By Trista Rhyanna T. Dy, 19

Year 3

The University of British Columbia

That window view from the plane as you leave home to embark on your study abroad journey hits differently. But at the same time, nothing will ever feel as surreal as your first day setting foot on entirely new territory—bright-eyed and idealistic, full of dreams. You learn to take a deep breath, pivot, and continue chasing. It is only then that you emerge stronger with a new outlook on life.

My first two years at the University of British Columbia (UBC) met my expectations. It was not all glamorous and exciting, but it was educational and deeply formative. It was fulfilling, and albeit exhausting at times, transformative. I had my fair share of experiences and realizations. From a few thoughts that helped me establish a growth mindset to meaningful life lessons, I carry these with me as a rising junior.

Here are five things I learned while studying abroad.

Something that is rarely talked about is the courage it takes to live away from home. It is more than just booking a one-way ticket and packing balikbayan boxes, but about leaving behind the familiar and choosing to start over. Moving to a new country means rebuilding things up piece by piece: Engaging in cross-cultural understanding, forming lasting connections, and learning to find a home away from home.

You’ll face unfamiliarity at first. The excitement can be overwhelming, but it is normal to admit the discomfort, especially when some days feel like small wins and others like deep lows. The road is rarely straightforward, but if you allow yourself to show up and step out of your comfort zone even when you do not feel like it, you gradually gain confidence and fulfillment. Growth always starts when comfort ends.

I am used to knowing help is just a call or text away. But when a 14-hour flight separates you from your support system, you’re forced to rely on yourself—to problem-solve, adapt, and thrive amid adversity. From doing everyday errands and navigating unfamiliar transportation routes to managing your finances and budgeting for the first time, you learn by making mistakes and staying curious. Maybe next time, do things even faster than expected.

UBC is ranked among the top 50 universities globally, and studying at such a prestigious institution has its perks. With access to renowned faculty, a wealth of academic support groups, and valuable networking opportunities available for students to capitalize on, there is so much to take advantage of. But it is academically rigorous—a major shift from high school. The grading scale, number of units taken, attendance, and how you are held to a much higher standard take a toll on you. This, however, is completely normal. It just takes time to adjust. The challenging part of navigating freshman year is what makes the experience so rewarding.

Being away from home, without the influence of family expectation or peer pressure, gives you space to reflect. It strips away routines and comfort that have and teaches you how to hustle under any circumstance. It enables you to explore what truly matters, be independent of your surroundings, and allows you to be in control. I learned that, in the end, you must stand your ground. To be the best version of yourself, you need to commit to the process: Trying, reaching, and sometimes even failing.

I have always been surrounded by a tight-knit community back home, and knowing these people almost all my life is something hard to beat. Moving to Canada for university meant I had to meet new people for the first time, and it entailed getting to know them better, realizing the gravity of trust being a two-way street, and learning that meaningful friendships take time, effort, and authenticity. From being used to the norm of seeing familiar faces to setting foot on a campus on the other side of the world is something overwhelming and daunting, yet eye-opening, as it makes you embrace the uncomfortable. Soon after, maybe grow to love the life you are living and have two places you can call home.

What I have come to realize is the importance of meeting yourself on new terms. To anyone thinking about taking that step, do it. Growth happens even when you are scared, and life happens beyond your hometown.

Studying abroad is more than just academics or earning a degree in a different country. It is a journey that provides you with experiences that shape, teach, and challenge you in ways you never expected. It is about the bold courage to start over and the growth during the times you sit in discomfort.