Studying overseas is something lots of students do as a part of their uni experience. Getting credit points while basically on a holiday? Yes please. How could there possibly be any downsides?

It’s human nature to experience culture shock and have some down days, even on a beach in Italy or the rice fields in Bali.

So if you (like me) find yourself in the middle of a train station in Hong Kong, crying on the phone to your mum: don’t fret, its normal.

There are ways you can turn your trip into one filled with adventure and life long memories. Here’s how I got through.

Remind Yourself That Culture Shock Is OK

When I arrived, I was greeted with a massive dose of culture shock. I was living in a student dormitory with a paper-thin bed, one toilet for 26 girls and a common room that smelt of month-old noodles. I couldn’t imagine spending the next three weeks being happy here. And I wouldn’t exactly describe myself as anxious, reserved or even a worrier.

I spoke to Anika Schneider, a Study Abroad and Exchange Coordinator at Deakin Uni who explained it’s completely normal to feel this way.

“Every single student will experience culture shock at some stage,” she says. “It’s hard to say if it will be at the beginning or the end, if it’s severe or not, but every single person does. If you don’t have any sort of reaction to a different environment, I would be worried.”

Immerse Yourself In The Culture

It may seem obvious, but actually focusing on where you are, and what an awesome opportunity it really is to be overseas can help you let go of any reservations.

Stop worrying about that party your missing, or what your mates are up to. Read up or ask local classmates what you can see and do instead. See if they will let you tag along to parties or school events.

“Meet local students, someone that can explain why people eat certain food, why people talk a certain way, why it’s so hot, how to get the most out of your trip,” Anika advises. “Get someone who can help you get involved in their way of life.”

Get Off Social Media

Let’s be honest, your mates back home should be jealous of you and where you are, not vice versa. Try some social media free time every day and take a bus or train to a new place instead.

Use social media to upload some bomb tourist selfies, or stalk some hashtags to find local places to visit instead of getting bogged down on what’s happening at home.

Give It Some Time

“Go with it, and know it will get better,” says Anika. You can’t expect to go to a new and perhaps foreign place and expect to feel great straight away.

Remember, other people on your program or at your host uni are probably feeling exactly the same. You aren’t alone! My conversations about my broken bed in broken English with my Korean roommate did wonders.

Anika’s final words of advice? “Have faith in your abilities, and just go for it. You wont regret it.”

Studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life, and the smell of month-old noodles has been long forgotten.

Kate hopes to be a travel writer and spend her life jet setting. She believes a combination of espresso martinis and a good Beyonce song is the key to happiness.