Studying abroad offers a treasure trove full of knowledge—from immersing myself in vibrant cultures and sitting in the classroom listening to diverse perspectives. But there’s an often-unspoken aspect of studying abroad that goes beyond academic workloads: learning about yourself.
Recently, someone asked me, “What did you learn while studying abroad?” I started with the facts: Swahili vocabulary, the complexities of Northern Ireland’s youth identity in a post-conflict city, the harsh reality of climate change-driven uprooting of Pacific Islanders in the Pacific Islands. But there’s a deeper narrative that unfolded during my time in Belfast, Tanzania, and New Zealand, one that reshaped how I view myself and the world around me.
Then I was stopped and asked again, “No, What did you learn about yourself?” I took a moment to reflect. The lessons were less about specific places or courses and more about the internal journey. Studying abroad taught me how to navigate uncertainty and embrace discomfort, which proved to be more transformative than any academic lesson.
Here’s a few things I rediscovered: (note these are just a few points for reflection and not an exhaustive list :)
I Don’t Have All the Answers. Each country, from the bustling streets of Belfast to the serene landscapes of Tanzania, presented challenges that I couldn’t anticipate. I learned that it’s perfectly okay not to have all the answers and to seek help when I needed. Whether it was deciphering the best way to hand-wash clothes out of a bucket in Tanzania or finding my way through the winding streets of New Zealand, humility became a vital companion.
My Perspective Isn’t the Only One. Living abroad taught me the importance of recognizing that my experiences are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The diversity within communities—like the experiences of Pacific Islanders at the forefront of the climate crisis to the physical walls that still separate neighborhoods in Belfast, to the crises of spending time with a host family and learning how hard it is to find food and water in Tanzania reminded me that collective identities are shaped by unique, individual stories.
Independence and Self-Care Are Essential. Being in a new environment forced me to prioritize self-care and independence. I learned that taking care of my mental and physical well-being was crucial, and it’s okay to have a day where I need to step back and recharge. It’s okay to treat yourself to lunch, and do things that make you happy.
It’s Okay to Have ‘Bad’ Days. The realities of living abroad aren’t always glamorous. There were days filled with frustration and homesickness, and I learned to accept these as part of the journey. It’s through these moments that I grew the most. The day I arrived in Tanzania I was extremely sick with some sort of virus and it took two doctors trips and three weeks to properly rest and heal before I was able to socialize and embrace life in a new country.
Open-Mindedness Is Key. Embracing new cultures and perspectives required me to be open-minded and refrain from quick judgments. Understanding that everyone’s life experience is different helped me build deeper connections and foster empathy. Sometimes people at home care so much about such miniscule tasks and a perfect grade that it hinders growth and other opportunities.
We Can Be Our Biggest Critic. I discovered that sometimes, my greatest obstacles were the self-imposed barriers and doubts. Learning to overcome my own negativity was a significant step toward personal growth. As I walked down the street at the University of Auckland with a tune in my head I realized that who cares if I sang out loud, it probably would make someone laugh (since my voice is not quite angelic).
Injustice Is Widespread, But Resilience Shines Through. Witnessing various forms of injustice across continents highlighted the resilience of people who endure and strive for change. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit. The challenges I face as a privileged student in Washington DC vary immensely from the violence in Belfast, the lions that were killing peoples livestock in Tanzania, or the Samoan battle for reclamation of culture and identity in a colonized and developing world.
Social Media Isn’t Real Life. The curated realities we see online often mask the true experiences of people. I learned to appreciate the genuine, raw moments of life, which are far more enriching. I spent weeks camping in Tanzania without feeling the need to check the news update, scroll the bottomless pit of Instagram or TikTok.
All in all, my study abroad journey was about learning how to embrace the unknown. It taught me to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, whether that meant navigating new social settings alone or adapting to unfamiliar challenges. I no longer need a familiar face to enjoy a new experience or explore a new place. The discomfort became a canvas for growth, and through it, I found a more confident and self-aware version of myself.
I am just as excited to reconnect with the people I care about the most, and have found a new appreciation for their guidance, advice, and support that they can provide, laughs we can share, and activities we can also do together, because you aren’t alone in the world, however big and intimidating it may seem. The simple act of asking how you are, a smile, can and did create meaningful connections that will last a lifetime. Now, I can proudly carry these lessons with me through the rest of my life and learn more by continuing to take a step back, embrace the unknown and slightly uncomfortable and truly listen to others.
Studying abroad was so much more than an academic adventure; it was a beautiful journey of self-discovery and reflection. Embracing discomfort became a gateway to understanding and appreciating the richness of life and the endless possibilities that come with stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.
Sydney Molaver
Spring 2024 – GW Exchange - University of Auckland
Fall 2023 – SFS - Wildlife Management Studies in Tanzania
Fall 2022 – Global Bachelor's Program, Belfast Cohort Semester
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Environmental Studies Major
The Global Bachelor’s Program