08 Sep Missing home

As an exchange student, one of the hardest things to do when you travel to a different country is leaving your life behind for a very long time. Some might say that 1 academic year is not “a very long time” but, for me, it is. Top time I have spent out of my house was 1 month, and I was with my parents the hole time. So, actually, the maximum time I spent far from both my parents and my home was 2 weeks, in summer camps.

What I’m trying to say with this is that being part of this exchange program is one of the most challenging experiences I have ever face. New city, new people, new classes, new school, new house, new language and even new currency. Adapting to all of this is not just a new beginning but also an amazing experience where you put yourself in situation you had never been before.

Nevertheless, adapting is not that hard. Right now, I’m living my second week in San Francisco and everything is starting to settle down. We know where to do grocery shopping, we are meeting new people, we’re attending to class… And that part will get better and better with every second we spend here. I’m sure we will have a lot of fun. The hardest part (at least for me) is missing home. No matter how amazing this experience is, that I’m going to be missing my parents and friends the hole time. And I understand any other person that feels that way. But there’s no reason to be sad. Missing your people is just a sign of how much you love them and will make you value what you have. Also, being so far from home makes you realize what people are there for you and care, no matter the distance or the situation. And above all, your people are going to be there when you’re back, but San Francisco is a onetime experience, so we should seize time.

In conclusion, missing home is completely normal and inevitable, but we shouldn’t feel sad or blue, we just have to enjoy the time of our lives and feel lucky for having this amazing opportunity.