Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone!

By Cam, Switzerland

Getting out of your comfort zone means to do things that you would be normally too scared to do or even to think about doing it.

If you are an EF Student, you are either going to live in a new country or maybe you are already there. You are going to learn a new language, but, at the same time, you hope that your journey will be the greatest experience you will ever have.

And for that, you will have to step outside of your comfort zone if you want to enjoy every experience to its fullest. According to my experiences, the greatest moments I have ever had were the ones I was feeling in my most uncomfortable zone.

Now that you are in a new country, you have the opportunity to become a better version of yourself, and what I mean by that is to start challenging yourself as much as possible so you will keep growing as a person. I know it may be difficult for some people, especially in the beginning of your stay and I have been there, too, but it may also be your only chance to become adventurous, so don’t waste it.

Being afraid is totally normal, actually fear is an essential part of your development, but it’s only when you stop letting it hold you back and start to overcome it that your life will get more exciting.

Here is some 3 etips that I want share with you and I really encourage you do during your stay :

1. Speak the language

This is the first step to immerse yourself in a new country. Try to speak the language that you are learning as much as possible even outside of school and try to make new friends who don’t speak the same native language as you. You are able to meet people from all around the world and share to them your culture, experiences and vice versa. Take part to every activities that EF or your city can propose to you so can you can meet new people.

2. Explore

Travelling is to explore and experience new place, people and things. Take advantage of everything your destination can offer to you. Don’t try to plan every seconds and allow yourself to get lost, you’ll be very suprised by what you can found out. Think outside the box, don’t go to the same spot as everyone, to get the same instagram picture. Instead? unusual places.

3. Take risks

Don’t be afraid of new challenge and dare yourself to take risks.

1. First Week here in SB, I tried every activity that EF Activities offered. Also, going to the beach, bonfire, whatever you heard about. My roommate told me about the different things to do. 
2. Suggestions that people could also do: try to talk to as many people as you can. Don’t be afraid to speak to people, even though they don’t speak the same native language. This is important because, if you really want to learn English, then you have to immerse yourself in a new life. I came here to be a better version of myself. Most of my really good friends at EF don’t speak French. I have a couple of French speaking friends. My roommate is from France, but I don’t speak French to him. I only spoke English to him. He also speaks in English. You associate specific people with a specific language. It trained my brain.
3. Everything happens for a reason I think. You just have to trust people that they will help you.
4. I was completely out of my comfort zone, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences I have ever had. 
5. This is great opportunity to do things on your own!