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After you experienced a few ups and downs, you realise that your host country might be nice to live in in the long term. Maybe you understand and speak the local language, you adjusted to the new culture codes, and what felt ‘strange’ at the beginning became part of your routine. In short, you feel less of a “foreigner” and are considering staying longer. Although you might extend your exchange, your experience will end sooner or later. However, you can thoroughly assess the opportunities in what you now consider your “second home”.
Small steps you can take
- Since you are already there, pay another visit to your IRO and ask if there are study programs available in English (if you do not speak the local language) and what are the enrollment requirements for non-nationals.
- Either you are at the end of your academic career or you want to go back to your host country in a new capacity, get in touch with the Career office of your host institution and get information on internship opportunities open to students or recent graduates
- If you are considering entering the job market of your host country, ask again suggestions to the Career Office of your host institution, do some online research related to your sector, and get in contact with some recruitment agencies.
- Do as above for your home country. It is important to carefully assess your chances to avoid making an important decision out of an overabundance of idealisation or romanticism ;) unless staying in your host country is key to your learning (e.g. you study languages)
Competencies
Self awareness and efficacy
Analytical thinking
Take the initiative
Planning and management
Learn more about the competences by visiting the Competence inventory.
How to boost your learning experience