Returning home is bittersweet. While I am excited to reunite with family and friends, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for my time abroad. The familiarity of home is comforting, yet I miss the vibrant culture and sense of adventure I experienced in Panama. Adjusting back to my old routine feels strange as if I’m straddling two worlds. My study abroad experience has profoundly changed me. I feel more confident and independent, having navigated unfamiliar environments and embraced new challenges. My worldview has expanded, as I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and global interconnectedness. Returning home has brought about moments of reverse culture shock. While everything seems familiar on the surface, subtle differences in attitudes and customs stand out. I find myself comparing aspects of my home culture to those I experienced abroad, sometimes feeling a sense of dissonance. However, I’m gradually readjusting and finding a balance between my newfound perspectives and my familiar surroundings. To future study abroad students, my advice is to embrace every moment of your journey with an open mind and adventurous spirit. Take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and immerse yourself fully in the culture of your host country. Build connections with locals and fellow students, as they will enrich your experience in ways you never imagined. And most importantly, cherish every memory and lesson learned, as studying abroad is a transformative experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
