obstacles. I had found out quickly how I had reacted in unfamiliar situations and learned how much I did not know prior about the world. 

Studying abroad allowed me to be a resourceful problem solver and utilize strengths I never truly knew I had… For instance, learning the customs of dining out; such as not tipping waiters and paying at the register rather than at the table, were little habits I had to get used to. These are just a few examples of having to take a situation as it is, and make the most of it. 

Frustrating moments became valuable lessons, and in turn, have developed into skills I will be able to carry with me for the rest of my life. 

Personal Growth 

Another asset that came from studying abroad involved personal growth. I had to get over the fear of talking to strangers and learn how to start relatable conversations in classes with peers. I had the opportunity to take advantage of my curiosity. If I would have dismissed my thoughts and focused on the “What Ifs”, I would have never learned some of the things that I did whilst abroad. 

I was so fortunate to have found an undiscovered part of myself in Australia, and I improved on my independence, confidence, resiliency, and ignored my limitations. All of the challenges and accomplishments that come with studying abroad helps you discover who you are. 

Returning Home: Keeping My Experience Alive

Visiting the famous Brighton Bathing Houses in Melbourne, Australia.

Once I landed on U.S. soil, I realized that I came back as a changed individual alongside of amazing memories and wanted to help others discover the passion that comes from traveling. The immense possibilities of growth from international education and travel is priceless. 

Inspired from my experience in Australia, I became a Study Abroad Alumni Ambassador with my college’s study abroad office. Although I was working, studying, and volunteering during my last semester in college, I realized I wanted to make prospective students a priority because of how powerful my time abroad was. I wanted others who had the same dream, the same passion, the same drive; to experience something incomparable. 

I advised peers, discussed programs, and most importantly, listened to their stories. My time abroad and the education I received, both in and out of the classroom, is something I wanted to share with other students and excite them about cultural immersions guaranteed to make an impact.

Though studying abroad is as exhilarating as it is intimidating, you don’t have to be unsure about looking into a program that catches your eye. You’re not in this alone, and there’s plenty of advisors and other international students who are there for you every step of the way. 

Lifelong Connections Create Transformative Experiences

Hanging out with this furry friend at a wildlife sanctuary. This kangaroo in particular loved the snacks.

When I was in high school, I never considered the lifelong connections I could have with international students. There are so many friendships I have made from my time abroad. These connections are more than just memories, they’re relationships that can be maintained.

You can’t have transformation without going through a learning process and appreciating all of its lessons. Travel helps us reflect on how experiences shape new interests and outlooks.  If you look to study abroad for a few weeks, or a few months, you might be surprised to come back with more than pictures and souvenirs.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad and trying to learn more about it, definitely check out myths surrounding studying abroad here!

Five Major Benefits of Going Abroad in High School

The intense nature of jam-packed schedules for all you 9th-12th graders can make it hard to see beyond your immediate routine. You probably have a limited amount of time to consider the immense value of opportunities like a trip abroad and travel as you run between classes, extracurriculars, and sports.

However, high school is the best time to explore these options because you want to make sure that you stand out as you get ready to prepare for life beyond high school. You’ll get a chance to continue expanding your cultural competency, gaining real-life context for your language skills and ultimately helping you stand out among millions of high school grads before you look to make the big investment in college.

Is it a bad idea to take a break from routines and get a taste of travel? Isn’t test driving a study abroad experience worth it in the long run if you’re not sure that you want to study abroad?

Here are our five major benefits to going abroad in high school:

1. Make New Friends

We all know that many students go to college unsure and undeclared about what to study in college or do with the rest of their lives, and an experience abroad gives an opportunity to step out and explore an unfamiliar place with friends and fellow classmates. The chance to solidify friendships and create new ones means that there is the best of both worlds. In addition to friendship, a new country means a variety of foods, locals, another language and sense for how you feel traveling abroad.

2. Gain A Fresh Perspective

The best way to learn is to go beyond your textbooks and explore, and there’s no better to do that to have an adventure with experienced educators and travelers. We understand that students learn the most and enjoy the process when they’re out and taking an active role embracing a new culture and society. We facilitate that experience through interactive activities in some of the world’s most famous public spaces (parks, plazas, etc) to have a student-centered focus toward learning language, culture and history within the country and the city.

3. Invest In Your Study Abroad Now

A trip abroad in high school gives a taste of culture shock and gives an authentic snapshot of a new country that will help you give more context for travel and study abroad in order to prioritize it before diving into college academics. When you get to college, we understand that your focus will surround classes, sports, extracurricular activities, and enjoying your experience!

The majority of college students study abroad toward the end of their college experience, and we know that finances and graduation requirements can limit opportunities to study abroad later on in college. If you go abroad in high school, you’ll have an idea of what study abroad could look like for you at less than half the price of a semester of college in most cases. We don’t want you to miss out on a potentially life-changing experience!

4. Test Your Language Skills

High school language classes do a great job of giving you a foundation for the language, but you’ll have to take those tools out of the toolbox at some point! When you take a trip abroad, you’re interacting with the language and seeing the language come to life. You’ll probably realize the value of those conjugation charts and vocabulary lists as you test your skills.

Whether you’re beginner or more advanced in the foreign language, you’ll see first hand that you can use what you know and find creative ways to communicate your ideas. Additionally, you’ll gain a true sense of how the language lives and breathes through people and cultures, and there’s no better way than to get a taste and feel for that language than in person.

When you get to college, you still might not have the clearest idea about what you want from an experience abroad, but you’ll have an idea of how it feels to explore another country. The best part is that you’ll have more confidence and more excitement as you hopefully look to make another leap!

5. Differentiate Yourself

College applications require a letter usually surrounding a topic regarding how individual high students have stood out from their peers, learned a life lesson, or challenged themselves. We know that the college application process continues to get more and more competitive with millions of high school graduates from around the US boasting high GPAs, a multitude of extracurriculars, and a variety of clubs.

How many of those same high school students can boast about taking an immersion trip abroad?

An immersion experience abroad shows a willingness to step out and to take on new challenges. Furthermore, the power of travel and new experiences can create life-long memories and an impact as you take that step after high school as you continue your adventure into adulthood.

Are you ready to start planning an immersion trip abroad? Please Start Planning Your Trip with us so we can get you on your way toward a once-in-a-lifetime experience!