In December I returned from studying abroad in Cambridge, England and I have officially been back on my home university's campus for two weeks. It has been an interesting time coming back to the school I left behind for three months and getting back into the swing of things on my own campus. Overall, it's been a struggle to get back to the common things that I was used to prior to studying abroad.
I'm writing this for any student who has had to assimilate back to not only the American culture but their American colleges after studying abroad. To begin: you are not alone. It may seem that things are not the same and that life is much harder now, but remember that if you are returning after a semester or a whole year, this is a transition for everyone. One thing that I am trying to remember is that the other students on my campus had time off as well and that this is a new semester for EVERYBODY on campus, not just for me. Try to focus on that when you are thinking that things are difficult. Other people you are friends with are probably having a hard time in their own ways as well. Although they may not have been abroad, their are people who may be having a hard time adjusting to this semester as well.
Another thing that has been hard for me is being away from my housemates and friends. They truly became my family while I was in England and their support while I was there meant the world to me. If you are missing those that you met while abroad ,be sure to communicate that fact with them. They probably are also missing you and your experiences just the same as you are and they are going to be more than willing to talk with you about life if you are struggling to adjust.
You have just gone through a life-changing experience. That I can understand completely. Please remember that this is truly a transitional period; things may have changed while you were abroad, whether that is the friendships you once had or the classes you were taking, but things will become easier. Right now it feels like a struggle to balance the life you once had abroad with the life you now have at your home university, but it will come to you.
Be sure to think about your experiences abroad and remember them fondly, but do not let them hold you back. Talk through things with your friends or family. Be positive about the new semester or year you have ahead of you. Remember that your study abroad experience will NEVER leave you -- it will remain in your heart and mind forever. Allow the life lessons that came to you while you were abroad to guide you through this transition into American society once more.
Though this transitional time may be difficult, and you may feel yourself struggling, you are stronger than you think. Use your experiences in another country to help you achieve the goals you have and the dreams you seek out. Bring those life lessons to the forefront of your mind and allow them to help you transition back to American life. You can do this! Studying abroad was probably the best decision of your life -- now use it to achieve all that you hope for.
