Moving to a new country, especially one with a language barrier, is absolutely terrifying. The first two weeks are the most important and will set the tone for the rest of your experience 宝博体育. 虽然每个人在国外的时间是不同的, I’d like to share some ways that helped me settle into my new home in 布拉格，捷克共和国! 

说,是的 

The first couple weeks are when everyone is excited to meet other students 宝博体育, 以及午餐邀请, 晚餐, 晚上出去玩的时间也在不停地飞来飞去. 交朋友, you need to say yes to as many things as possible (although be mindful of jetlag – rest is important too!) 

Take advantage of other opportunities like excursions and activities that CEA CAPA plans throughout the semester to help you meet more people in your program. 例如, CEA CAPA 布拉格 planned both ice skating and bowling within the first few weeks of being there. The environment was fun, and it's where I met people outside my roommates and classmates. 

在整个留学项目中, you’ll inevitably meet countless new people from all over the world. 然而, it’s up to you whether these people become lifelong friends and sometimes, 只需要一个简单的“是”.” 

布拉格城堡附近的星巴克.

花点时间独处 

It’s important to spend some time exploring your new city alone. Being constantly surrounded by new people can get overwhelming, 一遍又一遍地做同样的介绍. I found that giving yourself a break and wandering through your new neighborhood is a great way to decompress. Also, you’re giving yourself a head start on how to navigate your surroundings! 

I decided to go to Riegrovy回来, a park about a 20-minute walk from my flat in 布拉格. It’s located on a small hill and provides a beautiful view of the city. The park filled with locals walking their dogs or drinking at the outdoor pub right on top of the hill. 总的来说，一个人呆一个小时左右的感觉很好. 

Riegrovy回来.

做一个游客 

Although you have the next few months to explore the city and country you’re living in, why not be a tourist for the first couple of days before classes officially start? 

The colorful John Lennon Wall in Malá Strana, a short walk from the Anglo-American University.

I found this a great opportunity to understand the history of 布拉格, 并且习惯使用公共交通工具. I spent the last six years of my life in California, so I never really used public transportation. A car is your best friend in California, but that isn’t the case in 布拉格.  

伏尔塔瓦河附近的Čertovce运河.

现在你是本地人了 

Once the novelty and excitement of your new surroundings wear off, 你突然意识到你生活在一个新的国家! This is the time to start participating in more local activities or going to stores that aren’t in the touristy areas.  

Every Saturday in 布拉格, a farmer’s market emerges right beside the Vltava River. Although many tourists frequent this farmer’s market, there are plenty of locals too! I went with two of my flat mates and we took a short tram ride from our flat to the river’s edge. 我们试了一些 捷克的食物 买了布拉格当地最甜的面包. Although he didn’t speak any English, our exchange was so pleasant (and the bread was delicious!). 

A mixture of locals and tourists buying goods from the Naplavka Farmers Market which happens every Saturday morning.

花点时间反思 

When everything is so new, it can be extremely overwhelming. I felt so exhausted after every day because of how overwhelmed I got. The best way I combat those feelings was by giving myself time to reflect on my experiences. 

写日记绝对是我最喜欢的反思方式. 我喜欢写下我的想法, 积极的和消极的, 不用担心别人对我的感受指指点点. 戴上耳机, 演奏一些美妙的音乐, and letting my pen scribble over the pages in my journal is a pretty regular experience in my room. I also love saving ticket stubs and other mementos that I stick in my journal and remember for years to come. 

整体, moving to a new country is extremely nerve-wracking– especially if you’re like me and lived a nine-hour time difference from your friends and family. How you spend the first few weeks 宝博体育 can set the tone for the rest of your time, 所以注意你需要什么是很重要的. 相信你的直觉，找点乐子!