Culture shock
It is normal to feel a little out of sorts when you arrive in your exchange country. This is called culture shock and is a normal feeling that many experience. Being well-prepared for your travels can make this a bit easier to deal with. Attending exchange orientation events and talking to other exchange students allows for a sharing of experiences for adapting to a new environment, and helps you to feel a little more settled in.
Please do remember that if you are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, you can make use of any provision at your host institution or contact our counselling team.
Keeping in touch while away
You might also want to reflect on your time away – take photos and keep a blog, or use social media. Reflecting while you are away will help you to document the things you've learnt, and it will help keep your friends and family back home updated too.
The Student Mobility Team are always happy to receive your pictures and updates. You can follow us on Instagram @westminsterabroad.
Arrival checklist
To help you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we have prepared a checklist of things you need to do when you get there.
Make sure you:
- become acquainted with your local area and make note of key contact details in case of emergency, including the international office at your host university and any emergency service numbers
- have your insurance details easily accessible in case they are needed
- are familiar with the paperwork that is required for your period of mobility
- find out about methods of assessment and are prepared for different styles of teaching depending where you are going
- find out the deadlines for coursework and exams from your host institution
- make contact with the exchange coordinator at the host institution and at the University of Westminster
- inform your academic exchange coordinator if you need to change modules
- inform your host institution to send your transcript directly to the Student Mobility Team
- find the date when your transcript will be sent and the details of the person who will be sending it
- if you're on an exchange in Europe, find information on your local Erasmus Student Network
- know how to enrol back at the University of Westminster upon your return from exchange – contact the Student Centre