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Recently, a friend of mine asked me an interesting questions. I’ve known her only for about 4 months, and she asked me from my knowing her as friend, do I think she’s capable of living and studying abroad?

It reminds me of an old friend, say her name is Anne. During her high school senior year, she was selected as one of the Indonesian students to participate in a student exchange program. With a rather heavy heart, she left Jakarta for Boston, MA (that in the American east coast). When she returned a year later, she described her experience like this:
The first six months, she nearly cried every day, being separated from her home, family and friends (and boyfriend).
The following six months, she enjoyed Boston so much that she felt sad having to return to Indonesia again.

Back to my first friend. Studying abroad, as well working?
I know that living abroad is not easy. I know it has its challenges and opportunities, but one of the most dififculties is the sense of loneliness, especially being far away from our comfort zone environment and familiar surroundings.

I can only pick some insights during my brief time in Singapore. Being there was really something. Aside the issues of loneliness, it also helped me find and re-define myself.

Another thing I would say about going abroad to study: money will be an issue. Either you bring enough, or you have to make up with what you have. Having a part time job would just be tricky, since earning a work permit in a foreign country is a daunting task.