Wellness, Health, and Safety Archives - IFSA

Cooking in London: How Routines Help You Feel at Home During Study Abroad

ichilds — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:44:53 +0000

Everything is more expensive in London, especially food. Cooking at home became an essential part of my daily routine, not only to have a mental break from academics, but also to save money. Finding a routine that worked took a few trials and errors, but I eventually figured out a good system. Saving money, meeting locals [...]

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Conquering Travel Anxiety with Study Abroad in Spain

ichilds — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:06:59 +0000

When I first arrived in Sevilla, Spain, I was so excited for everything that lay ahead of me. I wanted to learn as much Spanish as possible, make new friends, and enjoy everything the country had to offer, including travel. I’ve always struggled with travel-related anxiety, especially when I don't have control over every aspect of my plans. I [...]

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Embracing Balance: The Key to Resiliency During Study Abroad

ichilds — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:21:19 +0000

Arriving in a different country and committing to a new experience that is completely unfamiliar in its environment and language can be quite jarring. In addition, balancing school and personal life with other student interactions and activities can add more unfamiliarity and pressure. But balancing your personal needs and new cultural experiences doesn't have to be overwhelming. Finding your ground It’s important to know your own wants and needs—physical and emotional—to avoid unnecessary stress and fatigue that could [...]

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My Four Agreements for Studying Abroad in Edinburgh

ichilds — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:41:40 +0000

I first encountered The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz while browsing a small bookstore off the Royal Mile during my first week as a student abroad. I had just finished IFSA orientation and was still adjusting to academic life at a UK university. I felt a strange mixture of independence and uncertainty that comes with arriving in a new country. I picked up the [...]

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Staying Mentally Balanced During Study Abroad in London

acarter — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:45:56 +0000

Mental health abroad is super important to me, especially as a first-generation student. Whether the idea of studying abroad is anxiety-inducing or exciting to you, such a change is bound to cause a plethora of different emotions, and for me this was certainly the case. New friends: an antidote for missing home Studying abroad at [...]

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How the Challenges of Study Abroad Lead to Growth and Strength

acarter — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 15:14:58 +0000

Studying abroad in Galway, Ireland, was my second time living internationally. The first time, I was fresh out of high school and became an au pair, a live-in nanny, in Rennes, France, for a year. If there is one thing I learned from both of my experiences abroad, it’s that growth comes with discomfort. Most [...]

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Creating a Home When You Study Abroad, Wherever You Go

acarter — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:45:59 +0000

My initial worries The nerves did not hit me until I was driving to the airport. Just days before, I was texting in the WhatsApp group chat how excited I was to see everyone in Houston. About half the group had a layover in my hometown, and I was ready to take advantage of those [...]

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Unpacking the Gifts of Study Abroad in Ireland

acarter — Mon, 19 May 2025 21:20:15 +0000

As I pack up my dorm room and take one last walk through Galway, I’m reflecting on more than just the items I’m cramming into my suitcase. This journey has left me with something intangible that will outlast souvenirs and photos. I thought the hardest part would be saying goodbye to Ireland, but in truth, [...]

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Less Hustle, More Highlands: How Study Abroad in Edinburgh Helped Me Reset

acarter — Mon, 19 May 2025 21:14:19 +0000

Prior to arriving in Edinburgh, my life had been a blur of constant movement. I had grown accustomed to rushing from one thing to the next without stopping to enjoy the ride. But the minute I touched down in Edinburgh and the cool misty Scottish air embraced me, I knew this was about to change. [...]

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From Wallflower to Wanderer: How I Learned to Embrace Adventure

acarter — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:29:58 +0000

Before studying abroad, I used to think adventure was meant for other people—bold, fearless, extroverted people. I admired it from a distance, but stepping into the unknown felt overwhelming. I was the kind of person who preferred a quiet evening with a book over a night out and who felt a twinge of anxiety at [...]

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