While Abroad

Communication

Some students prefer to purchase a cell phone upon arrival in the host country or use their current cell phone with a new SIM card from the host country. Check with your cell phone carrier to see if your phone will work at your study abroad destination and to confirm the fees or to ensure that your phone is "unlocked" if you're planning to get a local SIM card. Students also use useful communication apps, such as WhatsApp, GroupMe, Viber and Skype, which allow them to communicate with friends and family. These apps are accessible on phone or laptop while using WiFi.

Email and social media are also wonderful ways of staying in touch! Additionally, many of the programs and universities have their own social media pages for students to check out.

@shuglobal Instagram

We love seeing what you are up to while studying abroad. Be sure to tag @shuglobal when you would like to share your posts with us. We may share your photos on @shuglobal or on our website.

Cultural Adjustment

It is very common to experience some degree of homesickness or difficulty transitioning to a new culture when abroad – even if you have traveled previously. Being in a new and different environment is challenging and takes a little getting used to; some adapt sooner while others need more time. Cultural adjustment issues are very normal and most students experience them to some degree.

A few helpful tips

  • If you appear to be having difficulties adjusting to new surroundings, please let a local staff/faculty member or the OGA know. Often, we are able to contact someone at the host university to provide a different perspective on the situation or arrange for appropriate intervention.
  • Do not ‘feed’ the depression. You are encouraged to remain involved. In many cases, the problem solves itself within 24 hours so parents are encouraged to resist their initial urge to fly over and save the day.
  • Stay in touch – but not too often! The acculturation process will be slow if you spend too much time emailing, texting and talking to family and friends back home. Instead, spend more time exploring the city, making new friends, and learning the ways of the host country.

Preparing to Depart From Host Country

To assist in your transition back to the U.S., it is important that you take the time to say goodbye to your host country and the people you have met during your study abroad experience, along with taking care of logistical details so your trip home will be smooth. Here are a few things you will want to do before leaving your host country:

  • Make a wish list of all the things you want to do/accomplish before you leave. Do them!
  • Make a list of the people you want to stay in contact with and gather their contact information. These are great people to reach out to as you work through re-entry adjustment along with internationally connected people at SHU.
  • Take pictures of your favorite people, places, foods, etc. Pictures of everyday people and places you will not see any more may be the most precious and best way to explain to others how life was abroad. In addition, we would like to see your photos! Tag @shuglobal for pictures to be features on the OGA website and enter a photo contest.
  • Settle any financial issues. This includes checking in with SHU Financial Assistance to make sure you have done all you need to if you plan to receive financial aid your semester of return.
  • Communicate with friends and family at home your feelings about returning home and what to expect as you go through cultural adjustment again upon return. Be conscious of making judgments and being overly critical of home.
  • Confirm your move-out date in your host country accommodations. Confirm your housing upon return to SHU.
  • Confirm your return flight. Check with the airline regarding weight/size regulations and the costs for overweight or additional bags.
  • Set aside time to say goodbye to your friends, your support on-site, your school and your city. These encounters may help you put into words what your experience has meant to you personally, academically, and professionally.

Registering for Next Semester

The process and registration dates/times are the same as if they were still on campus. Be sure to check your SHU email regularly while abroad to ensure that you do not miss out on any important information about registration. Students should be mindful of the difference in time zones when registering for courses in Student Planning and Advising (SPA).

Housing Upon Return

The Office of Residential Life will reach out to you while abroad with information on registering for on campus housing.