The first time I lived abroad was when I went to study in Germany after graduating from high-school, I was 18 at the time. However, at that time I was spending most of my days inside the dorm, occasionally travelling around the neighboring cities. Everything changed when I went to Russia for exchange studies for one semester. I started going out more, almost daily, and taking TONS of pictures and videos. I was fascinated with exploring a different culture and lifestyle, and in Russia I met people from various countries, which gave me inspiration to travel more and experience myself the things they have been telling me about their countries. This led to another semester exchange in Spain, and I FELL IN LOVE with the culture. I knew the language already, but I had no idea about tapas, or dances like salsa or bachata. I started taking lessons for dancing and I believe this changed me so much, I became more confident and open. The Spanish culture rubbed off on me and now I am more talkative and not afraid to dance in front of others. I also started to get into photography and editing videos and pictures, I have too many of them so I decided it’s better to make highlights for the most special moments.
I learned a LOT of lessons, I feel like the most important are GO OUTSIDE, don’t stay at home. Talk to strangers, ask for their favorite place in the city or a restaurant, ask them if they want to be friends with you, ask them to take picture of you and then try to chat, the possibilities are endless. You could meet other international travellers like this and travel together, or meet natives and they can help you get more assimilated in the culture.
I know that the timing is not appropriate now for travelling or going outside, considering the coronavirus situation, but hopefully everything will be fine soon.
I plan to travel more in the future and I am really excited to see how living abroad will change me.