Holla Everyone, I am a student in Dublin moved in September 2025 and within an year I can proudly say I am a whole different version of myself what I was last year. Before moving to dublin, I pictured my "studying abroad" journey completely, sitting in a pub on weekends, rainy walks across Liffey river, some windy hikes across the woods of Ireland, etc etc. What I didn't thought of was the version I will become within a year during the process.
I have seen everyone talking about housing, weather, logistics, course modules and all but we rarely talk about our own personality shift which occurs when we are figuring out life from scratch in a country where you are a stranger for everyone. I would like to discuss 3 major ways studying abroad changed my personality:
The Death of Social Anxiety: Back in India, I was the one who hated phone calls and talking to strangers randomly or I can better frame it as I loved to be in my comfort zone. When you move abroad, this safety net is first thing that vanishes. Suddenly, you need to navigate everything by yourself, introduce to hundreds of strangers in your student accommodation, job fairs, stores for part time jobs. You realise, awkwardness is a luxury which you can not afford anymore. My social battery has grown and I can see I am much better person. I have built multiple valuable connections for life.
The "Figure It Out" Factor: Studying abroad or leaving your comfort zone changes you into a professional problem solver, managing the monthly budget, navigating your way in Dublin rain, cooking meal after classes and part time, you realise than you can do much more than you ever expected by yourself in your home country. Earlier, it was "lets see", now its, yeah I can do it, I will figure it out..
A shift in mindset: My personality used to be defined by my local environment but now living with people from multiple nations, my personality is now defined by global one. I am now more patient, more empathetic, and to be very honest more grateful.
To the students planning to start their study abroad journey in 2026, I know you must be worried about VISA, Housing, Grades, Course Curriculum and you should be ideally but be prepared for the version of person you're about to become. You are moving away from your country not just for a degree but for a person you never thought you would become. Anyone else feeling levelling up since they moved abroad ? Lets chat about the experiences which shaped us in a person we are today.
#StudyAbroad #ChangedMindset #NewMe #InternationalStudent #IrelandStudies