After being home for two weeks there have been a flood of emotions about being back home and missing Ghana. Coming back from Ghana has been a lot harder than I expected. I thought I’d be happy to return to the usual comforts of home — hot showers, fast internet, familiar food — but instead, I feel kind of off. It’s like I left part of myself there, and now that I’m back, I’m not sure how to fit in again.
I didn’t realize how much the people, the culture, and the day-to-day life would stick with me. I miss walking through busy markets, hearing music everywhere, and how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Compared to that, everything here feels more fast-paced and a little distant.
Even being back in my regular routine feels strange. I’ve been craving jollof rice and fried plantains instead of the stuff I used to love. I miss the simple, late-night conversations, the slower way of living, and how present people seemed in Ghana.
I think what I’m feeling is reverse homesickness. I didn’t expect to feel this way about a place I hadn’t been before, but Ghana felt like home in a way I didn’t expect. And now that I’m not there anymore, I feel kind of stuck in between. A few ways that I am trying to help cope and hope you can is by giving yourself time to adjust and recognizing that it’s normal to feel out of place. Stay connected with the people you met or the culture you grew to love — whether through music, food, or regular check-ins. Talking to others who’ve studied or traveled abroad can also help, since they might relate to what you’re feeling. Journaling your experience or getting involved in local cultural communities can keep you grounded while still honoring your time in Ghana. Most importantly, be patient with yourself — it’s okay to miss a place that had a big impact on you.
Going abroad isn’t just about travel — it actually changes how you see everything. Ghana definitely changed me, and even though I’m home, it still feels like a big part of me is over there. I have linked a photo of me and my mom right at the airport whenever I came home. I missed her!
