Spending time alone abroad on an exchange program is one of the most enriching yet challenging experiences a person can have. While I enjoy the excitement of discovering new places, cultures, and making new friends, there’s always a part of me that misses home.
Source: Adobe Creative Cloud
More than anything, I miss my family. The simple things — having dinner together, laughing over silly stories, or just knowing that someone is there without needing to say a word — become so precious when they are no longer part of my daily life.
I also miss my closest friends. Back home, we share a history, inside jokes, and an unspoken understanding that can be hard to find with new people. Sometimes, after a long day of struggling with a different language or adjusting to unfamiliar customs, I find myself wishing I could just grab a coffee with someone who really knows me.
Surprisingly, I miss my routines too. Even small details, like my favorite walking route, the local café owner greeting me by name, or my pet’s excited welcome after school, suddenly seem incredibly important. Being abroad teaches you a lot about independence and resilience, but it also makes you appreciate the “normal” life you used to take for granted.
Now, I’d love to hear from you:
-
What do you miss the most when you’re far from home?
-
Have you found anything abroad that helps you feel closer to the people or things you miss?
Good luck and cheer up!