An experience abroad can be immensely rewarding academically, personally, and professionally. It is a chance to learn about a new culture, expand your language skills, and grow.
While this can be an exciting, life-changing experience, it may also present new academic and personal challenges. You may experience cultural adjustment, or “culture shock,” as it is commonly called, which is, to some degree, a normal part of studying abroad. It is marked by symptoms such as uncertainty, sadness, confusion, anxiety, or homesickness.
Anyone can experience “culture shock,” some of us can go through the process more quickly and with less stress, while others go through these stages and find it difficult to adjust. You may experience many ups and downs throughout your time abroad, but that is something you will not have to experience alone. It will be important to rely on the coping strategies or grounding techniques you’ve already developed, and you are always encouraged to seek assistance if you are not feeling well or have any questions.
The information below should help you begin to think about how you can keep yourself well while abroad. You should be proactive and well-informed about your well-being.
Academic Differences While Abroad
The academic environment may vary greatly depending on the type of study abroad program.
On supported direct enrollment or study center programs, like Columbia in Paris or DIS Copenhagen, you might primarily be taking classes alongside other students from U.S. institutions or international students. Instructors for these classes may be more familiar with the U.S. academic system and culture, but it is important to note that they may still be local instructors. They may have different teaching styles influenced by their local educational system or culture. In most cases, classes may feel similar to what you’ve taken at Columbia, while the teaching styles and expectations can be notably different.
On direct enrollment programs at a local host institution, you will primarily take classes alongside local students. You may find that the academic system is very different from what you are used to. Modes of instruction may vary; for instance, you may have to be much more independent in your studies by keeping up with the readings or participating in outside lectures. Grading abroad may also differ from the U.S. system and culture. Grading may be less transparent and be largely based on one or two papers or exams.
While adjusting to a new academic environment, we encourage you first to understand the academic system and culture of your chosen program. You should research the particular study center or host institution and review their pre-departure, orientation, and advising materials. You can also chat with a Global Learning Assistant (GLA) or UGE Adviser to learn more.
We encourage you to seek support if you feel overwhelmed. Your program may offer tutorial opportunities or direct you to organized study groups. Knowing the resources available to you before you need them will be essential, so you feel in control of your academics and understand where to go for help. Also, even though we may be a time difference away, your UGE Adviser will always be here to help and support you.
Maintaining Mental and Physical Health While Abroad
Cultural views on mental and physical health vary significantly around the world, as do the types of resources that are available. Some countries have a broad range of services, while others have more limited options. You may find your medication is illegal to either bring into or purchase in the host country.
Mental and physical health is a complex topic, and managing your health while studying abroad – whether or not you have a history – is something every person must consider to ensure you have a successful experience abroad. It will be important to research, plan, and recognize the ups and downs of adjusting to a new culture and environment.
Before you go, you should meet with your healthcare provider to discuss whether now is an appropriate time to study abroad. You should work with them to identify the accommodations you may need, develop a plan to get medication/treatment abroad and discuss an emergency plan in case of a crisis abroad.
If you are comfortable, we encourage you to disclose your health history to your UGE Adviser or third-party provider, like CIEE or SIT. Disclosing your history will NOT impact your ability to participate on the program. Instead, it can be helpful to ensure your needs are met while abroad. Before and during your program, we encourage you to be in touch with International SOS (ISOS), our 24/7 emergency assistance provider and your UGE Adviser or third-party program adviser to gain more information on mental and physical health resources in the host country (i.e., medical care, emergency assistance).
In addition to ISOS’s assistance with urgent medical issues, security, and logistical questions, you can utilize their Enhance Emotional Support (EES) service. ESS is a confidential resource that offers up to 5 counseling sessions at no cost and counseling methods can be tailored to your needs: phone, video-call, or face-to-face (depending on location). For more information, visit the Columbia ISOS Global Assistance Program page.
