Many of us find ourselves at points in life when we feel a tad stifled, a tad stuck, perhaps even a bit disoriented or a touch lost. As I neared the culmination of my undergraduate journey at the University of Bern in Switzerland, I, too, began sensing a need for a change, a desire for a breath of fresh air. Then, I decided to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK.
One of my early astonishments was the realisation that I couldn't merely enrol in a university; instead, I had to navigate a rigorous application process. Thankfully, my thesis supervisor, a native of the UK, provided much-needed guidance. I quickly grasped that it wasn't just about selecting the subject of study; the university's ranking also played a pivotal role in shaping the quality and reputation of my degree. It was rather reminiscent of our educational system, where specific grades determine the path forward, much like how universities operate in the UK.
Engaging in extracurricular activities was an added bonus, and my involvement in a dance crew, a theatre company, and my work experiences stood me in good stead during the application process. However, these subtleties aren't always emphasised in brochures promoting study abroad.
The financial aspect of my journey was also worth noting. In the UK, tuition fees are considerably higher than what I was accustomed to in Switzerland. However, I count myself fortunate in this regard. You see, due to my status as a Swiss worker, I was eligible for what's known as the home fee, as opposed to the considerably more expensive international fee. This financial break eased some of the burden that comes with studying abroad. It allowed me to focus more on my academic pursuits and personal growth, knowing that I wasn't struggling with exorbitant tuition costs. The experience of enjoying the benefits of studying in the UK without the additional financial strain was indeed a significant relief. This financial advantage was also made possible by my prior experience of working during my undergraduate studies. I had the opportunity to work as a note-taker at the university, which provided invaluable experience and contributed to my ability to qualify for the home fee.
After applying to numerous universities, I found my ideal program at Sussex and had the good fortune to secure a spot. My time at Sussex turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I resided on campus and spent numerous hours in the library, which, in hindsight, sounded like a scene from a movie. However, films tend to focus on the highlights, like the lifelong friendships I forged with some remarkable individuals and the immersion in a different culture. I kept going to dance classes and enjoyed my nature walks. I do dearly miss the pub culture, a term I employ because it genuinely felt like an integral part of daily life. Pubs are places where you can savour a cup of coffee or a pint at any hour of the day, fostering a distinctive social atmosphere. And, naturally, I couldn't resist a good old pub crawl.
While the benefits of studying abroad are often celebrated, some challenges remain. Language barriers extended beyond the comprehension of literary and philosophical texts. They included understanding the subtleties of discussions and the art of disagreeing without coming across as aggressive or rude. Adapting my communication style was a gradual but valuable lesson, and I have come to enjoy the art of polite rudeness tremendously.
There is one challenge that often remains unspoken: homesickness. Initially, homesickness was a silent battle I faced. Being away from family, friends and familiar surroundings was emotionally challenging.
I underestimated that homesickness was more than missing people; it extended to the absence of familiarity. It was about not knowing the person behind the cashier's counter in the supermarket, not having unconscious or conscious memories tied to the streets I walked. The sense of dislocation and estrangement from familiar surroundings added to the weight of homesickness. Homesickness took a toll on my confidence and sense of self. The feeling of being adrift in a foreign land, detached from the comforting familiarity of home, left me questioning my identity and self-worth. It challenged me to adapt to a new environment and communication style, sometimes causing self-doubt. And the self-imposed pressure that I am supposed to enjoy my experience abroad and the misplaced shame for feeling homesick. Only when I began to communicate it with friends, family and other international students did I realise that I am not the only one experiencing this and that enjoying my time does not mean I cannot, at times, long to go home.
The benefits of studying abroad were not just academic; they encompassed emotional growth and learning to navigate life in a different culture. I discovered that experiences abroad could be both wonderful and challenging and that embracing the entire spectrum of feelings that came with it was perfectly acceptable. These lessons held as much, if not more, value as the academic knowledge I acquired. I understood that life abroad and in general can be a harmonious blend of joy and adversity, and one should fully embrace the light and the shadows.
Homesickness dealt a blow to my self-assuredness and my sense of identity. The sensation of being adrift in a foreign land, detached from the comforting embrace of home, led to a period of introspection and self-doubt.
Amidst my own battle with homesickness, I yearned for the mundane, for the warmth of family and the camaraderie of friends, which grew more pronounced with each passing day. I, too, held out hope for the day when I could return home to the embrace of loved ones and the comforting familiarity that I had taken for granted. Until that day arrived, I could only reassure myself that I was patiently awaiting the moment when I could bridge the gap between the life I led abroad and the life I longed to return to. Homesickness served as a poignant reminder that it's often the simple, everyday moments we hold most dear.
The benefits of studying abroad were not just academic; they encompassed emotional growth and learning to navigate life in a different culture. I discovered that experiences abroad could be both wonderful and challenging and that embracing the entire spectrum of feelings that came with it was perfectly acceptable. These emotional lessons held as much, if not more, value as the academic knowledge I acquired. I came to understand that life, both abroad and in general, can be a harmonious blend of joy and adversity, and one should fully embrace the light as well as the shadows.