Studying Abroad as an Introvert 

By Katharine O’Hearn, Concordia University, Canada 

One thing I didn’t expect about studying abroad was dealing with the pressure to be spending so much time with other people as an introvert. For me, I sometimes felt like if I didn’t have the energy to be doing something every day or constantly making new friends, I was failing. I thought I’d provide some advice here for people in the same boat to ease the pressure a bit and feel a bit more like you’re making the most of studying abroad, even if spending all your time with other people doesn’t come naturally or you prefer to stay home a bit more.  

1. If you usually prefer to stay home, and don’t get out much, I felt that watching local sports and TV shows was a good way of still feeling like I was making the most of my exchange, while still operating at my own pace- being in Canada, I really enjoyed and recommend watching hockey (something which is a lot harder to do from the UK, since the games usually start very late), and the TV show North of North (very entertaining, and recently renewed for a second season- I highly recommend it even if you’re not going to Canada!).  

2. I found that living in university accommodation helped me to push myself out of my comfort zone a bit in socialising, but in a way which wasn’t too difficult. In the accommodation I was in, reslife and the RAs organised regular craft evenings and game nights. I personally found this helpful in that I could socialise without the high level of commitment and effort that going out to socialise would require.  

3. It’s very common advice, but do things by yourself! It was very uncomfortable for me at first, and I did feel like if I wasn’t spending time with other people, I was failing, but just spending more time doing things alone helped me get more comfortable and get over the fear that I would be wasting my time doing things alone. Waiting until you make friends to explore your host city and country if you’re very shy is much more of a waste! 

Hopefully this advice helps other shy or introverted people studying abroad or thinking of it, and makes you feel less alone if you also struggle with getting out and feeling like you’re making the most of your time away.