Studying Abroad Ain't No Joke: What you should know before you go.

Studying in another country can definitely be a great opportunity but it can also be quite nerve wracking as it comes with various challenges. Undoubtedly, it allows you to have a change of scenery in addition to a different experience while at the same time fostering the possibility of personal growth (whether educationally, financially or emotionally). However, absolutely no one can prepare you for the challenges that will come with that life changing decision you'll make. Ever since I decided to make this journey to study in Canada, I've been getting a lot of questions about my studies such as, what did the process entail? what is it like? is it really as good as people say it is? or the most frequently asked question... would you recommend it to anyone? … and I'll be answering them all.

The thing a lot of people don't tell you, is the truth! Most times when you see photos of the great cafes, parks, new food, and friends that persons post on social media, you immediately think "wow, I wish I could have done that" but the images that are posted on these platforms don't necessarily reflect reality or the actual day-to-day experiences.

The power of perception is a heck of a thing, sometimes it is unintentional but for the most part people tend to post their 'best selves'.

Wait, don't get me wrong... of course there are times when it's really as good as the picture depicts and in fact they are enjoying every moment of it. But, what we don't show you or tell you about are the moments when we're homesick and missing that home cooked meal or when it's Christmas and everyone else may be posting their families back home, while the only thing we have to show during this time is an empty apartment or dorm room. Additionally, there are other instances where we might simply be fed up with 30 inches of snow and no sunlight! But, I'm going to break down a few things for you guys and give you a better idea of what it is really like. However, it must be noted that this is my personal experience and it differs for everyone but I think that almost every international student can relate to even one of the points I'm about to discuss, or hopefully this post will be beneficial for persons who may be thinking about studying abroad… so lets get into it!

I'm going to be completely honest, coming here wasn't entirely planned. Ya sure, I thought about studying law in Canada and making this decision to go somewhere I had never been before, but it was a distant thought and everything was pretty last minute... rushed even. Initially, I had applied to the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) to do a bachelor of laws and I was accepted, but that still wasn't enough for me and at that time I couldn't understand why I felt this inherent desire or urge to push beyond what I was comfortable with and just explore, but here I am! Guys, all I can say is that this move or journey was entirely faith based and now I know for a fact that God ordained it. I am going to be transparent with you guys, it legit took me about two years to realize and accept that God had placed me on this path for a reason. I constantly second guessed God and what he had planned for me and everyday I regretted this decision that I had made, but I am now able to see what God was and is doing and be at peace with it.

I am definitely grateful.

I've always viewed myself as being a very driven and independent person and I think that's what actually contributed to me being able to make this happen. I won't be going into details right now in explaining the entire process in choosing a Canadian university and the whole works (I'll be doing a separate post with everything you'd need to know) but I'll definitely be sharing my overall experience thus far.

So, I'm going to explain a few things based on a post which was written by Andrea Bouchaud where she explains the "W-effect" which consists of five predicted transition stages in studying abroad.

Stage 1: The Peak Stage

She describes this stage as the point where you've just landed in an "exotic" place/country and you are absolutely excited to take photos, walk around and check out what your new space has to offer. I definitely remember this like it was yesterday (although it has been almost 3 years). I had these high expectations for a life-changing college experience (meeting new people, trying new food, being involved in EVERY on/off campus activity) although my experience took a 180 from the initial expectations I had. In my first year at STU, I tried to be as involved as I could even though it was emotionally exhausting for me, as too much social interaction drains me and I kind of need to recharge for round two. But, the expectations I had about university life and doing everything I could to enjoy every minute of it... came to an abrupt stop when the second stage of the 'W' had hit. Note: The peak stage is the first elevated point of the letter 'W'.

First-Year (St.Thomas University)

Stage 2: Home Sickness

This stage focuses on when the 'tourist high' has worn off and you're longing for home, your family and familiarity.

Can somebody say CULTURE SHOCK!?

