11 unfounded fears we all have before going abroad and how to overcome them

Have you found an international internship and your departure has never been so close?

You should be excited. And you are.

But you can’t help asking yourself a thousand questions: “Will I adapt?”, “Will I like this new life?”, “What if I don’t speak the language?”

Worse: the people around you add another layer of stress.

“Are you going alone? But how are you going to manage?”
“Aren’t you afraid of feeling lonely?”
“You don’t even speak their language!”

Don’t worry. We’ve all been there. Here are the 11 most common fears before leaving abroad… and why none of them really hold up.

The myth to forget: “I’m scared, so I’m not ready”

This is the number one mistake made by candidates for an internship abroad.

Being scared doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means you’re aware, and that you’re taking your project seriously. The people who never ask themselves any questions are rarely the ones who succeed in their expatriation.

According to InterNations, most expats experience at least one moment of doubt during their first year. And most of them grow from it.

In short: fear is normal. Here’s how to defuse it before going abroad.

Fears related to arrival

1. Administrative phobia

Just thinking about paperwork in a foreign country makes you want to run away.

We get it. But good news: you can prepare in advance.

• Make a checklist of the documents you need to provide before leaving.
• Prepare your digital file on your cloud.
• Find out about the local registration number, such as the NIE in Spain or the identity card in Malta.

And if you go through Stud&Globe, we take care of most of the work for you.

2. You’re afraid of ending up on the street

Finding accommodation in France can be a nightmare. But abroad?

It’s often easier than you think.

• Hostels for the first few days and first encounters.
• Airbnb or Spotahome for short-term rentals.
• Facebook groups like “French people in Barcelona” or “Erasmus Malta”.
• HousingAnywhere, Uniplaces or Idealista for shared flats.

Depending on the offers Stud&Globe provides, accommodation is sometimes included.

3. You’ll get lost on the very first day

You and directions don’t really get along? Maybe not at all?

No stress. Three reflexes can change everything.

• Write down a reference address: yours, your company, or a metro station.
• Prepare a standard sentence in the local language: “Excuse me, I’m looking for…”
• Download Google Maps offline before you arrive.

And honestly? Getting lost during the first few days is also the best way to discover a city.

Fears related to the stay

4. The language barrier seems impossible to overcome

You’re afraid you won’t understand anything. Spoiler: you’ll understand very quickly.

The human brain is incredibly fast at adapting to a new language when it is immersed in it continuously. After a few weeks, you pick up words. Then sentences. Then entire conversations.

And in the meantime? English, gestures, a smile, DeepL on your phone. You’ll always find a way.

5. You’ll spend your evenings alone watching Netflix

This is the number one fear of introverts who leave.

The solution: create opportunities to meet people as soon as you arrive.

• Sign up for a group activity: sport, language classes or a creative workshop.
• Join Meetup or InterNations groups in your city.
• Go to an Erasmus or ESN event, even if you’re not an Erasmus student.
• Activate Bumble BFF or friendship apps.

As Go Overseas points out, most students make their first friends within the first two weeks after arriving.

6. You’ll miss your loved ones

This one is real. You’ll miss your loved ones. They’ll miss you too.

But today, staying in touch is much easier.

• WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom exist.
• A weekly video call with your family can become your new ritual.
• And as they say: “Out of sight, close to the heart.”

Bonus: it’s also an opportunity to redefine your real relationships. You’ll know who replies to your messages, and who doesn’t.

7. Homesickness will overwhelm you

Your café, your baker, your Parisian or Lyon lifestyle will feel far away.

It’s normal. And it passes.

The trick: don’t fight homesickness. Welcome it. Make yourself a raclette in the middle of a Spanish summer if it makes you feel good. And get back to your new life the next day.

8. You’re afraid of different cultural codes

Foreign country = different culture. Obviously.

Three golden rules can help you better experience your international experience.

• Don’t judge. Observe.
• Avoid sensitive topics like politics or religion until you know the person you’re speaking with.
• Stay curious. Ask questions instead of comparing.

As INSEAD Knowledge highlights, multicultural experiences strengthen creativity, decision-making and professional performance.

9. You’re afraid you’ll have to eat things you don’t like

It may sound silly. But food is cultural, and it really matters.

The rule: open up. Try everything. You’ll come back with 10 new favorite dishes to cook for the people around you.

And if you really can’t take it anymore? Every country has its international supermarket.

Fears related to coming back

10. You’re afraid of being left out when you come back

While you were living your adventure, life went on without you.

So what? You don’t come back the same. Your friends aren’t the same either. That’s life.

You’ll quickly realize that you have unique things to share that no one else can tell. It’s more of a social asset than a disadvantage.

11. You’re afraid of feeling like a stranger in your own country

This is the deepest fear of expats. And the truest one.

Yes, coming back isn’t easy. You won’t find your old rhythm, your old café, or your old version of yourself. But that’s exactly what makes the experience so valuable: you’ve grown, matured and broadened your horizons.

And you know what? Your next departure will feel easier.

Why get support from Stud&Globe?

Because we know all these fears. We’ve seen them a thousand times.

At Stud&Globe, we help you prepare your departure abroad so that your international internship takes place in the best possible conditions.

In practical terms, we help you:

• Prepare your administrative procedures before departure.
• Find your accommodation, depending on the offers.
• Connect with other students already there.
• Guide you on insurance, SIM cards or banking.
• Support you at every step, before, during and after.

You leave with peace of mind. You enjoy the experience. You come back transformed.

Ready to turn your fears into an adventure?

11 fears. 0 reasons to give up.

The real risk is not leaving. It’s never having done it.

So, what are you waiting for?