Halfway through my program. Now is the time when people come to terms with one of two things. Either they miss their families because it’s hard to go so long without them, or they recognize they are getting closer to going home, then start to get sad about the ending of their study abroad program. Both of these are valid emotions and I’ve noticed different ways that people cope.
I’ve been at Rollins for 2 years, which is around 1500 miles from my home, so I have had a few experiences with homesickness. Yet, for the people first having homesickness across an ocean or border, it might seem a little different. There is no cheap flight home or a holiday to break up the semester. Some of the other study abroad students have expressed this type of experience. Just like with regular homesickness, it’s important not to exclude yourself and get caught up in wanting to go home. An opportunity like this may never present itself again. So, if you ever see yourself struggling with this, remember that it’s totally normal. My advice is to immerse yourself, find a group, and take advantage of your temporary home, because soon enough you will be back and kicking yourself for lost time.
On the other hand, some people start to panic about all good things coming to an end. They try to take advantage of everything and every sight, even overexerting themselves. It might be hard to imagine losing the kind of freedom and independence given by study abroad, but it’s important to remember that the word “study” does mean something. We are meant to go to school and continue our education, not let it come to a halt. So while driven by carpe diem, try not to forget that little assignment, because you are a student first and foremost.
Personally, as my program comes to a close, I feel a little of both come over me. I want to spend Thanksgiving with my family but I still want to see Stonehenge. The important part is when you come home you seized both of the opportunities presented to you, being a temporary student at an institution very different from Rollins and exploring a country you never dreamed you would get the chance to live in.