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:
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Homesickness (everything feels unfamiliar)
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Financial pressure (part-time job struggles, rent, currency conversion guilt)
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Academic overwhelm (assignments, self-study, no hand-holding)
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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:
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Phase One: The Excitement Bubble
Everything’s new. You’re hyped. You’re exploring. -
Phase Two: The Crash (you’re here)
Reality hits. You miss home. You feel stuck. This is where most people feel like quitting. -
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:
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A weekly call with your family
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Cooking your favourite Indian meal every Sunday
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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.
