Joining a summer program alone can feel intimidating and nerve-racking, but the memories that come with this experience are unforgettable. Global Summers Academy gave me the experience of a lifetime, along with lifelong friendships that helped me grow as an individual. Here is some advice I would give someone nervous about joining the program alone.

Travelling overseas on your own can be scary, but it will give you the opportunity to grow and build independence. Leaving your parents for a month is a big step, and it’s important to remember that everyone feels nervous, whether they show it or not. Many people hide this scary and intimidating feeling better than others, but just know you are absolutely not alone. This feeling is completely normal and okay! A lot of people hope someone else will approach them first, simply saying “Hi” and “Is this your first time on a GSA program?” Can create a new friendship and spark common interests. It simply starts with saying hi.

Before leaving, many people think, “Am I going to fit in?” and “What if I make no friends?” Instead of letting those fears take over, try shifting this mindset. Think of it as an opportunity to create new friendships and meet people across the world. Curiosity opens your mind to new experiences, new
cultures, and new perspectives. It turns the experience from a scary rollercoaster into a fun adventure. Once you take a deep breath and relax, you won’t focus on all the “what if’s” but the fun experience that is about to come!

For the first week, or once you get to the airport, you could make small, simple goals for yourself. These goals can be as simple as:

• Talk to one person in the airport
• Go introduce yourself to a teacher
• Sit with someone new during lunch or a break
• Participate in an activity, whether that be during excursions, class time or during free time

Completing small but achievable goals will make you feel proud, build confidence, and make you feel more comfortable in your new environment. Every step you take counts!

Travelling abroad is a big step: leaving home, meeting new people, and being surrounded by a whole new environment. So remember to be kind to yourself! The courage it takes to sign up for a program like this on your own is something to be proud of. It may feel nerve-racking and overwhelming at first, but it was a very brave thing to do. This program will allow you to grow and can guide you into finding who you really are. Programs like this will offer so much that you couldn’t even imagine, such as discovering who you are, learning in a different style and environment, and learning how to create good time management, all while having fun and creating such a memorable experience!

Summer travel with Global Summers Academy is really such a fascinating opportunity, especially while earning a school credit! Sometimes showing up on your own, you have the opportunity to create the best friendships and have the best experience. Being around friends from home can feel comfortable, but branching out and meeting new people is an amazing privilege and great preparation for university. In university, there’s no guarantee of having residence with your best friend or going to the same university as them. Programs like this will help you build independence, confidence, and social skills, which will help you in the future.

When I signed up for Global Summers, I was nervous too. I had thoughts of “What if it doesn’t go well?” or “What if I don’t make other friends?” But I created goals for myself to socialize with others in the airport, on the plane, and when we arrived at our destination. These steps led me to creating friendships with people I call my best friends. I’m so grateful I signed up for these programs. If you’re hesitating to join because you’d be going alone, don’t allow that to be the reason you miss out on this experience. It truly was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and allowed me to grow as an individual without me even realizing it.

Remember: signing up for this program on your own can be scary, but in the end, you’ll create memories of a lifetime along with some of the best friendships. You will look back and realize all the feelings and having butterflies was all worth it. This experience can become one of the most meaningful parts of your life, all because you took a chance!

Thank you to Student Ambassador Eeva S. for writing this blog!