Global Correspondents, Semester Abroad But what if I don’t get to do everything I wanted to?

SA: Chinese University of Hong Kong, China

Connie, one of the Semester Abroad Global Correspondents, shares her experience abroad during the Fall 2024 semester. Follow along with the group of correspondents on our blog and look out for their images on the @pennabroad Instagram feed.

When I boarded that 16-hour flight from my home for Hong Kong, I had sketched out grand plans for my time abroad. There was so much to do and so little time.  

However, two weeks into my time at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the reality of displacing myself from the homes and places I was so comfortable in rudely set in. I never thought of the possible ramifications of uprooting myself and dropping myself into a completely different culture halfway across the world. 

Studying abroad will be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life, but if you’re about to start your own study abroad journey, let me tell you a few things to prepare for from someone who was, in fact, not prepared and why it’s okay not to do absolutely everything you want.  

Food might be hard to adjust to. Growing up eating my parents’ Chinese cooking, I thought I would seamlessly transition into a world of Asian food. I never, in a million years, thought that I would run into any issues, but constantly eating the heavily oiled and salted meat-dominated dishes of restaurants and school canteens was difficult for me. While I tried many different types of food, I felt so guilty for not always eating the cuisine around me to the fullest extent, but it’s okay to retreat back to your comfort foods. 

You might feel really tired for a while. In addition to adjusting to the time zone, I slept so much more than I did at Penn. The hot, humid weather of Asia in the fall months also tired me out a lot faster. I was frustrated with myself: I was sleeping so much and feeling tired after 3-4 hours out and in desperate need of a midday nap. I wanted to force the energy to see and do everything I wanted to. 

You will probably walk a lot. During this time, I easily averaged around 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day. (My phone is now telling me that I’m way below my average step count.) It was hard to keep up with my friends sometimes, especially those who regularly hiked. Of course, it never became an issue, but I felt bad for asking to take breaks although they never minded. 

For so long, I told myself I was missing out on so many “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities, but looking back, I set unrealistic expectations for what I could accomplish and do. I kept kicking myself for not “making the most” of my time: I felt like I wasn’t taking advantage of all the experiences. Now looking back, I prioritized myself several times, but I am still so fulfilled and happy with everything I did. So, give yourself some grace— you will accomplish everything you set out to do, even if it looks different from what you planned.