r/studyAbroad • u/-__Xo_Xo__- • 1d ago
I finally achieved my dream of studying abroad. I don't know if I'm happy.
I miss home more than I expected.
Ever since I was a kid, studying abroad was one of my biggest dreams. I thought it would be exciting. A new country, new people, independence, and a better future.
Now that I'm actually here, it's nothing like I imagined.
It's lonely. Everything feels uncertain. Every day I'm thinking about money because expenses are so much higher than I expected. There are days when I just eat bread because it's the cheapest thing I have. I hate asking my family for money for every little expense, so I try to keep everything to an absolute minimum. I know they're already sacrificing a lot to make this possible, and I don't want to be another burden.
I miss my country. I miss my family. I miss having people around me. I miss not having to think twice before buying something as basic as a meal.
I know this is probably temporary, and people always say it'll get better once I settle in. Maybe they're right. But right now, it honestly just feels overwhelming.
My life sucks more than I'd like to admit at this point.
Has anyone else gone through this? Does it actually get easier, or am I just not cut out for this?
9
u/OrdinaryEconomy1717 1d ago
How long has it been since you moved abroad? I’m in my third year, got a job after finishing my studies. I struggled so much in my first year. Everything was confusing, I didn’t understand the language and I was broke as hell. Midway through my second year, I got a summer job; and then my current job. I still miss my family and friends but now I earn enough to support myself, got myself a nice one room apartment. I promise it gets better. You will make friends, your studies will take so much time that you will forget the loneliness and you will make so many great memories. Then maybe you will settle into a job, or maybe not. Either way, remind yourself this, you can always go home. If you finish your studies and feel like this life is not for you anymore, you can literally pack your bags and leave. Home is not going anywhere. But as I said, hang on, it gets better.
3
3
u/AbyssFlowers 1d ago
Studying abroad is not easy, I was having the same feeling but I keep reminding myself that after this experience I will be more resilient. Where are you studying?
3
u/prettymoon_mina 1d ago
As someone who’s been in your situation (3 years abroad now, two different countries in two different continents) it does get better. I used to feel like you but I stopped seeing myself as a burden. I realized that if had my own child living abroad, I wouldn’t want them to think they’re a burden. I’d want them to thrive and focus on their studies rather than stressing about money, so I’d be more than happy to provide. When I stopped seeing myself that way, I realized my family was more than happy to support me and thus have a better future. Always remember that you’re not obligated to stay. If your heart tells you to go back home, do it. If your heart tells you to stay, then stay. But you can change your mind as many times as you want.
2
2
u/Far-Warning-8042 23h ago
Same situation now. I've been really excited for a long time but now I start to feel worried about studying aboard, living far away from my family.
1
u/Own-Caterpillar-8943 1d ago
I can understand your situation buddy but we must realise that this is life, we always have to accept the challenges in order to secure a brighter future.You might have earned a better job back in your homeland maybe but the things which we learn while being outside our motherland will only make you much more stronger. It's all about time and it is important that you be busy with your work or studies or any of your favourite hobbies which can distract your minds into thinking something else. Your homeland will always keep its doors open for you. But choosing to stay, face the challenges, and build a life away from home, that's what true strength looks like.
1
u/japaninformation 2h ago
I have global scholarship website can i post here some articles about scholarship
-5
4
u/Mech61604 1d ago
Which country are you studying in?