As you step outside your little nest and decide to fly abroad to do your higher studies, try to develop an open mind. If you think that all you need to prepare yourself for is just academic hard work, then think again! The whole purpose of studying abroad is to experience a new social and cultural lifestyle. This experience could be what you need to develop life-changing skills that would help better both your personal and professional life.
When abroad, it helps to be curious about social aspects such as foreign culture and their people and languages. Embrace the differences that you experience and let the culture shock not affect you too much. Universities generally offer international students English and language classes to help them connect better locally. These maybe helpful in the long run if you decide to stay and make a living abroad; fluency in language is always a big plus anywhere you go. In non- English speaking places, natives are generally appreciative of the fact that you try to speak to them in the local language to communicate with them.
It helps to be socially sensitive and get accustomed to local festivities and social norms. A good way to do this is go for host family accommodation. Many universities have this option to help students get back up on their feet if they get hit by nostalgia. The host family generally provides them with at least two meals in a day and a room and their company in the house whenever needed. It is one of the best ways to mingle with the locals and feel the essence of the place.
