I left Denmark for the United States for a research abroad experience during my Ph. D. I hadn't made any friends by that point so I decided to ask another Ph. D student in my office whether they'd meet up outside work. He looked at me, smiled, and then uttered "Yes."I had finally conquered my shyness and dared to step out of my comfort zone.
My university encourages Ph. D students to spend time abroad, so I planned from the beginning to work at a U. S. university for six months.But I was also afraid that my shy self would keep me from getting to know people, leading to a level of sadness and loneliness that would eventually force me to abandon the adventure and go back to Denmark.
Finding myself in a foreign country without my habitual life terrified me. My sister advised me to go to campus every day. So later, every weekend, I would plan outings with at least one person, whether it be going out for a meal, visiting a museum, traveling to another city, or going on a hike. I suddenly felt much less lonely. Even little interactions at work helped me feel part of a community. By the end of my time in Atlanta, I felt so comfortable that I actually had mixed feelings about going home.
I returned to Denmark last May, feeling fulfilled by my time abroad. I was able to travel to new places, meet interesting people, and learn new professional skills. I encourage every young scientist to do a research stay abroad—and to have the courage to open up to people while you're there.
A. The advice made a huge difference.
B. It was a little thing, but it was a victory.
C. The initial few months in America were difficult.
D. I had wanted to make more efforts to get to know people.
E. I built up a small group of friends—from both within and outside the office
F. I also came to appreciate the benefits of stepping outside my comfort zone.
G. I was excited to travel, improve my English, and expand my scientific network.
