Are you currently studying abroad and want to know more about what it will be like when you’re back home? Or, do you want to go on a minor abroad but don’t know what to expect? This blog is for you! Hylke shares what it was like coming back home after her time studying at University College Cork in Cork, Ireland, and gives some useful tips.

If you’re interested in the whole process before going away - including applying for a minor abroad - and want some tips, you can read part one of this series! Read part two, if you’re interested in what it’s like to study abroad.

Hi, I’m Hylke! I’m currently a MA English Literature student. In the first semester of the third year of my Bachelor’s (September 2021 - December 2021), I went on a minor abroad to Cork in Ireland. Because of COVID-19, there was a lot of uncertainty whether I could go. Luckily, I could! While there were some regulations in place, I could go to in-person lectures and seminars all throughout the semester. It was such a great experience! I made lifelong (international) friends, saw some beautiful places and got to know the Irish language, history and culture. I can’t recommend going on a minor abroad enough! :)

#1 Relax

Especially after a wonderful few months away, being back home can be overwhelming and strange. That’s why it’s important to relax! Let your whole exchange experience sink in for a bit, write it down or make a photo album so you don’t forget it, and slowly get back into your routines at home. I loved being at home again, eating familiar meals and seeing everyone I had missed! But I also sometimes felt like a stranger because I had been away for so long, which is totally normal. Take your time adjusting :).

#2 Stay in touch with your friends

You will definitely make some (lifelong) friends during your time abroad with whom it’s nice to stay in touch! I, for example, stayed in touch with my roommates through What’s App and Snapchat on which we occasionally asked each other how it was going and sent photos etc. Because of this, we went to Lisbon together last summer which was amazing! It was so lovely to see each other again, to catch up with them and to make a trip down the memory lane. Really try to make an effort in staying connected with your friends, because it’s 100% worth it!

#3 Complete your minor abroad

Last but not least, you have to complete your minor abroad in terms of paperwork. I know you probably don’t want to think about this, I certainly didn’t after I got back, but it’s an important last step! I had to upload my final Learning Agreement and transcript of records signed by all parties, had to write a study report about my experience, and had to make sure that my grades were registered in Progress. After that, I received the last amount of my Erasmus+ grant and I was officially done with my minor abroad! (Make sure to check what you have to do to get all the paperwork in order because it differs per exchange programme and per faculty!)

Now that you’ve read this blog you know what you can expect when coming back home. I hope you had or currently have a wonderful time studying in your host country! If you’ve done a minor abroad as well, share your experience and tips in the comments below! We’d love to read them! :)