Written by: Belinda Lee
I am a self-proclaimed introvert who enjoys traveling internationally. My strong personal preference for peace and solitude helped me understand myself more when I study abroad in Alnwick, England. One misconception about studying abroad is that only extroverted students participate. Or that studying abroad is for white students from financially supported backgrounds. It is not always the case. When you go abroad, you will meet other international students and connect with domestic students. You will engage in community events, talk about yourself during ice breakers (shivers), and participate in group discussions (double shivers). This is all part of the study abroad experience (Yay, me!).
Students who study abroad are not split between extroverts and introverts. They move between the extroverted/introverted spectrum throughout the course of their study abroad program. Some students may pace themselves on one side, while others might move from one side of the spectrum to the other. On the Alnwick-England program, we all built different relationships with one another. By the third week in, we fell into a routine and surrounded ourselves with individuals whose company we enjoy. When we go out as a group, I knew when I have had enough time socializing and want to return back to the castle. It is about creating and establishing a balanced social and self-care network.
As much as I wanted to get to know other students, I actually retreated to my room often. I acknowledged that it was okay and that it was my time to be away from others. If you are like me, it was a way to reenergize and recollect my thoughts. When I was in my room, I was in my own little world. I threw myself silent dance parties (cue disco lights), binge-watched Korean dramas (oppa~~~! T-T), did a bit of yoga, and sat on my ledge looking out to the pasture while sipping on Chamomile tea. I do not journal often but when I do, I feel like I am writing a novel. If I go more than a few months without journaling, I end up making a list of all my accomplishments and achievements from my last entry.
Unfortunately, there were weeks where I would go a few days and did not leave the castle grounds. This was when I had to force myself to be social. I would try to connect with other students and asked if they would go on a walk through the pasture or run up to the grocery store with me. One of the benefits of having staff and faculty live in the castle is that they are always open to go on a short walk or explore the Alnwick Garden with students.
As I mentioned before I enjoy traveling, especially by myself. Yes, it can be a little nerve-wrecking and scary, but it is also worth it. I highly suggest consulting with your host institution’s international office or home university’s study abroad office before traveling. The world is everchanging and you never know when a simple advice can help you out in a sticky situation.
To my introverted peers, the study abroad world needs more of you out [t]here! Our advantage of being observant, philosophical, and self-sufficient benefits those who we come in contact with. Why not enjoy your solitude abroad in regions where you can explore on your own? Sit in a café in Edinburgh for hours on end like J.K. Rowling did at The Elephant House. Find a good read at Barter Books in Alnwick and on the way out, grab a copy of the “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster. Or revel in your inner monologue on the benches underneath the cherry blossom trees in the Alnwick Garden.
Tips
- Befriend someone with an outgoing personality that enjoys the spotlight. Whenever I go somewhere, I always have my go-to extroverted friend that would carry group conversations and activities.
- Go out with the group and sit in silence. I don’t mind being the person that just sits and listens in a group setting. I like living in the moment and enjoy the atmosphere surrounded by great company.
- Cozy cove vs charming café. As comfortable as your room may seem, there is a place out in town where you can do the same there. Find yourself a charming local café to write your stories, complete your research paper, or watch satisfying ASMR videos. Note to self, do not forget to bring headphones… again.
- Find a way to keep in contact. Sometimes, to keep you sane, you just need to vent to someone who just gets you. One semester, I had two friends living in two different countries with two very different time zones from me. I made a table time for us to schedule biweekly video chats, but they were almost too excruciating to do. One of us would have to sacrifice a few hours of sleep or wake up at the crack of dawn to join. It was definitely worth it.
