Last week, I wrote an article on the different emotional stages you can encounter when studying abroad. Over the past week, specifically, I have realized that one of the main issues people have when they are in the homesick stages is struggling to contact people back home. Italy, where I am currently studying, is 6 hours away from my friends and family. To put that in perspective, when it's noon here it's 6 AM there. When it is 2 AM here it's only 8 PM there. That makes it pretty difficult to Skype or talk to friends and family because when I am done with classes, it's the middle of their day. When they are done with work/school, I'm going to bed. On a normal day this isn't a huge issue; I don't need to Skype my parents every day. And it's honestly better that I don't. But it's on days where I am already feeling a bit homesick or am struggling to handle my new surroundings that I find this particularly challenging. I've noticed that I am not alone in this- the time zone struggle can be detrimental to anyone's happiness. However, it is possible to not allow the time difference between you and loved ones back home to greatly affect your mood and study abroad experience. My two biggest tips on how to do that are to set a specific time to Skype, and not to Skype friends or family too often.
The first one is arguably easier than the second. It is crucial to pick a time to Skype that works for you. Don't stay up until 2 in the morning when you have to be up at 8 for a lecture. Your loved ones will understand if you can't Skype one night! Try to get in a routine. Even if you have to squeeze in a Skype date with your best friend in between classes, that's okay. Sometimes it's better to Skype once a week for 45 minutes than once every two weeks for 2 hours. Also, I find with my parents, talking on the weekends works best, especially Sundays. Sunday's are normally my catch up days where I do homework and laundry. So when my parents are waking up at 7 or 8 in the morning, I'm lounging around at 1 or 2 in the afternoon. My point is that once you find a good time that works for both you and your loved one, try to make it a weekly date.
And that brings me to my second point, try not to Skype with loved ones that often. I know it's hard. You miss them. But trust me, sometimes it does a lot more harm than good. Every year when I study abroad I do not Skype my parents for at least a week into it. I need the time to fully adjust so that I won't get on Skype, see my dog, and cry. And I find that, especially with friends, the more I Skype the more home sick I get. It is hard to hear about all the fun your friends are having back home. And while it is important and good to keep in touch and up to date with their lives; do not forget to enjoy your own! It's important not to be so caught up in what the latest drama is at your home university that you forget to fully experience study abroad.
Studying abroad is by no means easy. If it was, everyone would do it. But it is an amazing experience. And I know that it can be really frustrating trying to figure out when you will talk to people back home. But I promise once you get into a routine, it will be ten thousand times easier!
