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Higher education

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Original poster

Homesick, year abroad

10 replies

bevelino · 08/08/2019 20:31

Dd1 is studying MFL and is 2 weeks in to her semester abroad in South America. She is very homesick and says she is ready to come home. I have reassured her that things will get better, but would welcome any tips and words of wisdom that might help.

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Original poster
bevelino · 09/08/2019 20:33

Bump

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IrishMamaMia · 09/08/2019 20:43

What a wonderful opportunity for her. I did my year abroad over a decade ago now, it was my first time living away from home and the first few weeks were the toughest.
Is she back for Christmas or is there a prospect that someone might visit her before then? This could be something to look forward to in the calendar.
I did a language course before university started and I made some nice friends on that. If I got an invitation to go out in the evening I always made sure to accept, as it helped to take my mind off homesickness and I got to know the other students really well. There was a an organisation at the uni that put exchange students in touch with native students and they had a decent programme of events. I studied the language a lot too during boring days / evenings.
I also planned some trips to places I wanted to see in the country I was in.
After those initial weeks, the year went by too quickly and I didn't want to go home in the end. It really was one of the best experiences of my life.
Hope your dd settled in and starts enjoying it soon!

Jamhandprints · 09/08/2019 20:48

Poor DD. I spent a year in South America aged 19 and it really was wonderful but a lot to get used to at first.
Maybe find out if there is anything in particular she is worried about? Then help her think who she could go to there for support or reassurance.
Does she have any friends there?
Just keep telling her how proud you are and how independent and grown up she is being.

Original poster
bevelino · 09/08/2019 22:58

Aww thank you for your kind messages. Dd feels a lot better today and is beginning to settle. Myself and Dh are flying out to see her in October and she will be home for Christmas.

I have let her know that the early weeks can be tough. The university are helping the international students with trips and interesting tours etc and I am sure she will be ok.

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BubblesBuddy · 10/08/2019 04:14

I think I’m writing this from the city she’s in!

I think when DC do the year abroad it is the first time they cannot book a coach or a train and get home! Even in Europe, it’s not so difficult to get a flight home. When you are the best part of 15 hours away and it’s expensive, there isn’t much alternative but to stay! However, as others have said, take every opportunity offered by the university for trips and bonding activities. Take up any kind invitations and mix as much as possible in lectures and afterwards. Go for that coffee or Pisco Sour!

I’m sure she’ll be fine and you will have a great time in October. We have found everyone to be friendly, helpful and cheerful. I just wish I could get to sleep: drums still beating in the park outside the hotel!

BubblesBuddy · 10/08/2019 04:16

Oh! I forgot. If she has the opportunity to travel a bit - Plan it and then do it. There is more to the country than one city. Much more.

Lara53 · 10/08/2019 10:12

I spent a year in Germany aged 19/20 and was really homesick to start with. Really missed my boyfriend too. He was able to visit a couple of times which helped. The first term was tough and I threw myself in to meeting people/ joined the English society of the uni I was at. We put on a play - The Importance of Being Ernest and honestly it ended up being wonderful and I made some great friends. I also came home at Christmas and was really reluctant to go back, but so glad I did it!

DreamingofSunshine · 10/08/2019 11:41

I did a year in America for my degree and I remember feeling so homesick. It will get better for her and she'll look back and feel really proud of herself for doing it.

She needs to throw herself into any activities she can find, and be open minded. I ended up joining a sorority (not the type in the films) and it was a great experience. Can she travel around a bit too?

Sunndowne · 10/08/2019 14:17

I have PMed you.

My year abroad was fantastic 30 years ago but first month or 6 weeks was really hard. Have made life long friends from that year.

Original poster
bevelino · 10/08/2019 15:44

Sundowne I have pm’d you back.

Thank you to everyone that replied, all your comments have helped.

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