Hi everyone, in this blog, I would like to share with you my experiences about how to survive the cultural shock, the language barrier, and manage mental health.
A little bit about me – I was born and brought up in China, then moved to Edinburgh in my early 20s’ where I started my vet school journey. I struggled a lot at the beginning of my GEP year – finding it difficult to understand the lecturer’s speech in class, having to spend more time than I imagined on studying and reluctant to socialise because I was unfamiliar with local cultures…
However, thankfully, after a few conversations with my friends, GP, and the University student support team, I found the courage to make some changes. I practised speaking English with my flatmates, took part in volunteering activities, and explored the city at the weekend… Not only was my mental health boosted, but my study efficiency improved.
I find EMS is an excellent opportunity to practise English language skills and learn about the local culture. I have now been to many places throughout the UK and enjoyed some amazing countryside views. The daily routine work of my placements have allowed me to practise my animal handling skills and has improved my confidence. I lived with the farmers most of the time so I got to know more about the life of a UK family. I am still in touch with some of them and these experiences have become some of my sweetest memories of my vet school journey.
Making use of the convenient location of Edinburgh, I have traveled to many European countries. I managed to find cheap flight tickets and arrange most trips within a weekend. During my vacations, I joined a few volunteering projects on the European mainland, during which I met enthusiastic people from different countries and we shared experiences from our cultures.
So far, I have found a lifestyle that I feel comfortable with – a mix of my hometown, my current city Edinburgh, the places I have been, and the people who have inspired me. I still cook Chinese food most of the time, but I am less shy when meeting new people!
Moving countries is not easy. Please be kind to yourself and time to settle down and explore. Don’t worry if you make mistakes, because we all learn from mistakes. I highly recommend reaching out to the University student support team. Without their kind help, I would still be struggling at the moment.
As time goes by, you’ll be amazed by how many difficulties you have overcome and how much personal development you have achieved.
