10 tips for the first day of the exchange

The first day of the exchange is a watershed in the life of any international student. Between the anxiety and the excitement, it's natural to feel a little lost in a completely new country. We have prepared a practical guide with 10 fundamental tips for you to start your journey on the right foot and make the most of it right from the start.

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Why is the first day so important?

The first day of the exchange sets the tone for your entire international experience. That's when you establish your first impressions, meet people who can become friends for life, and start building your new routine. Good preparation can transform initial anxiety into confidence and enthusiasm.

Benefits of a successful first day:

• Greater confidence for the coming days
• Important first social connections
• Practical guidance on the new environment
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Solid base for the rest of the experience

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1. Arrive early and rest well

Plan your arrival at least 24-48 hours in advance before classes or activities start. This allows you to adapt to the time zone, explore the neighborhood, and familiarize yourself with the environment without haste.

Jet lag can be more intense than you might think, especially on shows like Study and Work in Australia or Study and Work in New Zealand, where the time difference is significant.

Practical tips:

• Sleep at least 8 hours the night before
• Stay hydrated while traveling
• Avoid alcoholic beverages or excessive caffeine
• Gradually adjust your schedule for the previous days

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2. Organize your essential documentation

Always have all the important documents on hand in an organized and scanned folder in the cloud. On the first day, you will need to submit several documents to complete your enrollment and other administrative processes.

Essential documents:

• Passport and visa
• Proof of enrollment
• International health insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• International credit card
• Copies of all documents

Important tip: Keep secure digital copies in Google Drive or similar in case you lose any physical document.

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3. Learn about local public transport

Take a few hours to understand the transportation system from your city before the first day of school. This avoids delays and significantly reduces the stress of getting around in a new place.

For programs such as Public College in Canada or Study and Work in Germany, public transportation is excellent and will be your main means of transportation.

Effective strategies:

• Download local transportation apps
• Buy a monthly transport card
• Make your way to school/work at least once before
• Identify alternative routes
• Take note of important reference points

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4. Arrive early on the first day

Arrive at least 30 minutes early programmed for your activities. This allows you to locate yourself, get to know the environment, and arrive relaxed at your first classes or meetings.

Benefits of arriving early:

• Time to familiarize yourself with the environment
• Opportunity to meet other students
• Avoid the stress of potential delays
• Demonstrates commitment and seriousness
• It allows you to solve unforeseen events calmly

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5. Dress appropriately to make a good impression

The first impression is essential and you won't have a second chance to cause it. Choose clothes that are comfortable but appropriate for the academic or professional environment.

Clothing tips:

• Search for the institution's dress code
• Opt for clean and well-groomed clothes
• Avoid clothes that are too flashy on the first day
• Consider the local climate
• Always have an extra piece in case the weather changes

For programs such as High School, many schools have specific uniforms or dress codes that you must follow.

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6. Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself

Have a 30-second personal presentation prepared in English or in the local language. You will be introduced to many people and having an organized way of presenting yourself makes an excellent impression.

Elevator pitch structure:

• Your name and where you come from
• What are you studying or doing
• An interesting personal interest
• Why did you choose that destination

Example: “Hi, I'm Maria from Brazil. I'm here studying Business Administration and I'm really excited to experience the Canadian culture. I love photography and I'm looking forward to exploring the beautiful landscapes here.”

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7. Be open to making new friends

Maintain an open and friendly posture throughout the first day. Other international students are in the same situation as you and are also eager to make connections.

Networking strategies:

• Take part in integration activities
• Join school WhatsApp groups
• Accept invitations for lunch or coffee
• Be genuinely interested in the stories of others
• Share your own experiences and culture

For programs such as Learning a language abroad, social interaction is essential to accelerate your learning.

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8. Take note of important information

Keep a notebook or note app to record crucial information that you will receive on the first day. It may seem like you're going to remember everything, but with so much new information, it's easy to forget important details.

Information to note down:

• Class and activity schedules
• Names and contacts of teachers/coordinators
• Important locations (library, cafeteria, office)
• Important Deadlines
• Institution rules and policies
• Emergency numbers

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9. Explore the school/work surroundings

Take time to explore the area around your institution. Identify important locations such as banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and transportation points.

Important places to locate:

• Supermarkets and local markets
• Banks and ATMs
• Pharmacies and medical centers
• Restaurants and cafés
• Public transport stops
• Recreation areas and parks

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10. Keep in touch with the family

Send a message home at the end of the first day sharing what your experience was like. This puts your family at ease and also helps you process everything you've experienced.

Tips for keeping in touch:

• Set regular times for calls
• Share photos and videos of the new environment
• Use free messaging apps
• Be honest about your experiences, including challenges
• Remember that it's normal to miss

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First days in different program types

Each type of exchange has its peculiarities in the early days:

For academic programs like University abroad:

• Focus on academic orientation
• Discover the library and study resources
• Attend integration events
• Understand the assessment system

For work programs like Private College in Canada - Co-op:

• Prepare for recruitment processes
• Professional networking is essential
• Understand the local work culture
• Keep an up-to-date resume

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Dealing with Common Challenges

Language barrier: It's normal to not understand everything on the first day. Be patient with yourself and don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

Culture Shock: Cultural differences may be more intense than expected. Keep an open mind and see it as an opportunity for growth.

Homesickness: Feelings of nostalgia are completely normal. Focus on new experiences and keep in regular contact with family.

Social anxiety: Many exchange students feel nervous when meeting new people. Remember that everyone is in the same situation.

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Making the Most of Your Experience

Day one is just the beginning of a transformative journey. Whether in programs of Study and Work in Ireland or Study and Work in Malta, each experience is unique and offers incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Remember that:

• Every challenge is an opportunity for growth
• Connections made on the exchange can last a lifetime
• The experience goes far beyond academic learning
• You're building skills that will accompany you forever

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Be Easy

A Be Easy is always by your side, from planning to the first days of your exchange. Our experienced team offers full support to ensure that you start your international journey with confidence and security. It doesn't matter if you're nervous or anxious about the first day - that's completely normal! Contact us to answer your questions and discover how we can make your exchange experience even more incredible and transformative.

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