5 Things to Expect During Your First Month On Exchange

While I've been on exchange, I've noticed a number of changes just within the first month of being here. Check out my list of five things to expect while on exchange in beautiful Barbados! 

Excitement:

While on exchange, expect to be an absolute tourist for the first little while. You’ll want to travel everywhere, eat everything and experience everything your new home has to offer- and rightfully so! You’ll be soaking in a new culture, new cuisine and a new dialect- and you have every right to be excited. You were probably told that this is a “once in a lifetime opportunity” – and that’s correct! Take photos, see new things and thoroughly enjoy this brand new experience.

Culture Shock:

            Unless you’ve been to your new home time and time again before your exchange—chances are you’ll experience culture shock. For many, the Bajan dialect might take some getting used to, and that can be a huge contender to culture shock while abraod! It’s a good idea to do some research beforehand,  just so that you don’t stick out more as a complete newbie. Being that I am part Bajan, I was able to grasp some of the culture's richness before I stepped off of the plane- but that doesn’t mean I didn’t experience culture shock altogether! This can be a very frustrating experience, but very eye-opening. What you’re used to may be completely new to the people around you too- and that’s ok! Embrace the differences and try to be accepting. You’ll be thankful for your experience sooner or later.

Overload/Overdrive:

            While you’re visiting everywhere and eating everything and trying new things—expect to run into "overdrive" at some point. Your body still has some major things to adjust to, especially if there’s a time difference between home and your new host country. From Toronto to Barbados, there isn’t a time change, but there’s a significant difference in the amount of daylight, so by about 6pm, it’s dark and my body started to really feel the effects of gallivanting throughout the island. Make sure you're getting enough rest and paying attention to your body! 

Homesickness:

            You may not experience this in the earlier weeks of your exchange, but it wouldn’t be completely abnormal to experience it within the first month. Personally, I was so excited to be abroad and so busy meeting new people that I didn’t have time to really sit and think about home. I have a twin sister, so she was instantly the person I missed the most—she’s my other half! As things settled down and I had more time to reflect on my experiences, I realized that I really did miss home, no matter how much I tried to deny it. Emotions were quick to follow and I found myself focusing heavily on the fact that I was away from what I'm used to. Some key advice here is: let your emotions roll out, but don’t let them control you! It’s easy to get wrapped up in what is far away, but remember that you made this decision for a reason, and you have to focus on what you do have. To get out of this rut, try making a list of everything you’re grateful for while abroad. It may take some time, but remember that these emotions are normal!

Dehydration:

            Because I did my exchange to a tropical country, this was a huge factor for me. I usually try to drink at least 2L of water daily—that proved not to be enough for me quite quickly. I’ve been sweating buckets while I’ve been in Barbados and it’s very easy to wind up with sun stroke if you’re not taking care of your body and re-fuelling with fluids. Remember to consume fluids throughout the day to stay energized and healthy! You’d be surprised at how many things water can do for your body.

Remember that being in a new place has tons of experiences to offer you. Soak it all in and remember to have fun and stay safe! 

Cheers,

Eboni Morgan