How to Overcome the Challenges of Life in a New City as an Intern

You have to be quite the globetrotter not to get daunted in the face of a new city. 

While it’s exhilarating to observe the unfolding city as your plane lands, this excitement can often be abruptly put to a halt once you encounter an overly-confusing subway map or complicated menu. 

As silly as it sounds, these are just some of the challenges you can face as an intern trying to adjust to a new city. Try to embrace them as part of the experience, things are only difficult until you’re familiar with them. If you want to alleviate some of the stress, follow our tips to enjoy your internship to the fullest. 

It goes without saying: think at least three steps ahead. Outline your journey from start to finish. No matter how well you think on your feet, a new city can sweep you under them most unexpectedly. 

The best approach for tackling every urban maze is through incremental expansion. This means starting with the nearby essentials and then adding new information as you explore. 

Google or Apple maps are already life-saving tools for surviving both large and small cities. However be mindful that some cities (such as Seoul) won’t have access to Google Maps. 

Research thoroughly before you go to ensure you don’t get caught out!

Begin your new chapter in life by mapping your basic daily routes: airport – accommodation, accommodation – supermarket; accommodation – city centre; city centre – outskirts and so on! 

Initially you’ll feel anxious, nervously wondering whether you’ve hopped on the right bus. Or if there’s any unsuspected roadwork disrupting your commute.  

Apart from the two apps listed above, there are also Waze, INRIX, and Mapquest to keep in mind before entering traffic. 

Asking a local is also a good idea, and it can help with learning the language too. Until then – keep your phone charged and your eyes open. 

Alternatively, you can avoid all of the stress by interning with Beyond Academy. We have Beyond Academy Community Teams in all our locations. They’ll be on hand for travel help and advice. Not to mention, all of our internships come with airport transfer to your accommodation!

Have you ever felt the delightful dopamine rush after you’ve packed your luggage and set up everything in order? 

For peace of mind, before you travel, make sure you create a departure plan that incorporates every stage of your journey – from registering with the police to getting hold of a SIM card.  Fortunately, Beyond Academy can help with this, meaning you have less to worry about and can focus on enjoying your experience.

As you can imagine, each country has unique immigration policies and rules to follow too. Therefore, sort out all the necessary documentation at least 2 months in advance. And watch out for any legislation amendments that might affect your journey. 

In most scenarios, we suggest you consult the country’s government website. But rest assured, Beyond Academy will help you with your visa application if necessary.

Don’t forget about your new crib! Add a few elements of home to avoid feeling homesick. Bring a few photographs or something that reminds you of home – maybe your well-loved childhood teddy bear – we won’t judge! 

The best way to prepare is to learn from others who have lived your experience. That’s why forums and discussion boards such as FlyerTalk, Nomadic Matt Forum, and the Lonely Planet are great. Especially for personal accounts, anecdotes and relevant advice. 

In fact, our blog is a great resource too. 

Why not check out some first hand accounts such as Beyond Academy’s Sonia, who recounts her experience about working abroad for the United Nations in Amsterdam. Or our CEO Ryan who shares his experience of what it’s like to live and work abroad in Tokyo. 

For some, this experience may be your first time being abroad independently. One thing that can be challenging is learning to be mindful with your spending. It can be tempting to splash out on meals and spend money on new experiences. After all, this is a new and exciting culture to the one you’re used to.   

But to function properly in your new environment you need to understand the fundamentals of your living costs. And that also includes where relevant, currency exchange.

The money management struggle is real! We’ve all been there and it’s an integral part of adult life that we often take for granted when we’re young. To lend you some perspective, an average of 530,000 US families file for personal bankruptcy each year.

So, it’s crucial to tailor your expenses according to the average costs of the city you’re in. And if possible keep a little aside as a basic emergency fund. These are great financial tips overall, not just for interns. 

As you explore your new city, make a note of all the inexpensive shops, cafes and restaurants. Knowing where to pick up a check and convenient lunch is essential. Think of it just as you would at home – take a pre-prepared lunch if you can. 

These habits will empower you to start feeling comfortable within your budget. As well as teaching you how to budget effectively, whatever your lifestyle. 

When it comes to being street smart, it all boils down to being safe and having courtesy to others. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep any belongings secure. And always be polite and courteous to strangers. 

Beyond these guidelines, you’ll be expected to know the unwritten rules of your new environment. 

Even locals can get caught up in regional differences. You only need to look at England’s famous North/South divide to realize how distinct some places can be!

Ask someone who has visited your destination to share their insight. Or sneak into the city’s Facebook group (if they happen to have one) and educate yourself on the most discussed daily topics. 

Knowing a city’s ethos and spirit will also help you make more friendships too. So arming yourself with some existing knowledge on the place will impress your new friends and colleagues. 

Hopefully this was some food for thought, or at least an appetiser to prepare you for the main course. 

When you visit a new city, let alone adjust to living and working in one – it can be a culture shock.

For example, flying from a small town in Arkansas to Tokyo, is a 180-degree turn. It could leave your head dizzy and your stomach turning. The solution: do extensive research on the place, read up on others experiences and readjust your expectations of the place.

Thankfully there are plenty of blogs and travel vlogs on YouTube that will give you a variety of perspectives to consider. And our blog offers an array of helpful tips and advice.

If you’re interning with Beyond Academy, get in touch if you have any questions. Our Community Team will help to get you settled and will have you feeling at home in no time!