🤔 When I first decided to study abroad, I'll admit I was a little bit nervous. Would I be able to navigate a new country with a different culture and language? Would I be able to make friends? Would I be able to handle the academic challenges? 🤔

But as it turns out, living and studying in two foreign countries has been one of the best decisions I ever made. First, I had the opportunity to study at Bilkent University in Turkey, where I learned about Turkish culture and made lifelong friends from all over the world. And now, as I continue my studies in Montreal, Canada, I'm finding that the adaptability skills I developed in Turkey are serving me well as I adapt to life in a new city with a distinct French culture.

💪 Lesson #1: Embrace the unknown

When you're living in a foreign country, you're going to encounter a lot of situations that are outside of your comfort zone. Whether it's trying new foods, navigating unfamiliar public transportation, or simply trying to communicate in a different language, you're going to have to adapt to new experiences. But rather than letting fear hold you back, embrace the unknown. You never know what amazing things you'll discover by stepping outside of your comfort zone. And by living in two foreign countries, I've discovered a whole world of delicious foods and rich cultural traditions that I never would have experienced otherwise. Just like how Harry Potter had to embrace the unknown and step outside of his comfort zone to defeat Lord Voldemort, we too must be brave and embrace the unknown in order to grow and thrive.

🤹‍♂️ Lesson #2: Be flexible

Living and studying abroad means that you're going to have to be adaptable and open to change. Things may not always go as planned, and you may have to adjust your expectations and make compromises. But by being flexible and open to change, you'll be able to make the most of your time abroad and have a much more rewarding experience. This was especially true for me at Bilkent University in Turkey, where the academic system was quite different from what I was used to in my home country of Pakistan. But by being open to learning about this new system and adapting to it, I was able to succeed academically and make the most of my time at the university. Just like how the characters in Harry Potter had to be flexible and adapt to constantly changing circumstances in order to defeat their enemies, we too must be flexible and open to change in order to succeed in our own lives.

🙏 Lesson #3: Don't be afraid to ask for help

Whether you're struggling with a language barrier or simply need directions, don't be afraid to ask for help. The people you meet abroad will likely be more than happy to assist you, and you'll have the opportunity to learn from them and make connections. I found this to be especially true in Turkey, where the people are known for their hospitality. And now that I'm living in Montreal, I'm finding that the people here are equally welcoming and willing to help me navigate my new home. Just like how Harry Potter couldn't have defeated Lord Voldemort without the help of his friends and mentors, we too must be willing to ask for help and seek out the support of others in order to succeed.

🏮 Lesson #4: Embrace the culture

One of the best parts about living and studying abroad is the opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures. Don't be afraid to try new things and embrace the customs and traditions of your host country. You may even find that you adopt some of these cultural practices into your own life once you return home. I certainly did this while living in Turkey, and even now that I'm settled in Montreal, I find myself incorporating some of the Turkish customs and traditions that I learned about into my daily life.

🏰 So basically, living and studying in two foreign countries has taught me valuable lessons in adaptability that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. You should give it a try too. And while you’re at it, to get the most out of your studying abroad experience, be sure to sign up for the paid version of this newsletter at sadiakhaf.com. You'll get access to member-only posts, discounts on our digital goods and services, and curated lists of universities and scholarships. Don't miss out – join today 💸 !

❤My Favourite Things

🎬YouTube Video:

My friend shared this video titled “Microsoft is Forcing me to Buy MacBooks” by Linus Tech Tips and I really enjoyed watching it.

📕Book:

Still listening to Brandon Sanderson’s “The Way of Kings” on audible.

📝Quote:

"The decision of one's life must be made in a day, the choice of a moment. The rest of our days are spent living with the consequences." - Dalinar Kholin, "The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson

🎶Music:

Listening to The Lumineers these days. Loved the story behind “The ballad of Cleopatra”.

🔍I’m Learning:

I’m learning to use ChatGPT for writing codes these days. I occasionally post my prompts and their responses on Twitter so follow me there if you wanna tag along on this journey.

I see that you’ve made it to the end. If you liked this blogpost, check out the other stuff I talk about on my YouTube Channel. Don’t forget to subscribe!😉