The Unexpected Reality of the First Week of Study Abroad

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I had been looking forward to studying abroad ever since I was younger. Once I decided to finally go, I started planning and doing research. I made packing lists and planned everywhere I would travel and everything I would do once I arrived. I was on top of submitting all of my applications and doing everything that Hope and my school abroad asked for. I was prepared.

I really thought that once I arrived at the university, I would instantly make friends and start traveling. What I was not prepared for was to be hit with such intense homesickness. I immediately missed my family and friends. I had never felt so isolated and alone. I thought that since I was so prepared, I would adapt easily and not feel overwhelmed. Instead, I was very emotional and overwhelmed by all the things we had to do and all the new people I was meeting. All I wanted to do was call my family and come home.

There were some students who went home the day after they arrived. However, since I did not have the option to come home, I decided to stick it out. Thankfully, I have made lots of new friends, and every day is better than the last. Logically, I know that this time will pass by in the blink of an eye. I will not regret this experience, and the bonds I make will last a lifetime, but emotionally, I was still unprepared.

I have officially made it through the first week. It is still nerve-racking to adjust to so many things, but every day gets better. I speak with my family every day, and they have helped me adapt as well. Although this experience has been more challenging than I expected, it is already teaching me resilience, independence, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.

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