Challenges Abroad: Adaptation

By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore

While my time abroad was filled with amazing experiences, it wasn’t always easy. There were moments that felt challenging, and I think it’s important to share those honestly.

The first challenge I faced was homesickness. After the initial excitement wore off, I began to miss my routines, my family, and even Manchester’s grey skies. It wasn’t constant, but it would hit during quiet weekends or when I felt overwhelmed by schoolwork. I found that talking to other exchange students helped a lot, many were going through the same thing, and we supported each other.

Another big adjustment was the academic pressure. NUS is very competitive, and I sometimes felt behind, especially in large classes where local students were more familiar with the expectations. It took some time, but I eventually found a study routine that worked for me, and reminded myself that learning at my own pace was okay.

There were also cultural differences that I didn’t expect, from small things like different social norms or food customs, to bigger ones like communication styles. But I came to appreciate those differences, and they taught me how to be more flexible, empathetic, and open-minded.

Through these ups and downs, I grew a lot. I learned how to cope independently, problem-solve in unfamiliar situations, and ask for help when I needed it. These are lessons I know I’ll carry with me well beyond my university years.