Keeping yourself mentally prepared is the best way to handle transition.
Here we are at nearly the end.
As I said in my last column, my finals are almost over, many students on my program are taking their final trips or even leaving for home and now we’ve got to focus on packing and transitioning back to the States.
I have one more big trip planned, which I will cover in my next column, but for now I’m in the thick of preparing to go back, wrapping up any loose ends and saying goodbye to some of the friends I’ve made here.
Given that that’s my reality right now, I thought I’d try and share, to the best of my ability, some ways students abroad can deal with this transitory time.
Of course we don’t necessarily want to focus on the end, but given the fact students abroad are making a big change, it’s better to just confront it head-on.
Even though I’ve got a bit of time at the end of my program to pack and say goodbye to the city, I went ahead and cleaned my room, pulled out all my suitcases and made a list of everything I would need to do in order to head back.
It makes life so much easier when you’re prepared. Now I can come back from my trip without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve got a list of the things I need to do and the days I’ve designated to do them.
I’ve even assigned myself days to see places in and around Madrid, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on something and so that I can say goodbye to a few special places here.
I’ve also tried to stay in contact more frequently now with the people back home. On top of knowing what I need to do here in Madrid to feel like I’m organized and I’ve said a decent goodbye to the city, I also know what I’m returning to — if there’s been any changes, what the initial few days will be like, etc.
I’m expecting culture shock to hit hard, but at least if I know what to expect back home, it will be easier to transition back. Accurately appreciating how much or how little you’ve changed on programs such as these makes it much easier to come home.
And finally, just relax. This last weekend I saw friends and took some time to lie in the sun and read a book.
The hardest part is the waiting, but if you’ve gotten yourself mentally prepared, reentering the States, the culture and the real world doesn’t seem daunting but just another step in the journey you’re taking.
