An Introverts Guide to Studying Abroad

Writing & Photography By Kya Wilson

Have you ever considered studying abroad? 

Studying abroad can be a truly amazing experience filled with new experiences and opportunities that aren’t available here in Springfield, Missouri. It can also be massively overwhelming if you don’t know where to start or what exactly might be waiting for you when you get there. There is a lot going on in the world right now and it’s good to keep that in mind, but if you wait for the perfect time to study abroad it might never come. The dream of studying abroad is attainable if you take the leap. Every journey is unique, but this article will serve as a roadmap of how you can get started and teach you some lessons I’ve learned from the experience.

I spent the past year studying in Paris, France at two different fine arts colleges. I attended a short, one-month intensive course in summer of 2022 at Paris American Academy and two full semesters at Paris College of Art in fall of 2022 and spring of 2023. At the time I was a junior studying fashion design here at Missouri State. What sparked this adventure was when a representative from the study abroad office came to talk in one of my classes. Among the programs that they showed us was an intensive program studying couture fashion. When I got home that night I threw myself into researching.

When you start looking for study abroad options, there are a lot of routes, even if you are just looking at ones offered through MSU. Start with two key questions: are there specific countries you would like to study in, and what kinds of classes are you thinking of taking during your time there? These can help keep you focused when looking through all the options offered. For example, when I was looking at programs I specifically wanted to study fashion design somewhere that was well known for fashion, which limited my options down to France, Italy, or Japan. I also only looked at the programs offered through the study abroad partners of Missouri State. The Study Abroad office had some experience with the universities I was looking at, so they could advise me based on other students’ experiences. In my case, I wanted classes that would build on my physical craftsmanship and add to what I was learning here. Most commonly, students will take classes required for their degree. This can either be a gen-ed class, something in their respective major, or something in their minor. It’s best to meet with your academic advisor as well as the study abroad office to look at your specific situation. 

Once you have chosen the program you want to apply for, you can begin the paperwork. Each country you’re considering visiting has its own laws and forms you will need to fill out, alongside forms from the specific school or program you apply to, plus, additional forms for the United States government. It’s a lot. The most important documents have pertinent deadlines: the application to your school of choice, passport, and student visa. Application requirements for schools vary, but generally include items such as your resume, application letter, or a portfolio. There is typically additional information provided on the website of the program you're interested in. First, you’ll need an updated passport before you can apply for a visa. A student visa is generally only required if your program is longer than six weeks. This is when the waiting game begins. To help make sure you don’t miss anything related to these big ones or the smaller one-off forms that may come up there are some key ways to keep on top of it all. The most important thing is to regularly check your email. This will be the main way you receive information and notices so it's best if you can handle them as quickly as possible.

Now with everything settled, we can prepare for your arrival.

Wherever you end up, there will be a plethora of activities waiting for you. Despite the temptation to try and do everything, it’s important to balance self-care and adventure. There are only so many hours in the day, and if you are an introvert like me, there is also a limit to your social battery. Make a list to help focus on your priorities—you can add to it if something catches your attention or an opportunity comes up. Keeping a list ensures that you do not get carried away and miss out on something. The amount of coursework you will have will vary, but you can use your classes to set the rhythm of the week. Then you can plan and schedule times for your excursions and routine tasks around that. When starting out, I would recommend pacing yourself. Personally, I needed to physically acclimate to the sheer amount of walking I would do daily. Even with good public transportation, I was walking exponentially more than I did back home. Listen to your body and its limits; remember to schedule designated times for rest. As hard as it can be, not every day needs to have something in it. Take the time to recharge so that your body doesn’t crash and force you to rest.

For my program housing was provided by one of MSU’s study abroad partners SAI Programs. SAI acted as the main point of contact while I was in Paris. If I had trouble with anything they had an office I could reach out to in the city. I stayed in two different apartments during my time in Paris. I’ve lived at home while attending MSU so this was the first time I’d lived with roommates. With up to four girls sharing a two-bedroom apartment there wasn’t necessarily a place to myself. In order to give myself the space to recharge I would make use of the times they would all be out. Clubs and nightlife aren’t an interest of mine so if my roommates went out that would give me space in the evening to relax. Since this was not always a guarantee I would also use excursions to recharge. 

There were excursions and activities through SAI or the schools and a constant rotation of exhibitions and museums in the city to visit. However, the majority of excursions were ones I did by myself. Though it’s not the case for everyone, even if a place was crowded, I found that I could still recharge. By going to places alone, it felt like time to myself. Even if the place was busy I could shut it out and be in my own little world for a few hours. Even small excursions could give me something to look forward to if I was having a long week. Some of my favorite places to visit were fashion exhibitions. Since Paris has a long history as a center for fashion there are collections featuring famous designers such as Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, and Yves Saint Laurent. As a designer it’s amazing to be able to get up close to original designs and see how they were made. Alongside an amazing number of art museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay I could both recharge and fuel my creativity for when I went back to class. Another benefit of solo excursions is that I could focus on what I was most excited about. These could be all day trips to castles such as Mont Saint-Michel, visiting Disneyland Paris, or just an outing to small shops I liked. The sheer number of places to see is one of the things I miss most now that I’m home.

Although knowing your host country’s language can be helpful it’s not necessarily a requirement. Even after a year abroad my French is only marginally better than before I left. I got a long way with courtesies like pardon (pardon or excuse me) and merci (thank you) as well as a little google translate to look things up. Even if you aren’t sure of the pronunciation just try. You will usually get a lot of goodwill if they can see your putting in the effort. It was very common to run into people who spoke English as a second language and they would switch after asking if I was American. This can be a bit frustrating if you are actively trying to practice the language, but I was honestly grateful.

Finally, here are safety tips to keep in mind as you set out on your journey. Do everything within your power to not look like a tourist. Pickpocketing is a large problem when traveling abroad, especially if you happen to be studying in a popular city. It’s generally safest to travel in groups, but I spent most of my time traveling by myself. I’m a petite woman so I stayed mindful of my surroundings while out and it never slowed me down. Roll top backpacks are your friend. Having a bag that is securely fastened will help you protect your possessions. 

My experience was amazing and the classes I took in France were extremely fulfilling. As exhausting and overwhelming as the whole experience was at times, I am so glad that I took this opportunity. If reading this has sparked your curiosity, feel free to begin planning your own adventure and see where it takes you.