Changing Your Perspective

 "I think one of the cultural skills I wish I had more was confidence. I needed to stay more confident and keep my stress level low and be aware of how I would communicate non-verbally. These were manners that I knew I had to work on, I didn’t realize this until the end of my trip." ~Nazareth University student who studied abroad in Spain 

While abroad, it is easy to fall into a negative mindset. However, it is important to adopt a growth mindset to reframe the way you think about the challenges you are experiencing 

Tips to work toward having a Growth Mindset:

• Remember your purpose and motivation to study abroad 

• Set goals for your study abroad and work to achieve them 

• Learn to understand nothing is perfect

• Approach experiences ready to learn rather than assume you know best

• Never give up!

Coping Skills For When You Are Feeling Down: 

• Do the opposite of what you think! Hiding, wasting time, and talking to people at home will only make you feel worse

• Engage more with the people around you ex. host families, people at school, etc

• Don't abandon who you are at home: still run, listen to music, etc 

• Share your experience with other people. Chances are they are feeling similar! 

• Bond with staff and fellow study abroad students 

• Push yourself to not disengage 

• Get off your phone! 

• Sleep good, eat good, and practice self care 

• Don't hide in your room 

• Cook a meal you like for your host family. Find ways to bend who you are at home with where you are now