Studying abroad is a rewarding experience. Not only can you get the education you want, but you can also experience a completely new culture and grow as a person. However, this encounter with a new culture, mentality, and the life away from home peculiarities can bring not only positive experiences, but also problems. In order for you, as a future international student, to adapt more quickly to Belarus, follow some recommendations.
Getting to know the Belarus culture before you come to the country will help you feel more prepared and less confused. Look for thematic online forums or articles. Read books, watch movies, and communicate with other students who have already studied in Belarus or are currently there.
If you have never traveled outside your home country before, you may even experience shock at first. Remember that culture shock is real, and it may take time for you to adjust to life a new way. Don’t worry: Studies show that one in five international students experience similar feelings when they first encounter a new study abroad experience. Give yourself time to settle in and adjust to your new surroundings.
In cases 90%, the language knowledge, in your case Russian, helps speed up the adaptation process, because the most Belarusian universities teach in Russian. Even if you are going to study at the department with an English-language program, you will need Russian knowledge for everyday communication. Communicating in the language that people are used to, you will make new acquaintances quicker and solve problems more easily. You can learn the language in advance, for example, at the Russian as a foreign language course at the school Leader.
The best ways one to learn about a culture is to make friends with someone who lives in that country. This could be your roommate, a lab partner, or a random student in your group. By interacting with them, you will get to know new customs, food, and music. They will help you adjust to your new life.
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Take as few expectations and preconceptions as possible with you into your new life. The “it’s all going to be this way and no other way” mentality can play a cruel trick on you. Be flexible and be willing to change depending on circumstances, open yourself to new things. Most international students have difficulty because they are unwilling or unable to change.
Remember that you are a guest in a new culture. Show respect for the people customs and traditions with whom you are interacting. These may be certain food preferences or special manners related to hospitality. Whatever it is, remember to always show respect. Find something interesting about customs and rituals that are new to you, and perhaps something you like or feel so close to that you will incorporate it into your life permanently.
Try to communicate regularly with those who stayed at home. Especially since in today’s world there are practically no barriers to such communication: cell phones with messengers and chat rooms, the Internet for sending emails. Communicating with your relatives is important for both sides: you will feel supported, know that no matter what, there are people who think about you, and your loved ones will be sure that they are not forgotten in the new place, and then they can give you even more warmth.
While studying abroad, look for ways to become the community part: join a hobby club, do volunteer work, take part in cultural events. First, it is a great way to avoid the studying and lectures stress. Second, it’s an opportunity to meet other people who have the same interests and hobbies as you do, and these connections can lead to lifelong relationships.
Excursions are what makes many people move on. New impressions, new experiences, interesting places, getting to know people, culture, customs – when you travel, even briefly, you get to discover a whole new world. Travel in your free time, on weekends and holidays. If you lack language skills or are going somewhere alone wary at first, ask your classmates to come along.
Trying to understand a foreign culture, trying its details some on yourself, getting involved in social life are all important for adaptation. However, it is just as important to remember who you are and not to lose your individuality. Don’t try to change yourself completely to fit in with the new reality. Do it with your interests in mind.
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity. Enjoy every day and make memories that will last a lifetime.
We hope you found this article useful. We are ready to help you learn Russian online with a native speaker. Classes are individually adapted to your wishes. Submit an application for a free trial lesson and we will find the most suitable Russian language course for you.
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