Mental Health While Studying Abroad

Words and photos by Vanessa Pollari, who studied abroad with ASA in Florence, Italy, during the spring semester of 2025. 

Hi! I’m Vanessa, and I studied abroad last spring in Florence, Italy!

Studying abroad comes with a lot of ups and downs and a lot of discomfort. Being uncomfortable is part of the process, and where all your growth will come from! You’re going to experience living in not only a new place, but a new country entirely!

BE COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE

People may not speak the same language, do things the same way, or have the same food or products you are used to. The whole point of studying abroad is to adjust to a new environment that isn’t the same as what you’re used to at home. There are going to be times where you may feel embarrassed or uneasy about a new or difficult situation. Take a second, realize that it’s normal and you’re learning the best you can, and it’s not a big deal! You’re also most likely going to be living with new people; hopefully, you get along and have some of the same habits, but if not, it’s going to take some adjustment and communication. Your apartment may not stay clean, there may be dishes in the sink, clothes filling the clothing rack, and a dirty shower with no shelves in it. Although it’s not fun, you’re going to have to learn to live with it for a little while. Though if it is really bothering you, maybe it warrants a conversation with your roommates!

TAKE TIME TO RELAX

Everyone is going to tell you to spend as much time out of your apartment as possible, and to never take naps or relax. That is not true! Although you shouldn’t stay cooped up in your apartment for hours when you could be out exploring your country, don’t feel guilty about relaxing for a little bit. It’s important in your busy days and new routines to take time for yourself. Watch a show or a movie, take a quick nap, read a book, journal, or have some unwinding time. Although this semester is supposed to be about fun, leave some time for relaxation!

GO FOR A WALK

I went for a lot of walks while studying abroad. On days I didn’t have class, I made a point to get out and get active. My roommate and I found a loop we loved to do, which got us up to Piazza Michelangelo, and around the city all the way back through. Walking was a great time to chat with my roommates, get active, or talk on the phone with family and friends from back home. Also, walking around the city gives you so much experience walking around and finding your way through the city. I learned so many different routes and connections by taking aimless walks through the city. It is important to keep your body moving, especially when you’re eating so much amazing pasta and pizza!

TALK TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY FROM HOME

My roommate would get homesick here and there, more than I would. I noticed that sometimes she would go on walks by herself, specifically to talk on the phone with her family and friends. I think this time was special to her because she got to get outside and be active, while catching up with people from back home to ease her homesickness. Homesickness and missing your friends and family are inevitable while studying abroad. Make sure you have time to catch up with people, as they miss you too!

MISCELLANEOUS THINGS

• Classes. Make sure to keep up on your school work. Find a place where you can unwind and spend some time on your classes. The earlier you get things done, the less you have to worry about later! Falling behind in class can really bring you down. Make sure to always go to class! Save your skips for when it really counts, trust me. When you get to the end and have a trip opportunity, but you used your skips because you were too tired, you will regret it!

• Schedule. Find a schedule. Having a schedule while studying abroad can be hard, but if you’re like me, having a schedule makes me feel way more put together and less frazzled about my daily life.
• Tidy. Keep your space clean! Cleaning is a stress reliever for me, and coming back to a clean environment always makes me feel good after a long day. 
• Keep busy. Keep yourself busy; the longer you hang out in your room because you have some anxiety or homesickness, the longer you won't feel well. Get outside, hang out with some friends, grab a coffee, go for a walk, grab some lunch... I promise it will make you feel so much better.
• ASA support. Your ASA program advisors are always there for you! If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, they are always happy to help; it’s like having a second mom overseas with you!
• Journal! It is always nice to get your thoughts and feelings out on paper, and it can make you feel better if you’re feeling anxious or stressed.
• Have fun!

Those are some tips and tricks I have for you to keep your mental health a priority while studying abroad. You are going through a lot of changes, so it’s important to keep track of your mental health while studying abroad.  

Thanks, Vanessa!