Madison Wuu

Lessons from My Study Abroad That Changed Me

I firmly believe everyone should study abroad at some point in their life. Living in a completely new environment teaches you about the world, other people and cultures, and even parts of yourself you may not have uncovered. For me, studying abroad in China this past summer led to significant personal growth. It helped me understand what fulfillment looks like for me, the kinds of people I want to surround myself with, and how to use my time in ways that feel meaningful. Here are three lessons I learned:

1. Give everyone a shot

Behind every person is a story—one we often have to look a little deeper to uncover. Everyone carries their own filters and walls when you first meet them, so even if it seems like you have nothing in common at first glance, that surface-level impression rarely reflects the full picture. But the truth is, every person you meet has substance. The beauty of humanity lies in our differences, and learning to embrace those differences is what helps us grow.

You may have contrasting perspectives, but sharing them can challenge your beliefs and open your eyes to new ways of seeing the world. You might not share the same hobbies, but being willing to try something new can lead to unexpectedly meaningful experiences. The point is this: approach everyone with a clean slate and an openness to get to know them. Just as we learn new things every day, we can gain something from every interaction if we choose to. No two people share the exact same identity, and embracing those differences makes each of us richer and more well-rounded.

I thought I had this mindset going into my study abroad—I wanted to make new friends and meet new people. However, fast forward to the last two weeks of the trip, and there was a group of four or five students from another class I had barely spoken to. I assumed that because we hadn't clicked earlier, maybe we just weren't meant to be friends.

But during those final two weeks, when our group traveled together, I finally had the chance to get to know them—whether on walks through museums, over lunches, or during bus rides. And I realized, Wow, these are some of the nicest people I've ever met. Considering we'd had the previous eight weeks to connect, I was genuinely surprised.

I used to think having an open mind was enough, but I learned that forming genuine connections also takes effort. You never know what kind of connection is waiting unless you take that first step. Sometimes, the most meaningful relationships form simply because you chose to reach out and dig a little deeper.

Cherishing our last adventures together.

2. It's ok to be alone

I've always had this mindset that I need to maximize life. To me, that means taking advantage of the opportunities I'm given while also putting myself out there to create new ones. So during my study abroad, you can imagine I was always on the go—spending weekends exploring new cities, traveling, befriending students from other colleges, and visiting new sites any free second I got. I wanted to make the most of every moment.

All of this was fun, but during the last two weeks of travel, I found myself a bit burnt out. I realized that even though it was exciting to live life constantly on the move, it was just as important to balance adventure with quiet, grounding "me time." I'm naturally a very social person, but I discovered there were other ways to feel fulfilled beyond always being surrounded by people.

During those final weeks, I spent much more time alone, focusing on personal goals I knew would help me grow. I picked up running again—an old hobby I had lost touch with. I listened to my body and stayed in when I needed rest instead of feeling pressured to be doing something with the group 24/7. I watched movies, read books, and even secured an internship for the fall. The point is, I became more comfortable being alone with myself. I grew more confident, more grounded, and more aware of what I needed to feel present and content.

This mindset carried with me when I returned to Dartmouth. Once I got back, I had this realization of how powerful a shift in perspective can be. That focus on productivity—not in the sense of constant doing, but in the sense of intentional living—helped me recognize when to step back from the chaos, evaluate where my time was truly worth investing, and reflect on balance. That became something I really valued at Dartmouth: maintaining a healthy balance academically, socially, professionally, and personally. It meant making sure I still had time for the things that keep me centered, like running, relaxing, and giving myself space to breathe.

Look at the beautiful fall foliage!

3. You Can't Control Other People's Actions—Only Your Own

The last thing I want to touch on is the idea that, while you can't control what other people do or what happens to you, you can control how you choose to behave. There is no real value in spiraling into questions like Why did this person act that way? Or why did this situation happen to me? Sometimes that's simply life, and spending your energy trying to unravel every "why" won't get you anywhere.

I've always been naturally extroverted and a go-getter, which means I tend to question things when they don't go as expected. But what I realized during my study abroad is that not every situation deserves that kind of mental investment. Some things are simply out of your hands. What is in your hands is your response. You can choose to react with composure, maturity, and grace—even when it means taking the high road.

I genuinely believe that everything that happens in life serves a purpose, even if it doesn't make sense at the moment. Struggle builds character. Just like when a GPS redirects you after you take a different turn, the unexpected "detours" in your life are often guiding you somewhere you're meant to be. The roadblocks, the confusion, the moments of uncertainty—they all shape you.

The important thing is to trust the path you're on. Trust that every experience, both good and challenging, is contributing to your growth. You are exactly where you're meant to be, and the course ahead of you will continue to shape you into who you're becoming.