o you dream of going to study abroad but you have some doubts? It’s okay, training in another country can be the best or the worst experience of your life! So better make sure this adventure is for you before taking the plunge! Here are 10 criteria to find out whether or not you are ready for this incredible experience.

At the moment, it is fashionable to go to study abroad. Whether it is to improve their language level , to discover a new culture, or to party, many students leave. Even though studying abroad looks easy on paper, it’s actually more complicated than it sounds! Good news, we’ve got you covered to make sure you ‘re 100% sure you’re suited to study abroad !

You are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone

You are an adventurer, you like to surpass yourself and try new things : studying abroad is for you! Even if you are not very comfortable at the beginning, little by little you will come to gain confidence in yourself. It’s a great opportunity to try out new experiences: go traveling alone, speak the local language, do a traditional activity …

You are resourceful

Who says going abroad alone, necessarily says autonomy. Your family will not necessarily be able to help you and you will have to manage your accommodation, your budget, your life in general ! But don’t panic, you won’t really be alone … Dozens of other students will be in the same situation as you. In the end, you will come back grown and much more independent.

You are not afraid of the unexpected

The unforeseen is something everyday in Erasmus … For the good and the bad, you will have to know how to let go and take events as they come . You are invited to an event at the last moment: take advantage of it! You missed your bus because the stop was badly indicated: “Keep calm and carry on”.

Paperwork doesn’t scare you

I hope you are ready to fill out dozens of applications because studying abroad is not easy! You must apply, then register in your 2 universities, apply for scholarships, complete a study contract with your courses, send back supporting documents … It’s a real Chinese puzzle! So, be prepared … If not, you can also download this book  where you will find the list of all the steps to be taken so as not to forget!

You are sociable and you like to meet people

In France, you have the impression that everyone is alike and you find it difficult to meet good people … Leaving is a golden opportunity for you to make atypical encounters that will change your way of seeing the world ! Even the most introverted can leave, but if you don’t talk to others, you’ll miss out on great discoveries.

You don’t mind being bad at language (at the beginning)

You will inevitably experience a period of adaptation at the start of your stay … You will not always understand what you are being told. You will have a hard time making yourself understood. Your accent will leave something to be desired. But the main thing is that you are ready to live this period to finally improve! Do not be afraid, even if you consider yourself to be bad at language, you will end up being better than the majority of French people 😉

You are ready to manage your own budget

“How much should I budget to leave?” This is the first question we ask ourselves before deciding to leave. Even if you are helped by scholarships  and / or by your parents, it is you who will have to manage your budget! For your arrival, plan a sum of money to settle down. Then, you must establish a monthly budget with your fixed expenses (rent, telephone, subscriptions, water, electricity …) and your variable expenses (food, shopping, parties …). Courage! Even if you struggle to make ends meet, you can still get a job on the side .

You want to discover a new education system

Whether you go to Spain, Finland or Australia, the lessons will not be the same … We do not necessarily think of this detail when leaving, but you will have to adapt to the methods of the country . Most teachers will take your status as a foreign student into account. But, they may not be very forgiving! Normally, you will be able to choose your courses after having tested them on site. Be careful because this is not always the case … Ask your international office and your host university.

You like to travel and discover new things

Beyond the lessons, you will be able to travel to your host country. If you are a traveler at heart, you will love discovering new places every weekend. Do not hesitate to leave your city to visit places unknown to tourists . You can also visit other countries nearby. This is what I recommend if you are going to Eastern Europe!

You want to live an extraordinary experience

Going to live abroad changes a life. Believe me … It is a unique opportunity to grow, to learn about yourself and about the world . It is also the opportunity to live a life in a year! You will never have time to be bored … You will live this experience 200%. Both good and bad times are more intense. But it is something that you will only be able to experience once in your life.