The Truth of the Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is often painted as the ultimate dream, but beyond all the Instagram posts lies a more complex reality that rarely gets talked about. Although I did take a gap year to travel, the study abroad program was a completely different experience, from the interviews all the way up until my flight home. When I first signed up for a study abroad programme, I imagined something straight out of a movie, a spontaneous and effortless cultural immersion, but what no one really prepared me for were the moments of loneliness, and the quiet reality that sometimes, being far from home is just… hard. I will get honest about what studying abroad is really like—both the highs and the lows. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, or you're in the middle of it and wondering if anyone else feels the way you do, this is for you.
1.Culture
I studied in New York City from August 2024 to December 2024. I didn't expect that there would be much of a culture shock between the US and the UK, however, I was quite wrong. Everything feels unfamiliar, when even 'grocery' shopping becomes an adventure (or a minor crisis). It’s not just homesickness—it’s feeling like a stranger to the city, but over time, those differences started to feel less intimidating and more fascinating. And I can tell you that after a couple of months, and I knew my way around a bit more, whether that was shopping at Trader Joe's or working at my favourite coffee shop, I felt like a true New Yorker.
2. Support
One thing I didn’t expect was how alone I’d feel at times—not just emotionally, but practically. I assumed there’d be someone to guide me through every step, but in reality, a lot of the support systems were either hard to access or just didn’t exist. From figuring out visa paperwork to dealing with housing issues or even just navigating the healthcare system, I often felt like I was left to figure it out on my own. It was frustrating, and honestly, a bit overwhelming. But I learned to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for myself—skills I probably wouldn’t have developed if everything had gone smoothly.
3. Loneliness
Loneliness was something I didn’t expect to hit me so hard. No one talks about the nights you spend in your room feeling completely disconnected from your new environment, from your friends back home, even from yourself. It wasn’t that I didn’t meet people; I did. The most amazing people, in fact, but forming deep connections takes time. I missed the comfort of being understood without needing to explain myself. But in that loneliness, I also found strength. I learned how to be okay with my own company and how to reach out when I needed someone.
4. The Move Back
What surprised me the most was how strange it felt to come back home. I thought returning would be easy, like slipping back into an old routine—but instead, everything felt a little off. There was this weird sense of reverse culture shock, where home suddenly didn’t feel quite like home anymore. It took time to readjust and to realise that it’s okay to outgrow certain things, but it helped me understand just how much I’d grown.
My study abroad challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, taught me things I couldn’t have learned in a classroom, and pushed me far outside my comfort zone. There were incredible moments I’ll never forget, and tough ones that shaped me just as deeply. If you’re considering studying abroad, go in with an open heart and realistic expectations. The truth is, studying abroad isn't always easy. But if you let it, it can change you in the best ways.