6 Dos and Don'ts as an Introvert Abroad

So you are an introvert and you don’t know 1) whether you should or should not study abroad and 2) if you did then how in the world will you survive without your close friend or friends. Well, I am here to help you figure both of these out. 

The answer to question number one is quite complex so be ready - 1) DUH! Okay it wasn’t complex, but you get the picture. Of COURSE you should study abroad if you even have a little bit of desire to, which leads us to number two. 

Now you may be asking, “who are you to be giving advice on studying abroad as an introvert”, and my answer is, I am an introvert, and even more, I am the only one from my school here at Harlaxton. So how do I survive? Well, here are the dos and don’ts of being an introvert abroad.

Let's get to the dos first:

1)   DO go on trips by yourself

You might be questioning this because people (extroverts usually) tell you it’s wrong to go somewhere by yourself, but you also know something a little more than extroverts, and that is yourself! Study abroad is about learning about yourself, so do just that and learn more about yourself by traveling somewhere (I went to London) alone!

2)   DO get daily alone time

You need to care for yourself, so never be ashamed of that. Go into town and go to the local coffee shop (I suggest Picture Café – so good) and sit on your computer by yourself. It’s okay, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

3)   DO pick at least one new person to be friends with

As an introvert, we love getting to know people deeply. Pick someone new and get to know him or her deeply because you never know who your next close friend will be!

Now for the don'ts, and these are important!

1)   DON’T use your introversion as an excuse!

Now you’ve probably heard this before, but I’m going to tell you why - You have beautiful insight to the world, and your unique and wonderful voice deserves to be heard. You can have input in conversations. You can be conversational. Don’t let anyone say you can’t contribute to something, because you can and you will be awesome at it, even if it is less often than the extrovert. Besides, extroverts need an introvert friend or else no one would listen to each other because they would be too busy talking over each other.

2)   DON’T only do stuff by yourself

Yes, I did just tell you to do stuff by yourself to learn about you, but other people are smart too, and can help you learn even more.

And last but not least. . .

3)   DON’T be scared 

New places and faces are all a part of growing up. Rather than being scared, just look at it as another opportunity to show people how wonderful you really are – because I promise you are.

Well that is it for now, I’ll be back on Monday with a post that is dear to my heart.

Until Then,

Branden Benskin