Returning home after studying abroad is an emotional experience. After months of living in a new country surrounded by different cultures and experiences, coming back can feel like stepping into a familiar world that’s subtly changed—or maybe, you’ve changed.
Spain became a second home for me, with memories of exploring Madrid’s Prado Museum, Toledo’s historic synagogues and cathedrals, and Valencia’s Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias. Weekends were spent discovering Luxembourg’s Christmas markets, Trier’s charm, and Budapest’s vibrant energy. Each place shaped me, leaving me with new perspectives and a sense of growth. From savoring fresh market produce to navigating the intricacies of another language, these experiences became part of my daily rhythm, expanding my comfort zone in ways I never expected.
Returning felt like stepping into a time capsule. The routines, language, and even the food at home felt unfamiliar after months of tapas, siestas, and navigating Spanish grocery stores. The fast-paced lifestyle of my hometown clashed with the rhythm I had embraced abroad. Reconnecting with friends and family was bittersweet—I missed them but struggled to articulate how much I’d changed.
How do you explain the awe of standing before Gaudí’s Sagrada Família or the peace of swimming in Ibiza’s turquoise waters? Even the smaller moments, like enjoying a leisurely café con leche at a corner café, left imprints on me. These experiences transformed me in ways that felt hard to share, making it challenging to bridge the gap between who I was and who I had become.
“Reverse culture shock” captures the strange disorientation of adjusting back to life at home. I found myself longing for the unpredictability of travel—the thrill of exploring new cities, the joy of discovering hidden gems, and even the challenges of adapting to a foreign culture. Life at home felt predictable and routine by comparison. It was lonely, too, as those around me couldn’t fully grasp the patience, adaptability, and appreciation for small joys I had gained. These shifts were invisible to others but profoundly shaped my worldview. The memories of walking through Valencia’s futuristic architecture or standing in Trier’s ancient Roman ruins often replayed in my mind, reminding me of the depth and diversity of experiences I had embraced.
Returning home is not just about physical relocation but about emotional and psychological readjustment. I’ve leaned on storytelling to process this transition, sharing memories and lessons with others. Cooking Spanish dishes and incorporating elements of Spanish culture into my daily life have helped me stay connected to the person I became abroad. Over time, I’ve found ways to merge my experiences into my current life, balancing the old and the new. Rediscovering my hometown through a lens of gratitude has also been part of the process. I’ve learned to appreciate familiar places and people in a way I hadn’t before, recognizing that growth doesn’t erase what came before but adds to it.
This journey has shown me that home is more than a place. It’s a collection of experiences, people, and lessons that shape who you are. While I’ve left Spain, its memories, friendships, and lessons will always be with me, enriching the life I live now and the person I continue to become. The person who stood in awe of Gaudí’s creations, wandered through Luxembourg’s festive markets, and savored the vibrant life of Budapest still exists within me. Each adventure has added layers to my identity, reminding me that home is not a fixed point but a journey of constant rediscovery.
Jamie Kobin is a student at the University of Tennessee and an ISA Featured Blogger. She is studying with ISA in Salamanca, Spain.
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