Cons
1. You have to learn to be independent.
Unlike a study abroad program, where you are around peers and campus life with planned activities and outings, an intern abroad is structured in a way that forces you to be independent more than anything. While this may not seem like a con, many interns don’t realize this until they arrive abroad. There will be a few excursions that the language school provides during your two weeks of Spanish classes to get you acquainted with other students. But keep in mind that Adelante does not arrange any additional, concrete excursions. We can, however, point you in the direction of resources at your disposal. For example, the local Adelante directors are more than happy to share travel advice or help you to arrange plans.
Solution: It may be shocking at first for first-time solo travelers, but you’ll soon get the hang of so much independence and freedom. By the end of the trip, you’ll be amazed that you were in total control of your experience abroad.
2. Everyone experiences homesickness differently.
Being in a foreign country will make you compare everything about that country and your own. Small things like not having your favorite brand of cereal or adapting to a different time schedule will surely throw you off guard at first. Such things lead to an increased feeling of homesickness and can make you feel lonely and isolated from familiarity and a sense of belonging. You’ll want to call your friends or family from home, instead of exploring your new city; or feel too stubborn to adjust to a different lifestyle and surroundings. These are all natural examples of “culture shock” but feeling homesick won’t last forever. However, everyone experiences it differently than others. Some may feel homesick for longer or shorter periods, or sporadically throughout their trip.
Solution: Fortunately, it’s so easy to pick up your phone and send a text message or start a video chat with a loved one from home. And don’t feel guilty about indulging in a hometown dish or at your favorite fast-food restaurant once in a while.
3. Reverse culture shock is real.
Reverse culture shock happens when you’ve returned to your hometown and are adjusting back to your original routines, mannerisms, and lifestyle. You may start to feel disoriented, uninterested, and constantly missing being abroad. Overcoming reverse culture shock will be a challenge in itself, but there will be a recovery period and a positive outcome (See figure below, “Reverse Culture Shock“). Many people return home from long-term trips abroad and make it their goal to go abroad soon. Some even go as far as making traveling or living abroad a career or their second home.
Solution: So even though you’ll likely feel bummed out upon returning home initially, it’s completely natural and okay to feel this way. While you’re riding through the different stages of reverse culture shock, take the time to reflect on your intern abroad and to think about how you want to move forward from it. We assure you that you will have changed and grown for the better!