You did it. You’re really departing.
Did you ever actually think that this day would come? You attended meetings, you read your handbook, you asked questions, and it’s all for this.
Your plane is departing in a few hours, and you will hug and kiss your loved ones before embarking on your journey.
You’ve gone through the ups and downs of submitting paperwork, getting your courses in order (… kinda…), arranging housing (… as much as you could…), and making sure that your visa and passport are in order.
Not to mention the many conversations you have had with your friends and family detailing your upcoming adventures, sharing as much information as you have available to you, and trying not to convey your own concerns while simultaneously trying to help them deal with their own.
But you do have concerns.
How will the jet lag affect you? Will you make friends? How will you like the food? How will you react when something goes wrong? Will your courses be challenging? How will you like your professors? Will you regret going with your friends? Or will you regret not going with your friends?
…Will you be okay when you are alone?
Will you be okay?
Deep down, you know that you will be able to handle anything and everything that you encounter.
You have demonstrated resilience.
You have shown resourcefulness.
Departing will be easier than you thought.
Even if you have had anxiety, you have continued to pursue your dream of studying abroad.
There were days when you thought that it simply wasn’t going to happen. There were days when you thought that it wasn’t going to be possible. And there were days when you just weren’t sure if it was going to be worth it.
But you know that it will be worth it.
You know that you will have your highest highs while studying abroad, but you also are aware that you will likely have your lowest lows. You are prepared for the differences in your host culture, and you are ready to embrace the adventures waiting for you regardless of the challenges you will face.
Because you know that you will return a different person.
You know that the word “home” will start to have a new meaning.
You are ready.
We will miss you. But we are excited for you (and not a little jealous of you).
As your advisors, we do genuinely care about you (even though there were times that we sounded exasperated).
When you are departing, a part of us leaves with you too.
We know that we can say any words of support to you, but we think that Dr. Seuss said it best in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go:”
“Congratulations! Today is your day! You’re off to great places – you’re off and away! You’ve got brains in your head, you’ve got feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose… Oh, the places you”ll go!”
We will be eagerly awaiting your return.
We hope to hear from you when you’re gone (even though we probably won’t, since you’ll be too busy going on adventures!).
You are ready. You’ve got this.
Safe travels, and “now get on your way!”
Related Posts:
7 Habits of Successful Study Abroad Students
Checklist: Things to Do During Your First Week Abroad
Why You Should Use the STEP Program
Study Abroad Guide: Departure Phase
4 Mistakes to Avoid While Traveling