Back Home Blues: Re-Adjusting After Study Abroad
- Mia Perez
- Aug 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
The saddest part of a study abroad program is having to leave. Students live their best lives- checking off bucket list items, experiencing a new country and culture, meeting new friends and making memories of a lifetime. Having to leave that all behind is a hard pill to swallow, but Gianna Dubiel, a 3rd year at Georgia College and State University on our LEAD Greece program, was able to find different ways to feel connected to her study abroad experience while re-adjusting at home.
Upon returning home, Gianna was able to reconnect with the loved one she had missed while abroad. It’s an odd feeling to go from missing family and friends while away, to then reuniting with them but missing the life you had built abroad. Remember: two things can be true at once! There are so many emotions around returning home, and each one is just as valid as the next. Gianna decided that a great way to reminisce on her time in Greece was to share it with friends and family! “They were eager to hear about my experiences, since they had followed along with my journey with some photos I had been sharing with them along the way. It was wonderful to share my journey with them since being back home.”
Going back home doesn’t have to mean losing parts of your study abroad experience! The habits you created, cuisine you ate, and memories can remain just as present as they did while you were physically there. Gianna was extremely active while in Greece and has incorporated that into her life at home by frequently going on walks. She also loved how clean yet delicious the meals were in Greece and has plans to recreate some of her favorite recipes! Many students learn so much while abroad and those same lessons can be brought home- they don’t have to come to an end when your program does!
The friendships made abroad will be cherished for years upon returning home. Gianna and the friends she made in Greece have prioritized staying in contact to make sure their relationship remains as strong as it was while abroad! Between the friendships and memories made, Gianna soaked in every part of her study abroad experience and went home with a full heart. “I am grateful for stepping out of my comfort zone to explore the wonderful culture of Greece. I hope to be able to continue traveling to discover more cultures around the world.”
Gianna- thank you for letting us share your story and for joining our LeadAbroad family! If you would like to create amazing memories and friendships that make it hard to return home, join our 2025 interest list below! See you soon, future travelers.
Adjusting back home after studying abroad can be challenging, as you highlighted. I found that keeping up with English practice, especially using good IELTS reading material, really helped me stay sharp and ease the transition.
Returning home after studying abroad can be emotionally challenging, as students often face cultural readjustment, changed perspectives, and the feeling of being out of sync with their old routines. This phase, known as “back home blues,” is common and highlights the personal growth gained during international education. For students planning their global education journey or preparing for post-return transitions, study abroad consultants in Kolkata offer the right guidance and support to ensure a smooth experience—from choosing the right country to managing life after returning home.
Really insightful read! Coming back home after studying abroad is full of mixed emotions — this blog captures it well. For students still working on their language skills, I always recommend including regular TOEFL listening practice test sessions to keep listening and comprehension sharp, even while settling back in. Thanks for sharing this — reverse‑culture shock after studying abroad is real and often underestimated. For people applying abroad again or planning further studies, combining this advice with tools like an IELTS essay checker can keep your writing skills polished while you’re adjusting back home.
Re-adjusting after studying abroad can feel challenging as you adapt back to familiar routines, cultural norms, and expectations. Staying connected with friends, applying your global experiences, and setting new goals can ease the transition. Just like planning with arizona state university fees, thoughtful preparation helps you navigate this phase smoothly and confidently.