Emotional experiences of a first-year international student
Moving abroad to study in Finland, experiencing a new environment for the first time, conversing with new people from across the world naturally brings a buzz of enthusiasm. I distinctly remember my first days in the UniOulu Kickstart Course in August, walking through the University of Oulu and feeling like a child on their first day of school, excited about the unknown.
Taking the first steps into this new world is a refreshing, vibrant experience but can also feel exhausting at times. I recall the first time I went shopping in a Finnish supermarket, where I spent a total of three hours doing my groceries! At the end, I felt drained. I had to re-learn even the simplest activities that I used to do back at home, as well as how to communicate with people.
It is important to understand that enculturation is a long process, but you are already making the first steps!
World's apart
After this initial state has passed, it might eventually start to feel like being a double agent. You begin to realize that you exist within two worlds – the one you left back home, and the one you currently are. Balancing those can be tricky.
For example, I often felt guilty for not giving equal time in maintaining my relationships back at home, or for missing out on things happening in my absence. Of course, it makes sense to focus your energy on socializing in your new environment. This is significant but be aware that it might not have an immediate effect, resulting in a lot of time spent alone. Therefore, keeping a good balance will help you navigate this time better.
Quick tips
From my experience, here are some tips:
- Stay connected to your loved ones by creating the time on your schedule to video-call with friends and family at least 1-2 times per week.
- Don’t hesitate to share your emotions with your international peers. It might surprise you how many people feel the same as you!
- Stay open on trying new things. Being too specific might not work out since international groups are very diverse!
Comfort vs. change
A milestone in the emotional journey of being a foreign student for me was going back home for the first time after moving abroad. I remember having a mixture of anticipation and fear. “Will I regret my decision of studying in Finland after going back?” was a common discussion among peers from the Learning, Education and Technology Master’s programme which I am studying in.
Our homes are a familiar environment, a source of comfort for many. Spending time with loved ones always feels effortless. However, it is also a reminder of how far you have come, and how you have managed to create a new home so far away. Therefore, comfort and change can coexist and visiting your home from a new perspective is also meaningful.
Overall, in this emotional experience of being a first-year international student, I would advise you to embrace both the positive and negative emotions as part of your journey towards growing and learning!
Don’t worry too much about doing it all perfectly, it is enough that you are present with an open heart and mind (and eyes towards the sky for spotting the polar clouds in the winter)!
About the author
Athina was born and raised in Athens, Greece and is currently a first-year master’s student in the Learning, Education and Technology programme. She never learned how to ski and when it is icy outside, she walks like a penguin!