Adjusting Back to Normal

The one thing I wish I knew before studying aboard was how hard it was going to be to leave. I did not think it would be this hard for me to leave the friends I have made, the memories and the experiences I have created when I was in London. They prepare the study abroad students about leaving to go onto their program but what about when they home?

My last official day in London was July 30th, 2022. I did not expect how hard it would be for me to leave and come back home. I was running around London trying to get ready for my flight back to Philadelphia and help my friend get ready as well since she wanted to stay with me for the last official night. The whole day felt bittersweet. Neither my friend or I wanted to leave, so we tried to make the most of our last night. We rode around Kensington in a Lime scooter so I could redeem myself for my fall off it that happened in the beginning of the week. Believe me when I say I cried that night. I knew the moment I left my friends that I was going to go back home, do nothing but miss them dearly. We were all going our separate ways and I did not want that.

Leaving was pretty easy. The 8 hour flight was freezing cold yet simple. All I did was look back at the videos and photos I have taken while in London and watch movies to pass the time.

Now its been two weeks back at my being home, and it has been a little difficult for me to adjust to being back. In London it was super easy to travel to get to anywhere. I could easily walk, take the bus or tube to get anywhere. I would literally walk around Kensington whenever I needed a walk. In the area I live I cannot do that. I need a car to get anywhere. And while I do have a car, I share it with my twin sister who has been using it to go to work. So since the time I have been back I have been stuck at home doing nothing.

I miss being able to travel easily from place to place. I miss having friends to hang out with and places to go. I know once I get back to living back on campus in Center City I would feel a bit better being around people. I may feel this way because I don’t like doing nothing for 2 months straight. I like to keep myself busy. I just know I am not the only one feeling this way. There are others like me before me and soon after who have and will travel abroad who will go through what I am going through. So I am happy to write my experience to show them it is ok to feel this way and that they are not alone. So if you are feeling the same way that I am feeling just know that. And also be glad that you had an amazing time abroad that you can tell others about. I know others would want to know about your experience.

A Message from the Office of Global Engagement:

The safety and security of Drexel students is a priority for the University. As part of the efforts to support Drexel students that are studying abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Global Engagement has conducted a rigorous review of programming and provided additional support to participating students with customized pre-departure orientations and regular check-ins during the required self-isolation period and the term.