Words and photos from Layla Delbono, who studied abroad with ASA in Buenos Aires in 2013.
It was day nine of my study abroad experience in Buenos Aires back in 2013, and I was feeling extremely homesick. Homesickness while abroad is to be expected, but for some reason, I was still very shocked to be experiencing it. I felt incredibly fortunate to have ASA by my side during those challenging moments because I knew I had a community to turn to for support.
One night, my peers from ASA invited me to explore the nightlife in Buenos Aires. I was nervous that I might feel more homesick while being so far from my bed, but I decided to ditch the PJs and explore my new town anyway!
Little did I know I would meet my husband that night…
Photo: A picture from a night out on the town with Maximiliano’s family during my study abroad experience Photo credit to my suegra!
Believe me when I say I did not expect to find love abroad. But meeting Maximiliano was the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He made me feel right at home, and I was shocked to feel my homesickness melt away by his side.
Shortly after meeting Maxi, his family welcomed me into their warm, Argentinian casa to enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal. Talk about not feeling homesick anymore! In that moment, I truly felt I could live in Argentina forever. Getting to know such a beautiful family from a completely different part of the world made the world seem smaller. And I found comfort in that.
Photo: A picture from our last trip to Buenos Aires when we took our baby boy to meet his family from Argentina for the first time. In this picture, we are touring the River Plate stadium which was a necessary stop for our future River Plate fan!
All of this is not to say that finding love abroad is the only way to beat homesickness. Actually, I am confident that any form of connection will help you feel more at home abroad. Whether that be joining a gym, taking dance classes, or making friends with your local baristas, making friends with the locals will definitely inspire you to stay a little longer.
Time and time again, I watched friends from my study abroad group extend their trips in order to spend more time with friends they had made abroad.
In conclusion, I would encourage you to accept any and all invitations to ditch your PJs and explore your new city. Who knows… you might just meet your lifelong partner that way!
Thanks Layla!