Studying abroad offers Kent State students a chance to explore new cultures and gain life-changing experiences, but students often face culture shock upon arrival and after returning. 

Homesickness hit Miranda Hanavan hard during her first month in South Korea. The senior advertising major missed familiar comforts while studying at Dankook University in Fall 2023, like the start of football season and seeing friends. 

“I always FaceTimed [my parents], but I was like, this is what I’ve always wanted to do, so I kind of just tried to immerse myself into that,” Hanavan said. 

Video calls with her parents helped ease the transition. Over time, Hanavan adjusted by embracing Korean culture and pushing herself to be more independent.

“I originally wanted to study in Japan, but it just didn’t work out, so I chose Korea,” Hanavan said. “I listened to K-pop sometimes, so I also had a little bit of an idea of the culture and what was to be expected when I went.”

Hanavan was excited about the trip, but adjusting to the new environment proved more difficult than expected. However, her familiarity with Korean culture through K-pop helped her transition. Over time, she became more comfortable in her new surroundings.

Navigating South Korea’s public transportation posed a significant challenge for her. Limited public transit in Ohio created difficulties, especially compared to her European friends who understood such systems better. 

“Living in Ohio, I think the public transportation I was used to was like nonexistent, and I barely take it,” she said. “All my other friends are from Europe, so they knew how to do that, and I was like, ‘Well, I don’t know how to do this.’”

Hanavan said she appreciated Korea’s group-oriented culture and the “third places” such as coffee shops and karaoke bars that encouraged social activities. Returning to Kent felt quieter by comparison. 

“I miss doing spontaneous activities, and I just miss doing random stuff,” she said. “I think I just really miss being surrounded by people who thought like me … we always had something to talk about.” 

Molly Papay, assistant director for education abroad at Kent State, said students commonly experience highs and lows during their time abroad. While initial excitement takes over the first few days abroad, homesickness often sets in soon after.

“You’re excited, but you’re nervous,” Papay said. “Once you get there, everything feels shiny and new, and the food is amazing and the sights are amazing … but then after a few days … you start to feel like, ‘Okay, well, I actually miss my dog … I’m jet lagged and tired.’” 

To prepare students for these challenges, Kent State requires a pre-departure orientation for all study-abroad participants. The program covers topics such as airport navigation and packing considerations, as well as the emotional aspects like culture shock and mental health support.

Papay said the value of reflection before and after studying abroad is important. She recommended setting realistic goals before leaving to help navigate tough times abroad. When coming home, she suggested using digital storytelling to process these experiences.

“Capturing some of those daily details can help students reflect on their journey,” Papay said. “It’s also helpful when sharing your experience with others who weren’t there.”

South Korea’s academic culture emphasizes respect for elders, often shown through gestures like bowing. Hanavan found herself still bowing to friends back home, a habit she developed while abroad. For Hanavan, studying abroad reshaped her perspective on life and travel. 

“There is so much the world has to offer,” she said. “I don’t think that’s pushed enough … people just don’t get it unless they do it.”

Returning to Kent State in the spring can be tough. Students often stay indoors due to cold weather, and many friends may still be studying abroad. This can make it harder for students to reconnect with campus life.

While adjusting back to life at Kent has been challenging for Hanavan, she remains grateful for her time in South Korea and hopes more students will take advantage of study abroad opportunities. 

“Every single day I did something new that I knew I was going to remember forever,” she said. 

Samantha Abate is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].