Moving across the country for college is one thing. Moving to a new continent? That is something completely different.
After spending my first two years within the gates of Seton Hall’s South Orange campus, I decided to take my Pirate experience elsewhere and set sail across the globe for the start of my junior year.
For most students, studying abroad means venturing to an iconic Asian or European destination to immerse yourself in a new culture and broaden your horizons. While I wanted the same experience, I decided to do so in a less common place: New Zealand.
After arriving in Wellington in early July, I encountered the differences one might expect when traveling abroad: driving on the left side of the road, using a new currency, relying on different forms of public transportation, using the metric system and experiencing different foods.
What I did not anticipate was just how much the environment around me would affect my daily life.
The most difficult adjustment has been the time difference. Being sixteen hours ahead makes it tricky to plan meetings and talk to friends back on the East Coast. But living in the Southern Hemisphere adds another layer to the adjustment: the seasons are reversed.
As summer ends and the fall semester begins at The Hall, winter is turning into spring in New Zealand. Because of this, my current semester runs from July to October rather than September to December. My spring break began on Aug. 24, a full week before SHU started classes. These differences have made the experience feel even more unfamiliar, but they have also pushed me to adapt in ways I never expected.
Nearly two months into my experience, I have already learned and experienced so much.
First, being the only person you know is difficult, but that solitude should be embraced. Not only does that alone time allow you to reflect on your experiences, but it forces you to think critically and learn to take care of yourself — something everyone should be able to do as we become independent adults.
Do not worry, friends will come. Everyone chooses their study abroad destination for a reason. For me, it was my love of nature and the opportunity to embrace a new Pasifika culture. When you find yourself surrounded by people with similar interests, it makes it much easier to find common ground and build relationships.
Getting involved can also go a long way when it comes to building a community. By joining clubs, participating in campus activities and settling into your new routines, you create opportunities to meet like-minded people. For example, I joined the intramural volleyball league and journalism club, and I make an effort to attend campus events, such as open mic nights, board game nights, painting events and movie nights. Getting involved in these activities has helped me feel more connected to campus and has made it easier to find a sense of community.
Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. Even when you feel like the only person navigating a new culture, there are countless other students doing the same thing. International students are everywhere, even at SHU!
In fact, some of the best relationships I have formed so far have come comparing cultures with other international students.
Beyond making connections, studying abroad has also taught me to make the most of the experience itself.
Studying abroad is a time to live.
You are young, in a new country, meeting new people and having once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Almost everything you do will be worth remembering. All of this can only happen, though, if you are brave and put yourself out there.
Solomon Lee posed in front of a waterfall while on a hike in New Zealand | Photo via Solomon Lee
Of course, all of the exploring and fun has to be balanced with the reason you came here in the first place: school. Being alone and in a new country, the hardest thing is reminding yourself that this is an academic experience. While you might be tempted to spend your days adventuring, you are still a college student with classes to attend and assignments to complete.
Adjusting to a new academic environment brings its own challenges, too. You are navigating new websites, new professors, new grading scales, and unfamiliar expectations. This forces you to be uncomfortable, but discomfort encourages learning.
Looking back on the first half of my experience abroad, I have made noticeable strides. I have grown both academically and personally, and am so grateful to be here.
If you have been considering studying abroad, this is your sign to take the leap. SHU offers dozens of opportunities, whether for a semester, a summer or an academic break. Take the time to see what programs are available to you.
You never know where your SHU journey might take you.
Solomon Lee is the advertising manager for The Setonian. He can be reached at solomon.lee@student.shu.edu.
