Takeaways from Studying Abroad Twice
Because I studied international policy, my professors encouraged me to study abroad to better understand how countries approach policy challenges. I chose University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, as I was doing research on international affairs in the Indo-Pacific region at the time.
Beyond academics, my time in Sydney pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and become more independent. When I was not ready to end my study abroad experience, after seeing so much personal growth in just five months, an IFSA staff member told me about summer opportunities. I learned I could attend London School of Economics and Political Science that summer, an opportunity to continue growing academically and personally while studying at one of the world’s leading social science institutions.
Living in different countries required me to adapt to unfamiliar environments, embrace independence, and make new places feel like home. These experiences strengthened my ability to learn independently and exposured me firsthand to the cultures, debates, and current events previously discussed in the classroom.
Here are some of the lessons that helped me make the most of my experiences in both countries.
1) Embrace constant change.
Through my experiences in both Sydney and London, I learned that change is an inevitable part of study abroad. I began to see change as a chance to immerse myself in new cultures and engage with different traditions and perspectives. Choosing to be adaptable allowed me to become more resilient, when facing challenges.
Even with constant change, I found that having something familiar can provide a sense of routine. For me, it was swimming, which has been a consistent part of my life. Swimming abroad gave me a sense of normalcy and helped me connect with locals and find community.
2) Live minimally.
It is tempting to shop and collect souvenirs, but eventually, everything either has to fit in a suitcase or be left behind. Limited space changed the way I approached travel. Instead of shopping, I prioritized experiences, visiting museums, hiking, going to beaches, and wandering through neighborhoods. I became more interested in discovering the everyday culture and hidden gems in each city and only buying things that I spent time thinking about.
3) Learn work-life balance.
The school culture in both Sydney and London emphasized a much healthier work-life balance. In Sydney, most people only checked email during working hours, and it was common to see people surf before work. London had a similar atmosphere, where many students went to local pubs after classes instead of immediately returning to studying.
Abroad, I learned how to work hard while also prioritizing “me time.” My experiences taught me that dedicating time to activities outside of school was an important part of maintaining motivation, and improved my well-being.
4 ) Don’t just observe. Consider perspective.
Living abroad taught me that understanding another culture requires more than simply observing differences, it requires perspective taking.
This process strengthened my empathy. Instead of seeing cultural differences as barriers, I began to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Studying abroad taught me that empathy often begins with curiosity, with the willingness to step outside of your own perspective and try to understand someone else’s. That lesson continues to influence the way I interact with people and resolve conflict.
5) Enjoy alone-time.
While you’re abroad, it is natural to spend some time alone. While at first, this felt uncomfortable, I learned to enjoy it.
Study abroad gave me the opportunity to explore different neighborhoods, cities, and countries at my own pace. Also, I learned how to navigate public transportation, solve problems on my own, and trust myself in unfamiliar situations. I became more comfortable stepping outside of my comfort zone and realized that being alone does not have to mean being lonely.
Looking back, studying abroad twice was the highlight of my college experience because it helped me grow into a more adaptable, independent, and globally aware person. Beyond the academic and personal growth, these experiences gave me memories that will last a lifetime and friendships that span across the world.
Jacqueline H. | Vanderbilt University
University of New South Wales, Australia | Fall 2024
London School of Economics Summer, England | Summer 2025