What a Year Abroad at NC State Taught Me.

By Saskia Perez-Cooke, North Carolina State University, United States

I spent my year abroad at NC State University, and it was an unforgettable experience. As with any experience there are highs and lows, but here are a few reflections and bits of advice to anyone considering or preparing for a year abroad in the states (or anywhere really!)

Roommates

One of my biggest concerns when I was preparing to come to NC State was the sharing a room situation. But if there is one thing I can say about this is that your roommate doesn’t define your study abroad experience! If you don’t click with your roommate immediately I wouldn’t worry too much. Honestly, both semesters and both roommates I barely spoke to them. The truth is that after a busy day at class and hanging out with my friends, I would have very little energy to start up a conversation with my roommate. While sharing a room isn’t ideal, I found that this minimal relationship I had with my roommate had a silver lining. Our room was a quiet, silent place and if we ignored both each other’s existence it was almost like having your own room.

Most likely, if your roommate is not another international student, they will be a freshman. In my case she was a super shy freshman which at first felt a bit awkward. But that’s ok, your roommate does not have to be your best friend. In fact nearly all of my friends were not close with their roommates either.

The positive to all this is that it pushes you to get out of your room. Its beneficial at the start when making friends as no one wants to be in their rooms so arguably making friends is easier! It also teaches you how to find alone time in other ways. Whether thats going for walks, the gym, a coffee shop etc. it pushes you to do more things rather than just staying inside. Which at the end of the day is exactly what this experience is about. Importantly at a place like NC State (or really any school in the south), the warm weather makes it easy to just step outside when you need a break from your roommate!

Get involved on campus

One of the best decisions I made second semester was getting a job on campus. Getting involved in some way whether its joining a club, volunteering or finding a part time job is really important to establish stability and meet new people! As an international student, you will naturally gravitate towards other exchange students in the same boat. To be honest my international group of friends was the best part of my experience at NC State and I would have been quite lost without them!

That being said, don’t be afraid to mix with Americans, it’s part of the whole experience! In my second semester, I got a part-time job at the coffee shop in the main campus library. Though I would say finding a job first semester would have been a bit ambitious considering how much change was already going on, once I had properly settled in second semester, my job brought a much-needed routine to the craziness that comes with studying abroad.

Working there also forced me out of my international bubble. I met so many normal, down-to-earth Americans that really enriched my time abroad. It was so valuable to hear American’s perspective on things and they really challenged my preconceived stereotypes I had towards Americans.

Your study abroad will likely be the furthest you’ve ever been from home, and with that comes challenges you have never faced before. But I think the biggest takeaway from my time at NC State is that a positive attitude makes all the difference. Even on the days you feel so homesick you don’t want to leave your room, say yes to plans and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Throw yourself into life at your new home and you will get so much out of it!!

Good luck at your new university!!!!!