As a big city girl from Istanbul, living in Jönköping, a small Swedish town, was an amazing experience.

Ever since I was 19 years old, when I decided to apply to the ERASMUS program (the most common way to study abroad in Europe) I dreamed about a semester full of crazy fun in a big city. In pursuit of these dreams, I quickly decided that I would apply to go Amsterdam. Unfortunately, two days before the application deadline, I found out that Universities in the Netherlands require IELTS test scores, a test which I had not taken. At the time I thought this was the worst thing that could have happened to me. Obviously, I had to change my mind about Amsterdam, and I decided to pick a different location that was not as “desirable” in order to improve my chances of getting accepted. In the end, Sweden would have to do. I looked through all of my options -namely three different smaller cities- in the most beautiful Scandinavian country.

One of these small cities, called Jönköping, would become like a second home to me. I had an amazing year spent with amazing people, all because of the little decisions I made back then without knowing that they would end up some of the best decisions I have ever made. All in all, it was simply exploring a new country, so different from my own, with people from all over the world that was the most exciting thing.

In light of my experience, there are some tips to make the most out of studying abroad.

1. Choose a place you would probably not visit as a tourist

Even if it were more like an obligation rather than a decision, I never thought I would go to Sweden before my 30’s. It just wasn’t on my “list.” However, going somewhere to live is totally different than going for a vacation. No matter how much you read about the place, unexpected things will always happen, which makes a journey into an adventure.

 

2.  Live with other international students

University dorms are the best place to socialize. Privacy is important, of course, but sharing some common areas and bonding with people makes your time abroad much more memorable. Even cooking and eating with your buddies in your corridor and dorm will help your social life in your new country. I guarantee you will make great friends, and even a second family, spread out all over the world. As a result, you will have acquired homes in many countries that await your exploration. Remember that it is people who make a place home.

3.  Have a roommate

Even if privacy is important, sharing a room has its pros, especially with a good roommate. Everyone should experience living with a stranger abroad. It is really helpful for personal improvement. Having lived with various people from different cultural backgrounds, on several occasions, has made me a more patient person for sure. And having a roommate from a different country will make your trip more fun since it is something completely different.

4.  Do not spend all your time with fellow nationals

Do not attempt to get involved with a group of friends from your home country. You will, of course, meet people from your home country and become friends with them, as you should. This is probably unavoidable. But do remember that you are going abroad in order to expose yourself to different cultures and ways of life, so do not look for comfort in your fellow nationals. Get out there and assimilate to the HOST country!

5.  Live like a local

Do your own shopping and do not eat out except in special occasions, do not skip school, cook your own food, invite your local school mates over to your place for dinner, etc. Live like you have been living there for years, even after only the first few weeks.

6.  Never turn down a friendly offer

Social events are really important, especially during those first days abroad. Explore the city with other international students. This way, you can adapt together and form strong bonds with other foreigners. Spend time in the common areas of accommodations and offer people to have a meal or a drink out.

7.  Learn the language

Learn a bit of the language of the country you will spend time living in. Even only the most basic words to greet people are enough. You will gain the appreciation and respect of the locals, you will enjoy adapting to the culture and, most importantly, you will feel more like a local with every word you learn, and will increasingly want to learn more. Use the words and sentences that you learn in your new daily life, in the supermarket or on the bus for example, for whenever you need to have basic conversations.

8.  Do not stereotype people

This is the most important thing for me. You will never know what is inside of people. Don’t over-generalize. Swedes are not “cold”, Germans are not “too serious” and Spaniards are not “lazy.” Do remember that everyone forms assumptions and that nobody is perfect. Give a chance to every person you meet from every country so that they will also give you a chance.

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Aysu Sengunler graduated from Istanbul Bilgi University with a degree in Media and Communication Systems. She spent a year studying abroad in Jönköping, Sweden from 2014 to 2015. She has visited Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Estonia, Spain, Germany and the United States. Now, Asia is at the top of her bucket list and she is dying to go and discover it as soon as possible.[/accordion_tab]