Moving abroad for university is exciting, but it also comes with its challenges. For many international students, one of the biggest shifts is going from being part of the majority culture at home to suddenly becoming a minority. At first, this can feel subtle. Then, over time, you begin to notice the small reminders that you are different—whether in language, appearance, food, or traditions. While adapting to a new country is part of the experience, it can sometimes create a sense of disconnect from home. That is why finding ways to stay connected to your culture is so important.
For me, this starts with everyday habits. Food, music, and language all play a huge role in grounding me. Cooking meals that remind me of home instantly brings a sense of comfort and authenticity, especially after a long day of classes. Music has the same effect: playing songs from back home often shifts my mood, reminding me where I come from and the rhythms I grew up with. Even language is powerful. Watching films in my home language, or simply chatting with friends who speak it, makes me feel less like I am leaving a part of myself behind.
Another key way of staying connected is through community. Sometimes that means finding a society that celebrates your culture. If one does not exist, it can mean starting one yourself. On campus, cultural societies are not just about gathering with people who share the same background; they are also about sharing that culture with others. You would be surprised at how many students are genuinely eager to learn about traditions, food, languages, and music that are different from their own. Being able to celebrate your heritage with others not only strengthens your connection to it, but also helps build mutual understanding and respect across cultures.
Staying connected to culture is also about identity. It is important to remember that you do not need to change who you are in order to fit in. If you ever feel pressured to let go of your identity, then you may not be in a space that accepts you fully. Your culture shapes who you are, it carries your history, your values, and your sense of belonging. The goal when living abroad is not to erase that, but to find ways of integrating into a new society while still standing firm in your roots.
Interestingly, being abroad can sometimes deepen your appreciation of culture more than when you were at home. You begin to miss things you once took for granted: the spices in the food, the sound of familiar dialects, the vibrancy of local festivals. When you return home during holidays, you notice how sacred and special these things are. That longing often sparks pride, turning what once felt ordinary into something worth cherishing and celebrating.
Over time, staying connected to my culture has taught me that representation matters. Even as part of a minority community, I have learnt to carry cultural pride with me. It is not about shutting out the new environment, but about embracing both worlds in a way that makes me more whole. Culture does not limit you; it roots you. And that rootedness gives you the confidence to navigate life abroad while still holding onto the parts of yourself that matter most.
