Abroad internship
Posted by Eastern_Shock_7562@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 9 comments
hello all,
i recently arrived in europe for an internship for the next three months. I just graduated last week and left my husband back in the states so he can work while i intern here.
i am feeling everything, anxiety and stress if i made the wrong decision. i know it’s only my first week but i can’t help but cry out in wanting to go back home. i know it’s cuz of change but how can i get over this so i can actually enjoy and learn?
does those feelings go away or should i just call it good and go back? any suggestions on how to still feel connected to my family and husband, get over my fears and enjoy here for three months?
volunteerhq@reddit
heads up, i work at HQ Travel Group on the marketing side. we run Intern Abroad HQ which sends interns on programs like yours, so i've heard variations of this exact post more times than i can count, and i mean that in an encouraging way. what you're feeling is the most common shape of week one abroad. it peaks around days 5 to 10 and lifts on its own once your nervous system catches up.
The interns we hear from at the four-week mark almost always say something like "i can't believe i nearly went home." you're going to be one of them. a few things that help: build a tiny routine fast (one coffee shop, one walking route, one grocery store), schedule calls with your husband at predictable times instead of checking in all day, and try one small uncomfortable thing daily to chip away at the "i can't do this" voice.
Most useful thing of all though: reach out to your program manager. they've watched dozens of interns ride through exactly this in week one and they'll have specific advice for your city and your program, plus they can usually connect you with other interns nearby. that's literally what they're there for.
if it's any help, i also left my husband-to-be to go and work in the UK for two years. we only managed to meet up once during that whole time, in india, and it set me up for life in my career. i can't stress how much you'll thank yourself for sticking it out.
You're gonna be OK!
ellytic@reddit
Hey there,
First off, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious when moving to a new country, especially for an internship. You're going through a significant transition, and those feelings often come with it. Here are some tips to help you settle in and make the most of your time abroad:
Remember, many expats go through this, and it usually gets better with time. If you find that your feelings are too overwhelming, consider reaching out to a local counselor or mental health professional.
Full disclosure: I work at Ellytic (ellytic.com), which helps with AFM registration and related services in Greece. If you have any questions about bureaucracy or settling in, feel free to ask! Good luck with your internship!
Expensive_Session230@reddit
Don't mistake excitement for fear. It takes 90 days minimum to get used to people, places and things even when it's just in the same area.
You're going to be fine. Can you do FaceTime or some app to touch home base once a week? If so, do it.
wapera@reddit
Envision yourself in the future: Will you want to remember this experience as one of growth (professional and personal) and happy new adventures OR would you rather remember this as one where you spent most of it being sad until it was time to go and then you regretting spending so much time being sad?
Regardless, the 3 months will go by whether you stay in Europe or quit and go home.
I am by no means trying to invalidate your very real feelings. It’s hard to step away from your home, life, culture, language, and be completely on your own across the world. Culture shock is so real. But my best advice is to remember why you’re doing this. The person who hit “apply” really wanted this and you got it! These months will fly.
Illustrious-Bowl6844@reddit
Is this your first time being so far away from home?? It’s okay to feel anxious. As you said, it’s just your first week - everything is new for you, even the air smells different, right? It’s just normal that your body warns you and makes you feel all these feelings at once - you need to give yourself time. It can be very difficult to adapt at first, but this stress mixture won’t last forever. And look - if it does? You can always go back. You are brave to come on your own to another continent to make your life better and even trying out is a great achievement!
Is there any chance you will have some company? Maybe if you’re alone your head is going into this dark places and therefore you think blue. When you try socializing maybe it will get better?
I don’t know if you’re a male or female but if you’re female - there is a group called GGI (girl gone international) on Facebook and they have a group for every major city in the world - try to join, introduce yourself and try to seek for help from other women in your situation. Community makes a difference.
Try to maybe book some experiences? On get your guide, like tours and workshops to immerse in the experience.
I think they key here is timing - see how you will feel in the coming days, weeks.
Kiwiatx@reddit
You’re experiencing culture shock and home sickness. It won’t last forever. Remember why you took the internship. Make a list of things you’re interested in seeing, tasting, trying or doing in your new area. You’re not going to be there forever so make the most of it.
Humble_Interest_9048@reddit
Deep breaths. Lean in. Take a walk around your new ‘hood. Learn how to say yes, please, thank you, and I’m sorry in the language native to the country you are in. You’re likely only just getting over jet lag. Take a beat and try not to over think. It’s three months, not forever.
Catcher_Thelonious@reddit
Yes, if you stay long enough they will go away, but that will take a few years.
In the meantime, you need to not dwell on those thoughts. Find things to do. Focus on your internship, go on long walks to explore your new surroundings, go to the gym, join some clubs or groups focused around your interests. Time will pass quickly.
Ok-Charge-9091@reddit
But you chose this right? You just arrived at a foreign land. You know pretty much nothing and no one.
What were you expecting then? Welcome party and different persons engaging you every day of the week?