I studied English Literature and this, along with making many friends both at university and through the part-time job I had, helped improve my English. Although I already spoke the language quite well, when I first arrived I had trouble understanding some accents and the slang or colloquialisms that are in everyday use. Now I am a much more fluent and natural speaker, and my writing has improved, too.
The biggest problems I faced were finding somewhere to live when I did not know the area well, getting the electricity and phone connected and generally learning to look after myself. I had to get used to shopping, cooking and doing the housework, as well as studying and working, so I quickly mastered the art of planning my time sensibly.Although adapting to living in a new country is not easy, once the initial homesickness and missing the family has been overcome, learning to fend for yourself certainly makes you a more independent person, and definitely more self-confident. My time abroad helped me grow as a person and I feel I could tackle any problem now in a calm and confident manner, without having to immediately ask someone for their help.