6 Tips for Moving Abroad

By Annabelle Henderson, ESADE University, Spain

As I near the end of my year on exchange, I have some tips and advice that I think would have been helpful to have heard before I went away:

1. Prepare Well in Advance

Getting organised early is essential. Some documents, like visas, often require additional paperwork just to start the application process, so it’s important to research requirements as soon as you know where you’re going.
For example, I studied in Barcelona for a year, and even though I didn’t move until August, I had to start gathering documents by March — five months ahead!
It can also be really helpful to reach out to students who previously went on exchange to the same location. I found the visa process confusing at times, and getting advice from someone who had done it the year before made a huge difference.

2. Go With an Open Mind

Exchange life is different from what you’re used to, and that’s part of what makes it so exciting. Be open to new experiences, cultures, and ways of doing things. Whether it’s trying unfamiliar foods, embracing different academic styles, or making friends from completely different backgrounds, approach everything with curiosity. The more adaptable and open you are, the more you will get out of the experience.

3. It Won’t Necessarily be Amazing From the Beginning

When I first arrived in Barcelona, I expected to immediately make lots of friends, have a packed social calendar and be living the dream. In reality, the first couple of weeks were tough. I called my parents every day, feeling homesick and out of place. But, I stuck with it, made an effort to say yes to plans and everything seemed to fall into place. After about a month, I had an incredible group of friends, found my favourite spots in the city and started truly enjoying myself. Some people settle in straight away, while others take time—it’s completely normal to have an adjustment period.

4. Be Prepared to Have People Come and Go (especially on a year exchange)

One thing I didn’t anticipate was how transient friendships can be on exchange. Expect was that the friends I made initially would leave after the first semester. Many of the friends I made in my first semester left at the end, and I was worried I’d feel lonely again. What helped was making connections outside the exchange student bubble: local students, people working in the city etc. A great way of doing this is by getting involved in activities, and filling your social calendar with lots of different events. My advice is to put yourself out there in different social circles so that even as people leave, you still have a strong support network.

5. Stay in Contact With Friends and Family From Home

It’s easy to get caught up in exchange life, but keeping in touch with family and friends from home can be a great source of comfort. A quick call or message can help you feel grounded, especially on days when you miss familiar faces or routines. Staying connected also ensures that when you return home, you still feel in the loop with what’s happening in your life outside of exchange.

6. Say Yes to Opportunities and Just Enjoy!

Exchange is truly a once in a life time experience, so make the most of it. Travel as much as you can, try new food, new activities, and step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend trip, joining a club, or making friends with people from completely different cultures, every opportunity adds to your adventure. You only get one exchange—so live it to the fullest and make memories that will last a lifetime.