Thriving Abroad: Cultivating Placefulness and Coping Strategies for a Fulfilling Experience

Even a brief period of studying abroad encompasses a vast range of human experiences. From loneliness and culture shock to pushing boundaries and elation, it is critical to take care of yourself along the journey. Studying abroad entails facing challenges such as homesickness, language barriers, cultural barriers, and struggling to adjust to new academic structures. Past students who have studied abroad have expressed it is worthwhile to embrace these challenges and take them head on. Studies state that overcoming these challenges consistently result in “Improved academic performance without prolonging their time to graduation, attributed to the diverse academic experiences and global perspectives gained” (Independent Research Measuring the Impact of Study Abroad, n.d.). This, in turn, may enhance students' appeal to potential employers in the job market! It’s essential to develop coping skills and practice being present in order to fully embrace the experience and navigate the challenges that come with it.

What is Placelessness?

Peacefulness is an embodiment of mindful practices that focus on oneself and focus on paying attention to the moment in relation to one's place and space. Beneficial mindful practices that help people conceptualise placefullness include deep breathing, mindful walking, and gratitude practice. To fully benefit from these exercises, they should be done with the objective of becoming more grounded and aware of your sensory reality. According to Red Ladder Studio (2024), some important questions to ask when cultivating placefulness include: what direction are you facing, what is under your feet, how would this place have looked 50 years ago, can you name the trees and plants around you, and when was the last time you touched the ground with any part of your body

Strategies for Living Abroad

When living abroad it is crucial to remember that everyone experiences acculturation differently. It's critical to find out what best works for you! Here are a few strategies to help with your adjustment:

Eliminate as many daily stressors as possible

Figuring out simple things such as public transportation, and how to navigate the city can help make your home away from home feel a little more manageable.  

Take care of yourself

Making sure you maintain a consistent routine involving sleep, exercise, and healthy eating is going to help you enjoy your journey. A clear mind and a healthy body makes everything a bit easier!

Maintain and establish new relationships

Being surrounded by a new culture and new customs can feel scary and ostracizing. Although it can be scary, immersing yourself in a new culture cna be an amazing opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself and the rest of the world. Creating a social network involving old and new connections is “Crucial for overcoming feelings of homesickness and loneliness” (How to Stay Connected to Loved Ones While Studying Abroad, 2024). 

Familiarize yourself with the local language and culture

Understanding a culture’s customs and language will make it significantly easier to adapt and connect. Locals will likely appreciate your efforts to immerse yourself, leading to a more enriching and enjoyable experience abroad.

Merging everything together

Living situations while abroad are a large part of your life, and placefullness can help ground your unique experience. Mindfulness tends to mean “Paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. Perhaps placefulness is similar, paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, to the places we are in” (Vajradarshini, 2024). Combining placefullness with the strategies above is a great way to ensure that you get the most out of your experience abroad, all while maintaining a stable and healthy body and mind.