<p>I'm currently studying abroad in Italy with a group of American students. I've been here since yesterday morning and anticipated it being a lot easier to make friends. I have a few acquaintances but nobody really seems like friend material. My sense of humor has for some reason nearly disappeared and much of the time I feel like crying. My mood changes frequently from "this is getting better!" to "Will I ever be able to connect with any of these people? Ever?".</p>
<p>Do other people feel this way? Listening to the laughter in the hallway makes it feel like the answer is no. Many came with friends from their home university...I did not. Some have roommates...I do not. I've talked to my RA and he's helped me out...but the optimism he have me fades fairly quickly after every awkward encounter. </p>
<p>It feels like freshman year all over again, except this time I only have 90 days </p>
<p>I'm a little shy but am trying. </p>
<p>Any advice to get me to relax? I miss home and my home friends!</p>
<p>You expect to make friends for life in less than 2 whole days? You’ve got to get more realistic if you are going to survive 90 days. When you arrived at college, did you’l find no-one made any friends after the first 24hours? I doubt it. You’ve just got to give it time and stop beating yourself up about things.</p>
<p>You are probably jet lagged too, hence possibly tired and grumpy. So is everyone else. Give them a chance.</p>
<p>I re-read my post and thought it sounded a bit harsh. What I mean is you are tired, stressed out and jet lagged. Give yourself a break and just enjoy being in Italy. You cannot tell what the next 90 days will bring. You also need to stop jumping to conclusions about everyone else on your program. They don’t all know someone and even if they do, that doesn’t mean they are not open to making new friends.</p>
<p>Finally, Italians are mostly really friendly. If you can speak the language (and even if you can’t but can find someone who wants to practice their English on you) you could try to make local friends.</p>
<p>Wasn’t harsh at all…thank you very much for your reply and much needed perspective. </p>
<p>I wanted this trip to include personal growth and that is exactly what is happening. Thank you for being a part of it.</p>
<p>You all are jet lagged and in new territory. Give it a few days. During the trip you will likely make friends with American classmates and Italians. Enjoy the opportunity!</p>