myBama
Counseling Center

Study Abroad Resources

Surviving Homesickness Abroad

Studying abroad is exciting, life-changing and sometimes overwhelming. Being far from home, familiar routines and your support system can be uncomfortable. Remember that missing home is completely normal, and many students experience this. 

Homesickness abroad can show up as:

  • Feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed without a clear reason
  • Wanting to go home soon after arriving
  • Crying more than usual
  • Struggling with food, sleep or routines
  • Feeling out of place or disconnected
  • Missing familiar faces, places, language or cultural norms

It’s not simply about missing home, but also about adjusting to a completely new culture, language barriers, time differences and traveling with classmates and faculty members. Some students adjust quickly, while others take more time. Both are completely OK!

What Can Help?

  • Acknowledge your feelings – Missing home is part of the process
  • Make your space comforting – Bring photos or small items from home
  • Get out and explore – Learn your new city and try new things
  • Stay connected – Check in with family and friends, but don’t overdo it
  • Meet new people – Join activities and excursions and get to know your peers
  • Create a routine – Build structure into your days
  • Be open to the culture – Try new foods, customs and experiences
  • Write it out – Journaling helps you reflect and process
  • Be patient with yourself – You’re learning and growing, not aiming for perfection

Don’t Wait for It to Go Away

If after a few weeks, you’re still struggling:

  • Talk to your program director
  • Reach out to trusted fellow students in your program
  • Explore the Counseling Center’s Study Abroad Mental Health Resources document

Final Reminder:

You’re not the only one feeling this way—and you won’t feel this way forever. Adjusting takes time. Be patient with yourself, take small steps and ask for help if you need it.

Conflict Resolution and Difficult Conversations

Conflict can be a normal part of traveling with others. Remember to address things early, ask for space when needed and reach out to leaders for support.

Start Here: Ask Yourself

Before addressing the conflict, take a moment to reflect:

  1. What do I want from this interaction?
  2. How important is this relationship?
  3. How do I want to feel about myself afterward?

Balance your goals with mindfulness and emotional regulation. These are skills to build with practice, not inherently known.

Three Goals in Any Conversation

Use these acronyms to help you remember.

  1. Get what you want (DEARMAN)
  2. Maintain the relationship (GIVE)
  3. Stay true to your values and self-respect (FAST)

DEARMAN

Ask for What You Need
  • Describe—State facts objectively
  • Express—Share feelings/opinions clearly (“I feel…I think…” not “You did…You think…”)
  • Assert—Ask for what you need
  • Reinforce—Explain the benefits of resolving the issue
  • Mindful—Stay focused on the goal, don’t get off topic
  • Appear confident—Your tone and body language matter
  • Negotiate—Be willing to offer compromises

GIVE

Maintain the Relationship
  • Gentle—Avoid judgement or threats
  • Interested—Listen actively
  • Validate—Acknowledge their perspective
  • Easy manner—Use warmth and humor to help when appropriate

FAST

Maintain Self-Respect
  • Fair—Be fair to yourself and others
  • Apologies (limited)—Only when necessary
  • Stick to values—Don’t compromise what matters to you
  • Truthful—Avoid exaggerating or making excuses

Mental Health Resources

Togetherall

  • Free 24/7 peer support for UA students
  • Safe, confidential online chat to share experiences and process
  • Monitored by licensed mental health professionals

International SOS (UA Sponsored)

  • 24/7, free, unlimited medical, mental health and emergency consultations
  • Access care (mental health, prescriptions, emergencies) via phone, video, or in-person: call +1-215-942-8478 or use the app
  • Register 1 month prior to travel, download the app, and carry the ISOS membership card
  • UA’s Membership Number: 11BCAM831609professionals

Uwill (UA Sponsored)

  • Immediate access to 3 free teletherapy sessions
  • Create a profile, search for a therapist based on your location, preferences, and time that fits your schedule

Crisis Support (U.S.-based)

  • Call 988, or text “HOME” to 741-741 for 24/7 crisis support
  • Provides immediate help and can connect you to emergency services
  • Limited availability of ongoing resources outside the U.S.
  • Standard messaging/data or international calling charges may apply depending on carrier and location

“Warm” Phone Lines (non-crisis support)

  • Talk through concerns, get advice, or feel heard
  • Wings Across Alabama: 844-999-4647
  • Warmline.org: 470-833-1323 (24/7) or 205-323-7777
  • Long distance/international calling charges may apply depending on carrier and location

Various Online Mental Health Directories

Find therapists or coaches; filter by needs, location and payment options.

Better Help

Video, phone, messaging; $70-$100; insurance not accepted.