The 5 character traits you need to have to study abroad

What does J.K. Rowling, Matthhew McConaughey, Bill Clinton, Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Einstein have in common? Other than being famous, the answer to that question is that they all studied abroad. Oxford University, Harvard University, University of Paris-Sorbonne, and King’s College, are only some of the places that celebrities have studied abroad in. So what makes them so successful? What qualities and character traits do they posses that allowed them to study abroad, and then later on go on to achieve a successful career. What do you need to have, to study abroad and do you have what it takes? Here are the main character traits that people who move abroad share:   

1. Courageousness.

Courage is one of the most useful leadership qualities necessary when studying abroad. Courageous people aren’t immune to fear, but unlike the rest of us, they don’t let that emotion stop them. When encountering a challenge, as scary as it may seem, they tackle it until they achieve their goal. Living and studying abroad requires courage due to the many unknown factors and question that lay along the way. Some unknown factors include whereto live, dealing with a different culture, navigating in a new land, meeting new people, and so on. If you are planning to study abroad, you need to be patient, and solve each problem as you go. Don’t let these question overwhelm you. Don’t be afraid to apply to any university or any scholarship, even if you are not sure is you’ll be accepted. By trying, you’re already half way there.  

2. Being Adaptive.

To study abroad, you need to be able to adjust yourself into any condition. Whether you decide to study in Australia, China, India, Germany or Denmark, no matter how close the culture may be to your country’s, you’ll still need to adjust to a lot of changes. Different weather conditions, new people, a different culture, food, and almost every aspect of life. If you’re a culture freak, and you’ve already bought the latest version of the language learning book, make sure not only that you can speak the language, but that you also understand social norms and even certain dress codes.   

3. Curiousness.

Curiosity can trigger people to face life and take on the journey of exploring. This is a core trait that can change a viewer’s perspective and make people search for the “why” rather than accepting the norms. The passion to explore new horizons is usually the outcome of one’s curiosity. Technology has allowed us to get a glimpse into what’s happening on the other side of the world. Surfing the internet and watching the news or our favorite show on TV can expose anyone to different cultures, but to witness and experience them first hand, is a gift reserved for the curious and adventurous souls.

 

4. Being optimistic.

If you are planning to study abroad, you can’t live your life according to Murphy’s laws. Of course it is a clear possibility that some things are going to get out of hand, but you can’t sit there waiting for it to happen so. Instead, face challenges with humor. It will help you get through things (and life in general). Condition and train your mind to think that good things are about to happen to you, and you’ll see that they do. If you do happen to face a stressful situation, take a minute to think about the worst thing that could happen. International students know how to think like winners, with positive thoughts that allow them to overcome any challenge.  

Moving abroad builds character, and can teach you a lot about who you are. If you are thinking about studying abroad, take a look at these four character traits, and think “do I have what it takes?”. Doing this can motivate you to make personal development and achieve any goal you set. 

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