Paragons of Culture Return From Studying Abroad, Unable to Readjust to College Life
This article originally appeared in The Mugdown’s Fall 2021 print edition. To view a digital copy of the print edition, click here.
This past summer, many students went abroad to earn credit hours, encounter different cultures, learn new languages and visit well-known historical sites. For most, the experience has left them struggling to readjust to college life.
Extreme jet lag is a grueling battle for many students with the time difference between America and foreign countries. “When I first got home, I just could not get any rest and ended up bedridden for a week from exhaustion and fatigue,” said junior Nicole Richardson. [Editor’s note: Richardson was recently diagnosed with insomnia.]
Reverse culture shock has also struck some of the students returning home. “I was so used to staying out at the bars until 5:00 AM and sleeping in until noon every day in London. Northgate just isn’t the same. 2:00 AM is too early for the bars to close!” said senior Scott Andrews. “Also, I have to get up at 8:00 AM every day for class now. School wasn’t like this in England!” [Editor’s note: Andrews recently missed his first quiz because he slept in until 11:00 AM.]
“I just miss my new girlfriend I met in Spain,” said junior George Milton. “I don’t know how we’re going to make long-distance work yet, but it’s a challenge we’re willing to face together.” [Editor’s note: Milton and his girlfriend broke up over FaceTime two weeks later.]
For many returning students, figuring out what they are going to eat for their next meal is the biggest obstacle of their day. “My host family cooked every meal for me, but now I have to cook for myself again and buy my own groceries. The only good thing about being home is that my bank account can begin to recover. Too bad I don’t have a job here and the wine is more expensive,” said senior Jackson Goodfellow.
With the new unfortunate realities that these students must face, they must find activities and friends that will help them distract them from obsessively reminiscing on the best days of their life.
— Mugdown Staff