While abroad, we encourage you to recognize your limits and give yourself time to practice self-care or grounding techniques. Remember to eat and get enough sleep. Expect some bumps in the road, and know that “culture shock,” to some degree, is a normal experience. If you feel your health or safety is deteriorating, please seek support. Your UGE Adviser and others on campus are still here to help.
Resources
DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia | Planning for Your Health Abroad
Preparations for Travel with Mental Health Conditions | Mobility International
Traveling Abroad with Medicine | Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Creating Community While Abroad
The first couple of days in a study abroad program can be challenging. You may feel intimidated or anxious, as though you made the wrong decision. It might take a little while for those feelings to go away, and they occasionally may resurface throughout your semester abroad. But those feelings will fade once you find your rhythm and sense of belonging.
An integral part of having a successful experience abroad can include setting up a community of support for yourself. Many students find that connecting with individuals who share similar interests and/or identities can be a source of support during the cultural adjustment period. It is easier said than done, but it will be important to truly put yourself out there and try to make the most of your experience while abroad.
We encourage you to join local clubs and organizations offered by your host institution or study abroad program. You can also find volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and skills. Volunteering is a great way to positively contribute to your host community and connect with locals.
To help you balance your academics with your social life, we encourage you to plan ahead and create a routine to help you manage your time. Setting up a weekly schedule for errands, studying, and exercise can help keep you focused as you explore your new environment.
For additional guidance about navigating your identity abroad, please visit our Identity and Diversity page.
Accessibility and Disability Services While Abroad
Advanced planning is the key to a successful experience abroad! Especially for students with emotional, mental, learning, or physical disability since attitudes toward disability and levels of accessibility vary greatly around the world. It will be important to discuss with your health care provider, Disability Services | Columbia Health (or your equivalent office at your home school), and UGE Adviser how you plan to manage cultural differences and consider programs that can best support you.
The laws around disability accommodations are not applicable outside of the United States, and many countries do not legally require accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to seek as much information as possible to determine if your program of interest can support you in meeting your accommodation(s). Our office and UGE Advisers will do their best to ensure reasonable accommodations can be arranged while abroad.
Resources
Disability Services | Columbia Health (if you are not a Columbia student, please contact the equivalent office at your home school)
Sexual Health While Abroad
You may find that attitudes toward sex and relationships in your host country differ from your own culture. Whether you are sexually active or not, it is important to reflect on your own sexual health and behavior before departure. You should also be conscious of the norms and attitudes about relationships and take proactive steps to protect your own health. It will be important to be clear and honest about your expectations to ensure communication and actions respect your own and individual boundaries.
Contraception, like condoms or birth control, might not be as easily accessible in the country in which you are studying abroad, and the quality may vary. You may also find that specific medication, like hormone therapy, is illegal to either bring into or obtain in your host country. Before traveling, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider to ensure you can bring your medications and be prepared to take an adequate supply with you. You can also speak with a UGE Adviser; we’d be more than happy to provide additional resources and guidance.
STIs and STDs are common around the world, and some countries have higher rates of transmission for certain STIs. We encourage you to inform yourself of the risks before you go abroad. If you have unprotected sex, get yourself tested. You can locate information on how to do so through your health insurance provider. For more information about health insurance while abroad, please visit Columbia Health’s Coverage While Traveling page and Columbia Global Travel’s Health Insurance page.
Resources
Sexual Violence Response (SVR)
Sexual Violence Response (SVR) provides trauma-informed, confidential support and prevention programs focused on ending gender and power-based violence.
Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College are committed to fostering an environment that is free from gender-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault and all other forms of gender-based misconduct. The University recognizes its responsibility to increase awareness of such misconduct, prevent its occurrence, support survivors, deal fairly and firmly with offenders, and diligently investigate reports of misconduct.
The University encourages all students affected by gender-based misconduct to seek immediate assistance, including students abroad. Promptly seeking assistance may be important to ensure a student’s physical safety or to obtain medical care or other support. It may also be necessary to preserve evidence, which can assist the University and/or law enforcement in responding effectively. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A list of confidential and non-confidential resources is included on the University’s Sexual Respect website.