Studying abroad can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. For 22-year-old Hannah Nicole Gaudiel, an exchange student from the Philippines, it’s been a life-changing experience filled with personal growth, travel, and deep cultural immersion. Currently studying biostatistics at her home university, Hannah is spending a year at Karlstad University in Sweden, taking courses in statistics and Swedish—and learning a lot more than just academics.
“I truly believe that discomfort is growth,” Hannah says, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of her study abroad program.
From Dream to Reality
Hannah had always dreamed of studying abroad, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed her plans. When the opportunity finally came, her family—especially her Danish stepfather—encouraged her to take the leap. “He’s always talked about how there’s more to life than schoolwork,” she explains. “He wanted me to experience life beyond the classroom.”
The Value of Community
While her academic program can sometimes feel isolating due to small class sizes, Hannah emphasizes the importance of building social connections. “During the fall, we’d bake and cook dinner together. In the spring, we spend a lot of time outside,” she says of the friendships she’s made.
She also makes it a point to travel frequently—visiting nearby cities and countries to take in new cultures. “I’ve noticed that I travel more than my Swedish friends. I want to experience as much as I can—it makes life more fun.”
Discipline, Routines, and Accountability
Living in a new country requires adapting to different rhythms of life. For Hannah, the Swedish climate prompted her to build strong daily routines. “You really need a schedule,” she advises. “My friends and I have systems—we work out together and do groceries. It keeps us accountable.”
These routines have helped her stay focused and productive while balancing academics with travel and social life.
Language and Cultural Immersion
Although language barriers can be intimidating, Hannah finds that even learning simple Swedish phrases has made a big difference. “Talking with friends in Swedish, listening to Swedish music—it really helps you connect more deeply with the culture,” she explains.
Money Matters
Hannah also offers practical advice for exchange students managing finances abroad, especially with currency conversion. “The digits may look small, and that makes you blind to how much you’re spending. Always convert prices to your home currency so you don’t overspend.”
Keeping an Open Mind
Above all, Hannah believes that the study abroad experience is about self-discovery. “I thought I had everything figured out,” she says. “But here, I’ve met myself in so many different ways.”
Her message to future exchange students? Take the leap. Embrace the discomfort. “If you get the opportunity to study abroad—take it. It’ll change you in ways you never expected.”
Whether you’re planning your own international journey or just exploring your options, Hannah’s reflections offer valuable insights for making the most of any study abroad guide. From routines to relationships and everything in between, it’s all part of the adventure.
