Many students experience a period of homesickness when living on their own for the first time. After the initial honeymoon phase wears off, and the requirements of their first semester increase, students can start to miss the comfort of home and family. If your student expresses that they are homesick or talks about not wanting to stay at college anymore, try not to panic. Remember that kind words, loving support and reassurance can go a long way.
Once abroad, you may face an adjustment period referred to as "culture shock." Moving to a new country can be a stressful experience. Everything is unfamiliar—from weather, landscape and language to food, fashion, values and customs. Culture shock is a normal part of study abroad, and it shows that your student is experiencing the differences between American culture and that of the host country. This is an experience that your student can overcome, and you can assist them in diminishing their feelings by encouraging them to learn as much as possible about their host country, getting to know their classmates and involving themselves in various activities.