Before getting here I thought I was completely prepared, but nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to encounter. It was going to be my first time away from my family and initially I was pretty fine (especially since it would allow for greater independence) but I regretted that the moment I handed over my one way ticket to a new place that I had never even been before and much less heard a lot about. Y'all, believe me when I tell you that everything was different, and I mean...the climate, food, and honestly just the overall culture. I felt like a 'fish out of water' and I still do... but I held it together. This stage marks the first low point of the letter 'W'.

Stage 3: Increased familiarity with your environment

This stage focuses on a growing appreciation for your situation, as there is an increased sense of belonging and understanding of the culture you're now in. I distinctly remember this moment. After a couple snow storms, -30 degree weather and a few poutines later... I started to appreciate the journey I was on and the culture I was now immersed in. This was still difficult because I was completely removed from the 'norm' and environment I was use to. However, when I began to appreciate my situation or experience for what it was, it honestly made each day a little bit easier. This stage represents the second high point of the letter 'W'.

Third-Year (St. Thomas University)

Stage 4: Returning back home

The 'returning back home' stage looks at the moment when you leave your host country (for me it is Canada) and decide to return to your home country (Jamaica) for a visit. Essentially, returning to your home country may seem "foreign" considering you've been gone for a couple of months or years. This is definitely true. Although I visited home the following summer... a lot seemed quite different because it was the first time I had left home for this long (even though it was just a couple months).

I felt like a tourist in my own country

It's weird how just being gone for a couple months kind of makes you feel 'alienated' or deracinated. Let me explain. While you're studying in your host country (i.e. Barbados, Canada or the United States etc.) you don't necessarily feel completely at home. Similarly, when you return home, you still don't feel completely comfortable or at home because you have missed out on so many important things (i.e. Christmases, New Year Events and Birthdays). This stage is characterized as being the second low point of the letter 'W'.

Stage 5: Getting Reacquainted

This is the fifth and final stage. It is also the final elevated point of the letter 'W'. This stage involves becoming reacquainted with family, friends as well as your culture. This stage does not necessarily occur at the end, but it may happen throughout your studies abroad. It is important to note that each stage may occur in the order mentioned above, or it may not. Additionally, you may experience only one of these stages or none at all. Throughout my studies abroad, I experienced each stage. There was no certainty or clarity in regards to how long each stage would last or when it would happen either.

One on One AnniciaTalks

Would you recommend it to anyone?

This might be the question I get asked most frequently and the answer to that is.. change isn't for everyone and this journey isn't for everyone either. Throughout this journey I've learnt so much about myself and about who I really am. Without this process and real-life experiences, which I essentially took on by myself... I wouldn't be who I am today nor would I have been afforded these opportunities. But, often times... it is a very lonely journey and that's the truth. Keep in mind, you're leaving behind your friends, family, home and everything you've ever grown to know, love and appreciate. I wasn't prepared for that but I grew to be okay with it. Hence, that's a key factor to keep in mind as you make your plans to study abroad.

What's my advice to you?

1. Start planning as early as possible. It is way better to be prepared instead of everything being rushed at the last minute and you become overwhelmed with visa preparations, flight plans, etc. Additionally, it should be noted that scholarship deadlines tend to close pretty early in the year and it would be awful to miss out on such a great opportunity (take it from me as I had first hand experience).

2. Ensure that the university you select aligns with your personality, values and is essentially the right fit for you. I can't stress this enough.

3. The biggest mistake you could possibly make… is second guessing your decision. If you've decided to take that step and make the journey... then DO IT! Uncertainty and indecisiveness can impact your ability to make the greatest and most life changing decision ever.

4. Remain grounded by constantly reminding yourself of 'who you are and what you're about'. This will become important especially as you go through one of or each of the aforementioned stages. Whenever you become immersed in another culture it is easy to lose parts of yourself, thus, my advice to you is the corny line "stay true to yourself".

"Your biggest critic and blockade can be yourself, don't allow it to stop the great things you can achieve and become." - Adriel A. Miller

Love & Blessings A.T. Fam