After spending 2 and a half weeks studying abroad in Belize, I was feeling so many emotions upon my return. On my flight back home, the first thing that went through my mind was I can’t believe it’s over. Time seemed to pass differently when I was in Belize. Every day was so full of adventure and new experiences, and we were busy from early in the morning to late at night. This made the days feel long. Despite the long days, time was still flying. Before I knew it, a week had gone by, then two weeks, and then I was back home.
There is so much about studying abroad that I miss. In Belize, we snorkeled every single day in some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. I love my home in the US, but it’s impossible not to dream about going back and seeing the beautiful destinations all over again. I miss my friends too. All of the UA students got so close, because we were literally stuck on an island together. Now, we’re all back in our home states. Aside from Bama students, I had the pleasure of meeting some really kind Belizean people. I may be able to keep in touch with the friends I made, but it doesn’t compare. We would spend all day together, and I definitely miss their company.
There is a beautiful quote by Miriam Adeney: “You will never be completely at home again because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.” This has really resonated with me. The locals I met in Belize were incredible people. They had many stories to tell and our conversations were so valuable. You can learn so much from people who have had completely different life experiences than you. Departing from Belize, my heart hurt because I didn’t know if or when I would ever see these people again.
The best way to cope with the sadness after studying abroad is to replace it with gratitude. I may be sad that it’s over, but I am so happy that it happened in the first place. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have studied abroad. I am so thankful for everything I experienced and everyone I met. I will carry these memories with me for the rest of my life!
