When Amina decided to study abroad, she knew it would be a challenge, but she did not realise just how difficult the first few months would be. She left her home country to study engineering at a university thousands of kilometres away. She was excited, but she was also nervous about living alone in a place where everything was unfamiliar.

At first, everything felt strange. The weather was colder than she was used to, the food was different, and although she had studied English for years, she found it hard to understand people when they spoke quickly. In her first weeks, she often felt homesick and wondered whether she had made the right decision. Simple tasks, like shopping or using public transport, suddenly seemed complicated.

Slowly, however, things began to improve. Amina joined a student club and made friends from many different countries. Her English improved quickly because she used it every day. She learned to cook meals from home, which made her feel less homesick. By the end of her first year, she felt confident and independent. Looking back, Amina realised that the difficult experience had helped her grow. Studying abroad had not only given her an education, but had also taught her to believe in herself.