Leaving behind friends, family, and everything familiar to move to a new country is no small decision, and honestly, I underestimated how hard it would be at first. I’ve always considered myself independent, but nothing truly prepares you for that first moment of loneliness abroad, when the jet lag hits, the group chats back home are quiet because of the time difference, and you're suddenly hyper-aware that you're thousands of miles away from everyone you know.
Adjusting to life in Spain was, at first, overwhelming. I arrived in Barcelona alone, not knowing a single soul, and the initial days were filled with doubts. Did I make the right choice? Would I feel out of place the entire time? Would I make friends?
But then something shifted. I gave myself permission to be uncomfortable for a while. That mindset made all the difference.
What helped the most was saying “yes” to things, even when I was nervous or tired or unsure. I signed up for random program activites and attended casual intern meetups. I went on spontaneous weekend trips. I asked my roommates to grab food after work and invited people to explore the city. Slowly but surely, those small yeses built a new network of people I now consider close friends.
Some of my favorite memories abroad so far have come from these unexpected friendships: shopping for hours on end at Plaza Catalunya, late-night walks through the Gothic quarter, dancing until sunrise at the Barceloneta, or just venting about our day over drinks and tapas.
If you’re someone who feels homesick or is afraid that you will, my biggest advice is to give yourself grace. It’s okay to miss home. It’s okay to feel out of place. But don’t let those feelings stop you from opening up to new people and experiences. Reach out, say hello, make the first move.
Everyone’s a little out of their comfort zone, and chances are, they’re looking for connection just as much as you are.
Over time, you’ll find that "home" can be more than just one place. It can be a feeling, one that you create wherever you are, with the people you choose to surround yourself with. For me, Barcelona has become that kind of home, and I wouldn’t trade that journey for anything.
