Emotional Whiplash Hat

Moving to another country can be one wild emotional ride—awesome one minute, totally too much the next.

The Power-Helplessness Cycle

One minute you’re the superhero who figured out the subway, delivered a killer school project, and whipped up a homemade meal. The next, you’re defeated by a weird bill or a bus that never shows up. That quick switch from being on top of the world to feeling powerless is normal.

Tip: Buy a cheap notebook or use a notes app to list your daily wins, even the tiny ones. When you feel low, flip back to that list to remember all the times you pulled it off.

Guilt vs. Freedom

You’re right to feel thrilled by independence, but that joy can be shadowed by guilt: the nagging voice reminding you that your family is stretching their budget to make this experience possible. The pull between feeling grateful and beating yourself up is tougher than you'd think.

Tip: Text your family a couple of pictures from school, a silly language slip, or a skyline snap and tell the story behind it. When they see you growing, they’ll feel part of the ride instead of just the financial backers.

The “Sunday Blues” Abroad

Monday shows up and the wave of “ugh, another week in a place that’s still learning my name” hits hard. Without the familiar rhythm of home, the start of the week can feel heavier than it should.

Try weaving in little rituals to soften the Sunday night slide into the busy week ahead. Maybe it’s a cozy movie on the couch, a regular FaceTime with your bestie, or a brisk stroll with the last light of day. These bite-sized moments help keep Monday from feeling like an unexpected leap.