8 Tips to Calm Your Study Abroad Nerves

By: Meghan Stevens

As a girl who came abroad thinking she could conquer the world and be “miss independent” without missing home that much, I quickly came to learn that it is completely normal to be homesick when abroad. I have never been to Europe before this semester, and the longest I’ve been away from my family was at Penn State (3 ½ hours away from home). I have always thought of myself as a pretty independent girl. I have only attended large schools and never required much attention or help from teachers. I can navigate a city alone, manage a budget, maintain my health, and be socially aware. There are a few things that I still rely on my parents for (no shame), but for the most part, I could live on my own. I thought that independence would be the main thing you need to successfully go abroad without missing home, but I learned soon enough that it is sometimes unavoidable. And that is completely normal. 

If you are looking to study abroad, or have already committed to study abroad and are scared about missing home, here are some tips to follow to calm some of your nerves…

1. Live in a homestay

Living in a homestay is one of the few ways to make yourself feel at home. The experience that I had in my homestay has been amazing; my homestay mom treats me like her own child. If you want to spend time at home, you have company to hangout with. They are there to help you adjust to culture and are always down to have a conversation :) 

2. If you are scared to go alone, go with one of your best friends!

Some people think it's better to go alone, and some think that its better to go with your friends! I think that it's up to your personal preference and differs per person. Personally, my best friend has been the best sense of home that I have. 

3. Bring objects from home that make u feel at home

This is one thing that I noticed some of my other friends did, and I regret not doing it. The only object that I brought that makes me feel at home was a teddy bear (no shame again). Many people brought pictures of their family to hang up, and I think this is a great idea. 

4. Call your family & friends from home and do it often

It’s important to not lose touch with your family and friends from home. They miss you just as much as you miss them. Designate a certain amount of time each day to call home. Trust me when I say you will feel so much better afterwards. 

5. Maintain a routine similar to your one at home & practice self care

Make sure you are prioritizing yourself and your mental health. At home, I love to journal and go to the gym. When I started to feel my mental health slip a little here, that exact day, I signed up for a gym membership and journaled in the park. Even working out one day a week made a huge difference. If you're not prioritizing yourself- you are doing it wrong. 

6. Find a comfort meal

At home, my comfort foods are salads and plain ol’ pasta and meatballs. Since I live in a homestay and don’t make my own food, nor do I get to chose what I eat every day, I find myself smiling when certain foods are placed on the table. In seville, I have found that Tortilla Patatas (aka Tortilla española) is my comfort food. If you live in a dorm, make your comfort meal often and it will put you in a better mood :)

7. Stop looking at the calendar and wondering when you will see your family next

This one is kind of similar to watching a pot of water boil. The longer you stare at it, the longer it will go by. DO NOT take your time abroad for granted. That is everyone’s biggest regret in their post abroad reflections. Take in every moment, because you might never have this opportunity again!

8. MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME. BUILD A FAMILY HERE!!

The same way you did at your home university, make yourself at home abroad. Find friends that make you feel comfortable and places that make you feel safe <3

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