You Just Landed Abroad: Now What?

You step off the plane in your study abroad destination, and everything already feels different. Signs point in every direction, people speak languages you may not even recognize, and the sounds, smells, and energy of the airport feel overwhelming. You navigate customs, find your suitcase and the exit, and spot your ASA Site Director waiting for you with a smile.

This is it: You’ve arrived for your semester abroad!

It probably feels surreal. You watch intently through the window as you make your way to your accommodation. You’re tired, curious, excited, still a little overwhelmed, probably hungry, and itching to meet your roommates.

THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRST 72 HOURS

The first few days of a study abroad experience are what researchers call a high-sensory period. Your brain is taking in everything, from the details of the architecture to the different tones of the sirens you hear whizz down the street, to the unfamiliar shape of the electrical outlets. All of this takes a bit more mental energy than everyday life back home.

Add jet lag to the mix, and even a low-key day of exploring can leave you ready to crash early. Listen to your mind and body and take it easy in the beginning while your mind maps your environment and your body catches up with the time zone.

AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

It’s normal to feel anxious and excited all at once. And adjusting to study abroad might intensify the emotions you’re feeling, especially at first (but in the end, it’s been shown to improve anxiety and help students find a better sense of belonging).

You might celebrate a small win like successfully ordering your first coffee in you host country’s language…and then suddenly spot something that reminds you of the familiar comforts of your favorite cafe back home. The whirlwind of homesickness and joy is completely normal.

WHAT HELPS WITH ADJUSTMENT IN THE BEGINNING?

It takes some time to feel like you have a sense of control when you arrive in your host city, but there are a few things you can do to ease yourself in:

Start with micro-explorations. Walk just one new street. Look around at all the details: what people are wearing, how they interact, anything that hits your senses differently. Tiny doses of exploration can help you build confidence without feeling exhausted as you venture from your apartment or classes.

Embrace comfort objects. If you have a favorite hoodie, a family photo on your desk, or a snack you brought from home that you love, enjoy these things without guilt. They give you a sense of stability amongst all of the novelty.

Rest. Take some time out to stop and reflect. Journal. Have a quiet evening in. Nap. Listen to your body and mind. Adaptation requires energy, and rest is a legit part of it.

Talk about it. Connection is an amazing buffer when it comes to culture shock. Hang out with roommates who are feeling the same way as you, chat with your Site Director, and take advantage of the mental health services that are available to you through ASA’s partner MindHammock.

Keep your expectations realistic. It takes time to feel at home in a new place, but you’ll get there. In fact, by the end, it’s likely you’re going to feel very attached!

FROM TOURIST TO RESIDENT

In the first few days, you may feel like a tourist, but you’ll start to notice small moments of belonging. This can feel like a big burst of excitement in the beginning, a dip in mood when you’re inevitably forced to face some challenges away from home, and then a rise as you make friends and get familiar with your routine. That’s when you really start to adjust and feel like you belong.

Look for signs like when the barista knows your order by heart, when you stop having to check Google Maps for your walk to and from class, and when you begin to pick up more of the local language or cultural cues. 

These are little milestones that show you’re starting to feel like you live there!

BUILD YOUR NEW ROUTINE

We thrive on patterns, so build some into your daily routines. Find your favorite places and spaces. Choose a park, library, or cafe—somewhere outside of your accommodation or classroom—where you can decompress, reflect, or just watch the world go by.

You might build in some rituals like a Saturday morning market visit, a Sunday afternoon walk, a weekly dinner out with roommates, or you can add in something you love from home too: like running, sketching, or a familiar playlist.

CHALLENGES ARE WHERE THE GROWTH HAPPENS

Every single student who studies abroad has their own challenges: academic struggles, embarrassing language mishaps, homesickness, a stolen passport, the flu, difficulty making friends, accidentally purchasing the wrong train tickets, getting lost, and many others.

But while things can sometimes feel uncomfortable, this is where growth happens. By facing challenges far from home, you build your problem-solving abilities, adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, resilience, independence, and so much more.

And remember: You’re never on your own; ASA is always there to support and guide you along the way.

YOUR EXPERIENCE IS VALID

It might feel like everyone else is settling in faster than you at times, but there’s research in cross-cultural psychology to show that adjustment like this is very different for each individual. Whatever your experience and emotions, know that they are valid and you’re not the only one who feels the way you do.

LOOK AHEAD

Imagine yourself three months from now. You know your routine and regular routes. You know how to navigate public transportation. You have a favorite local food and restaurant. Your language skills have improved. You have friends. You’ve traveled and explored your host city and beyond.

The first few days might seem like a blur of suitcases, jet lag, new faces, and too many things to remember, but this is just the very start of your story. There’s so much ahead of you to look forward to.

So breath. Show up. Talk to people. Explore. Trust the process. And lean into the support available to you if you need it. You’ve got this!