Call Your Mom

Living in another country is weird. It is so different from the norm we call home. Missing home, people, and places are all a part of this expirience. While studying abroad is a rollercoaster with many amazing and exciting ups, the downs and the challenges that students often have to face and learn to grow from are all a part of the abroad experience too.

“There’s no shame in homesickness—it means you come from a happy home.” -Downton Abbey

It was just over two months through my study abroad semester when I came down with the sickness—homesickness. Before going abroad, getting homesick was a concern, but I never thought I would actually find myself wishing I were home instead of exploring beautiful Costa Rica.

Pictures on the wall are more than just a decoration, to see some of my favorite faces smiling at me.

The first thing about homesickness is that it is completely and utterly normal and, because of this, there are a lot of people to talk to: peers feeling the same way, advisors, and even professors. But, for me, the best cure was talking to my Mom.

My mom constantly reminded me why I was studying abroad. She told me that no matter what I was feeling, I would be coming home in two months with or without making my experience worth it. She wanted the best for me and her support eased my homesickness.

I’m just a phone call away

One of my best friends gave me this journal before I went abroad. It has a note from her and a ton of space to write down memories I can share with her when I return.

Keeping in touch is hard, but ten-minute-long phone calls can make both sides of the phone feel happier and more connected. Tell them about the best memories or the coolest stuff that happened since you last spoke and keep the rest as memories for yourself.

A cute sign in a hostel we stayed at.

Receiving letters abroad may be the best feeling of all time!

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for.” -John Shedd

How many times have you heard someone say that studying abroad was a horrible experience and they would never recommend it? ....Exactly. Don't let the possibility of homesickness prevent you from going abroad. Should homesickness occur, it is just another experience from going abroad that will help you grow, as it has for me.

I came abroad to learn, to explore, and, above all, to have fun.

“Life is a journey, enjoy the ride.” -Nissan

Pura Vida,

Amanda

Amanda V. is the Fall 2016 MOJO in San José, Costa Rica. She is currently a junior studying to be a Physician Assistant at Philadelphia University.