Homesickness is one of the most universal experiences for students studying abroad, and for those who’ve never been away from home before, this can be especially true. Staying in steady contact with friends and family is the surefire way to curb the hurt, but many students neglect to realize that communicating with professors and peers back home can be beneficial too.
The purpose behind spending a semester studying abroad is to gain further education while immersing yourself in a new culture. This is done through making new friends, getting involved in clubs and exploring the areas all around you.
That being said, while the time abroad should be spent focusing on building a life, routine and existing in the present, it’s important to not lose track of the responsibility you’ll inevitably be returning to.
Everyone keeps up with their families and friends, but what about professors, peers and potential employers?
It’s easy to get so swept up by life abroad that everything else falls away — that’s part of the experience. Your life at home will still be there when you return, however, and staying connected while away will only strengthen your bonds when you get back.
The relationships made in previous years, both in academic environments and the workplace, deserve time and attention like the loved ones in your life. It will not only make those connections feel appreciated and remembered, but it will also reflect well on your personal dedication, character and work ethic while away.
Maintaining contact with those important connections back home will provide a much easier path to reintegrating back into the community upon arriving home. Ultimately, the little conversation here and there with old professors and former classmates will help you to grow both as a person and a professional.
While studying abroad myself — though I love to spend my days exploring my new environment and experiencing all I can — I’ve been sure to reach out to my professors and department to stay in the loop. After all, when I return home, I’ll be a student for another year and a half.
Family and friends will be there to offer comfort when experiencing homesickness, but don’t forget the other support systems that exist as well.
You won’t want to lose the good impressions made previously in your academic career, and showing up even from so far away truly shows others how dedicated and diligent you can be.
Paige Wilton can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu.