Feeling Lost Abroad? You’re Not Alone. Here’s What to Do

From money stress to culture shock, how thousands of students make it through the toughest phase of studying abroad (and you will too).

May 27, 2025   |   3 minute read

This Isn’t Just Your Story

At GradGuide, we hear this all the time:

"I thought going abroad would change my life. But now I just feel tired, behind, and unsure of everything.”

First things first - you’re not failing.
You’re just going through what nearly every international student experiences but no one talks about.

It’s that brutal cocktail of:

  • Homesickness (everything feels unfamiliar)

  • Financial pressure (part-time job struggles, rent, currency conversion guilt)

  • Academic overwhelm (assignments, self-study, no hand-holding)

  • Social disconnection (missing your people, not “fitting in”)

Let’s break this down and show you how students actually get through it.


You’re Not Alone, You’re Just in “Phase Two”

Think of your study abroad experience in 3 phases:

  1. Phase One: The Excitement Bubble
    Everything’s new. You’re hyped. You’re exploring.

  2. Phase Two: The Crash (you’re here)
    Reality hits. You miss home. You feel stuck. This is where most people feel like quitting.

  3. Phase Three: The Breakthrough
    You find your rhythm. You settle in. Confidence grows. It gets better.

Most students get stuck in Phase Two because they think they’re the only ones going through it. You’re not.


 What You Can Do Right Now


1. Create a “Home Anchor”

Set up 2–3 rituals that remind you of home:

  • A weekly call with your family

  • Cooking your favourite Indian meal every Sunday

  • Watching one Hindi movie every Friday

Comfort creates stability.


2. Reset Your Money Mindset

Don’t let guilt eat you up. Yes, it's expensive but education is an investment.
Use budgeting apps like Revolut, Wise, or Excel sheets. Track what you can control.

💡 Tip: Most part-time jobs pick up in your second month. Be patient.


3. Find One Familiar Face

You don’t need 10 friends. Start with one.
Join a student WhatsApp group. Say hi to someone in class. Attend one campus mixer. The right people show up when you do too.


4. Talk to Someone Who’s Been Through It

You’re not weak for needing help.
Reach out to an alum, a GradGuide mentor, or even a mental health support line. Venting without judgment can change everything.


You Will Adjust, Just Give It Time

You’re already incredibly brave. You left home, started fresh, and are still standing.
That’s strength. That’s grit.
And in a few months, you’ll look back and say, “that was the moment I didn’t give up.”

Final Words

You don’t need to have it all figured out today.
You just need to make it through this week.

The most successful students abroad weren’t the smartest or the richest.
They were the ones who stayed.

You’ve already come this far. Now let GradGuide help you go further with support that doesn’t end after your visa gets approved.


GradGuide Tip: Don't Measure Your Life by Someone’s Instagram Highlight Reel

What you see online is 2% of someone’s life. Everyone struggles, some just edit it better. Focus on your timeline, not theirs. Real growth feels slow but shows up in big ways later.

What Students Ask Us During Tough Times

What Students Ask Us During Tough Times

What if I made the wrong decision coming abroad?

It’s okay to feel that way. Many students feel regret in the first few months it doesn’t mean the entire decision was wrong. Sometimes it’s just the adjustment phase. Give yourself at least one semester before evaluating things seriously.

I’m running out of money. What should I do?

Speak to your university’s international student office. Many offer emergency funds, food support, or short-term housing help. Also, explore part-time job options on-campus where visa rules are more flexible. GradGuide counselors can help you explore legal side gigs too.

I don’t feel like I belong here. Is that normal?

Very. Cultural shock is real. But the more you show up to class, events, or student groups even awkwardly, the more you find people who feel just like you. Start small, but stay consistent.

Will it always feel like this?

No. You’re in the hardest part. And the truth is, every single student we’ve spoken to who stuck through it came out stronger, smarter, and more confident. You will too.

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