Hi,
I am thinking of doing an exchange program to Hawaii (I am from Canada) for a semester that my University offers. I was thinking of going alone, is this a good idea? Or should I ask one of my friends if they would want to go with me?
Would I be totally lonely the whole time? Or what? 😊
Reply to this Hello Bianca 😊
I would go alone, if you don't have a friend to go with. This is what I have always done. Of course, being a young girl alone can have it's disadvantages(you might not feel comfortable about going out to cafes, movies... etc alone) but there are so many opportunities in life you could miss out on if you wait for others to be ready and/or willing to go with you.
Anyway, being a student in an environment such as a university you will meet a lot of people and likely soon have some new friends to hang out and do things with. And, while you are waiting to meet friends, there is always the internet. Maybe the university has an online place for it's student to get together too.
Mel
Reply to this As Mel said, I would totally go alone if you don't have a friend to go with you. I did a semester abroad alone in South Africa (I am from the USA) and it is by far the best thing I've ever done. If you go alone, I would recommend rooming in the dorms or another type of housing that will allow you to have roommates. I lived with three other girls in South Africa in the international residence building and we would go hiking, biking, cook, go on road trips, and even work out at the gym together. Additionally, almost everyone in residence building was there alone so we bonded together simply over the fact that we were new to the campus/country. It was a wonderful community atmosphere there. There will also be clubs and activities that you can take part in and that will also allow you to meet people. Community service organizations are a good way to be active in the community and make friends at the same time.
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On occasion do you go into a restaurant by yourself? Are you comfortable? Have you ever gone to a movie theatre alone?
I think your decision should be based on how independent you are. One of my best travels experiences was 20 years ago when I spent a month traveling in NZ by myself. I'm still in contact with people I met on that trip. Traveling without your friends will give you a far different experience than traveling with them. Are you ready for that?
If you decide to travel alone you will have a couple of days where you wish you had company. If a friend goes you will have a couple of days when you wish you were alone!
Happy Travels, MJ
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