Migrating to an international institution is a thrilling experience. It is a new world unleashed to the inexperienced. So, it gets as exciting as it goes. However, it’s not the case for all of us. Why? No matter how exciting, the thrill and excitement die down eventually.
For most people, the feeling of nostalgia or Saudade kicks in now and then. It may last briefly, or it may last longer to make them feel depressed. Therefore, it is true that studying in a foreign country isn’t always jolly. People do get stressed and depressed.
Moreover, culture shock and the inability to fit the social norms are also some of the triggers. But, you can get through it and adjust at your pace. Let this blog be your saving grace to reassure you that “this too shall pass.” How? Read forth to know how.
Tips To Overcome “Study Abroad Blues.”
Firstly, there isn’t a magic cure for post-study overseas depression. But, some practical things you could engage in to feel good. Crying over ruined crêpes won’t offer you the catharsis you need. So, try one of these suggestions instead:
1. Take a walk
Shut all of the “How can I relocate to Spain?” browser tabs, rise off the sofa, and put on some clothes. You may enjoy exploring your new city the way you did in your previous one by taking in the particulars of each street.
Moreover, visit a new part of the city, go hiking on a local path, or simply take a stroll on campus. Clearing your mind by being mindful of your environment and seeing what has changed during your time away will also likely lead you to an excellent new café that has opened up.
2. Hang out with friends
One may message friends all day, but nothing beats a good ole fashion hangout in person.
Thus, reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and spend some time catching up or invite a friend who has also travelled overseas so you can talk about the difficult aspects of returning home.
Turn off your phone and spend time with the people around you since research suggests that social interaction reduces the probability of depression.
3. Read the news
Simply because you’ve returned home does not mean you must stop paying attention to everything in your hosting country. However, you may regularly check the British evening news while travelling and keep up with what’s happening in London online.
Knowing what’s happening in your adopted city will help you feel connected to your experience. And, as a bonus, it will also keep your language skills fresh.
4. Look for support
Consider this. Numerous other kids on campus are likely experiencing the same thing currently. They are missing their pals living abroad and away from their host city. So, your peers might also be feeling completely at odds in a once-familiar community.
To locate such struggling souls like yours, contact the study abroad office about any get-togethers for returning students. Also, being in the company of those who understand it might help you feel less alone, even though it is not a return ticket to your home country.
5. Find a new hobby
Whenever you wish for everything different, it’s simple to become mired in a downward loop. So, beat this self-sabotaging behaviour by attempting something new and stepping outside your comfort bubble.
Enrol in a knitting class, go camping with the campus recreation department, or learn how to prepare your mom’s delectable dal dish. But if anything, you’ll get temporarily diverted your attention, and it’s much better if you discover something you truly enjoy!
Remember that you’re doing the best you can, your feelings are valid, and your next adventure is just around the corner.
6. Keep your skills fresh
You’ve just spent nine months honing your British ascent, so it stands to reason that you wouldn’t want to lose what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. So, continue applying your newly acquired language abilities!
Find a conversation circle, student club, or cultural centre in your city where you can engage in cultural events and chat with locals. It will not just lessen your longing for your home nation’s culture; you can stay engaged in your exchange.
7. Take up a cause
It’s time to put your knowledge into practice, whether your student exchange programme concentrates on enhancing food security in remote Tanzania or you are spending your semester studying sustainable development in Norway. Learning is also a good distraction.
Additionally, what charities, groups, or clubs can you support during your time abroad? Find voluntary activities that can utilise your abilities and expertise to better the world by researching nearby NGOs.
Serving others will make you feel re-energised rather than like you’ve lost something since your semester abroad experience is done.
8. Reflect on what you’ve learned
Think back on all you learned while travelling. It wasn’t easy, even if you now see your adventure through rosy-coloured glasses, isn’t that right?
You overcame the cultural shock, loneliness, and linguistic gaffes to emerge as a more self-assured, well-rounded, and flexible person. So, be sure to employ the abilities you gained while studying abroad as you prepare for the future.
Also, get online help from professionals to overcome all the study-related shortcomings. Just type something like “management assignment help”, and you’ll get many websites to seek help from.
9. Plan your next trip
When you return from an overseas study experience, do you feel depressed because you feel confined in your native country? Not at all, It’s even simpler to travel again after having travelled overseas.
While you may not be able to start travelling right away for a year or so. Take little vacations to help keep your restlessness from getting out of control. Advisably, use apps like MyGoAbroad to start compiling a plan of the programmes you’re interested in saving and analysing.
Consider short-term volunteer projects or seminars, which are frequently more cost-effective travel possibilities, if money is a concern.
10. When all else fails…
Lastly, you must try and distract yourself when everything fails to get you out of homesickness or the study abroad blues. Read your favourite book or go on the internet and search “cute animal videos.”
You might need to give yourself some time to get settled. Hence, distraction can be a tool to hold your calm than vanity. Also, you must seek a mental health consultant if such feeling continues for many days and nothing helps.
When its Time to Seek Mental Health Counselling:
Secondly, much before the epidemic revealed the flaws in university education, forward-thinking college administrators had begun to recognise the benefit of enhancing the psychological health of international students.
International students have traditionally been particularly vulnerable because they deal with language hurdles, perceived stigma, cultural assimilation stress, and unaddressed mental health disorders.
Campuses don’t hire mental health professionals just to squander hundreds of dollars. Doctors suggest using such on-campus services. It is the university’s responsibility to assist learners.
But because they worry about being made fun of by their friends, most students are reluctant to visit the counselling office at their college. Hence, institutions, including “Texas Christian University”, test students for mental health issues when they become ill and contact the campus health centre to reduce that.
Conclusion:
Lastly, you must come clear to yourself about a few things. Stop telling yourself that you will do something when you feel motivated to do it. First, start doing things. The motivation will follow. Get started with small goals to accomplish.
Also, set clear objectives for the upcoming week, month, and year. You fall into the trap of increasing inactivity and isolation while you wait for the drive to come. We are aware that seclusion and passivity play significant roles in depression.
You must engage in yourself by committing the behaviours that would help you advance. However, it will take some time, so you must be patient with yourself. Praise yourself for each positive step you take.
Importantly, get mental counselling when you need it. Regardless of social prejudices and inhibitions, you must seek help as you need it.
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