Why studying abroad at 15 was the best decision I ever made
At just fourteen years old, I made the decision to spend the following academic year studying in Ireland. At that moment, I realised that my life was about to change forever. It was going to be a complete turnaround that would force me to step well and truly out of my comfort zone. However, this decision was not only a challenge for me, but also for my family. Letting your daughter move abroad for an entire academic year at just fifteen years old is not an easy thing to do. Even so, we all knew it would be an incredible experience and that, in the long run, it would be for my own good.
A leap into the unknown
I was incredibly lucky that a classmate, upon hearing about my plans, decided to join me for the first term. I will never forget the two of us flat-out crying our eyes out the day we arrived. Everything felt overwhelming and unfamiliar, and the nerves were very real. Luckily, although we were placed in different host families, we lived right next door to each other. Opting for a host family instead of a residence was, without a doubt, one of the best choices I could have made. It wasn’t just a place to eat and sleep; it gave me a second family in a different country – something I will cherish forever.
Breaking the bubble: school life and integration abroad
On our first day at school, the staff made a thoughtful decision. As my friend and I came from the same school in Spain, we were placed in separate classes to encourage integration. As a very shy person, this was extremely challenging for me. However, it was exactly what I needed, as it pushed me to socialise, communicate, and adapt in a natural way. Before we knew it, we had a massive group of friends from all over the world. To this day, we are still in touch with them. We didn’t just learn English; we gained a global family.
Adapting to a new culture abroad
Adapting to a new country was quite shocking and challenging at first, as everything was completely different – the culture, the weather, and the routines. However, little by little, I started getting used to it without even realising. What I once thought would be extremely difficult, and something I would never fully adapt to, ended up becoming something I truly loved.
How studying abroad changed my life
This enriching experience completely shifted my perspective on life. It sparked a strong passion for travelling and learning languages and helped me grow in confidence and independence from a very young age. Today, I am living abroad once again, having already spent two years living independently in another city.
Looking back, those initial tears were a small price to pay for the independence, resilience, and open-minded mindset I have today. Studying abroad wasn’t just an academic experience; it was the start of my life as a global citizen. Without a doubt, to any student who is hesitating or feeling afraid, I would tell them not to think twice. Feeling scared at the beginning is completely normal, but the experience is truly worth it. The first few days can be difficult, especially when you are far from your parents and adapting to a completely new routine, but in the end, you will not even want to go back home – just like what happened to me.
Final thoughts
Finally, to any student who is about to go abroad, whether for a few weeks, a term, or a full year, my advice would be to make the most of the opportunity. Embrace every chance to learn, meet new people, and step outside your comfort zone – it will be one of the best experiences of your life.
If you’re a languages student interested in studying abroad, why not consider one of Blue Stamp Travel’s intensive language courses? Browse our solo courses or get in contact with one of our travel consultants for more information!
