Overcoming Your Fears Abroad

Words and photos by Maria Eduarda Brizon, who studied abroad with ASA in Seville,  Spain, during the spring semester of 2025.

Studying abroad can be scary. You’re entering a completely new country, culture, and sometimes even a whole new continent. You might be going with friends, classmates, or totally on your own. But the good news is that ASA brings students together from all over the world, and most of them are feeling the exact same mix of excitement and nerves that you are. You’re not alone in this.

If you’re feeling anxious or afraid before or during your time abroad, here are some tips that helped me and so many other students:

1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF EARLY. Don’t be scared to introduce yourself to other students. Everyone is adjusting, everyone is nervous, and everyone wants to make friends. Being the first person to say “Hi, I’m ___” can open the door to friendships that last your entire program.

2. EASE THE LANGUAGE BARRIER. If you’re nervous about the language, download apps like Duolingo to learn the basics. You don’t need to be fluent; the locals appreciate effort more than perfection. Just try your best, and you’ll be surprised how far a simple “hola” or “gracias” can take you.

3. EXPLORE YOUR CITY AT YOUR OWN PACE. Sometimes I felt anxious that I wasn’t seeing “enough,” and I forgot to appreciate the fact that I was already there. Explore little by little. The more familiar you become with your neighborhood, the less intimidating everything feels. Before you go, make a small bucket list of things you’d love to see or do. But remember, if you don’t get to everything the first time, that doesn’t mean you won’t return someday.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ASA INCLUSIONS. One of the biggest things that helped me feel comfortable was how much ASA offered. They planned activities every other week — flamenco shows, paella cooking classes, churros nights, group dinners, ice cream outings, and even a weekend trip to Granada. These events helped me meet new people, try new things, and feel supported the entire time.

5. CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST FAMILY. If you’re staying with a host family, try to interact with them. They know the city better than anyone. Ask questions, ask for recommendations, and let them teach you about their culture. It makes your experience so much richer.

6. DO ONE NEW THING EVER DAY. Say YES. If a classmate invites you to dinner, go. If someone wants to check out a sports game, go. Try a new café, a new bakery, a new activity. Don’t let fear talk you out of experiences you’ll remember forever.

7. SHIFT YOUR MINDSET. Reality vs. expectations: Everyone has a different study abroad story. One person’s bad experience does not define yours. Instead of thinking, “What if something goes wrong?” try thinking, “What if everything goes right?” That mindset changes everything.

8. REMEMBER YOUR "WHY." Why did you choose to go abroad? What excited you? What did you hope to learn or experience? Hold onto that. Your “why” will carry you through the moments when fear feels loud.

Overall, get comfortable being uncomfortable. Study abroad is meant to push you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible. You can’t grow if you don’t take the chance. Celebrate the little wins like ordering in the local language, navigating transportation, and meeting new people. These moments matter. They’re proof that you’re becoming braver, more independent, and more confident. You’re doing something a lot of people never have the courage to do. Celebrate that. 

Thanks, Maria!