By the time Lucas Henao packed his final suitcase for Brisbane, Australia, his Medellín apartment was filled with a mix of nerves, excitement, and the scent of arepas his mom insisted he take with him. The 18-year-old was about to begin a new life across the world—alone, uncertain, and hopeful.
For a growing number of Colombian high school graduates, international education is becoming the next big step after graduation. While the promise of world-class universities and vibrant new cultures is enticing, the journey often comes with emotional and financial challenges. As more students like Lucas choose to study abroad, families, schools, and education counselors are adjusting to support this complex transition.
“Brisbane offers great universities, a strong international student community, and an amazing lifestyle,” said Lucas Henao, who will soon leave Medellín to begin a degree in Australia. “But leaving home is bittersweet. I’ll miss my family, my friends, and the city’s energy—especially the food.”
Lucas is not alone. According to GlobalEduOptions counselor Felipe Tu, “There’s been a steady increase in Colombian students choosing Australia, driven by flexible post-study work opportunities, high university rankings, and a welcoming immigration policy for international students.”
While the destination may seem like a dream, the process of getting there is quite complicated. “Gathering documents for the visa and meeting English proficiency requirements was stressful,” Henao, said. “But I kept telling myself it would all be worth it.”
Felipe agrees that paperwork is one of the biggest hurdles. “Students must provide proof of university admission, financial stability, health insurance, and English proficiency,” he said. “The biggest challenges include long processing times and meeting financial requirements.”
For Lucas’s mother, Carolina Henríquez, the emotional toll hit hardest. “I’m incredibly proud of him, but it’s also emotional. It’s hard to see him go,” she said. “The paperwork was stressful, but emotionally, the hardest part is accepting that he’ll be so far away.”
Transitioning to life in a foreign country brings its own share of surprises. “Adapting to the accent, being far from family, and adjusting to a new academic system are real concerns,” Lucas admitted. “But I plan to immerse myself in English and stay open to cultural differences.”
Felipe Tu said misconceptions are common. “Many students think part-time jobs are easy to find or that adapting to the language will be effortless. Australian slang and accents are a real challenge.”
Ana Rodríguez, a college counselor at TCSS School, sees these emotional shifts firsthand. “Homesickness, adjusting to a different culture, and handling academics in a new system are the most common concerns,” she explained. “Many students prepare by talking to others who have studied abroad and strengthening their support systems.”
Rodríguez believes schools play a vital role. “We offer counseling, alumni connections, and help with cultural preparation. It’s about making sure students are emotionally and practically ready.”
Parents, too, face their own version of culture shock. “I worry about Lucas feeling lonely or having a hard time without us nearby,” Henriquez, Carolina said. “But I remind him that no matter how far he is, we’re always here for him.”
Daniel Gómez, who studied in Europe and now works at GlobalEduOptions, remembers the emotional weight of his own experience. “It was life-changing,” he said. “I became more independent, adaptable, and open-minded while gaining a global perspective.”
For him, cultural differences were challenging at first. “Communication styles, attitudes toward time, even adjusting to the local diet—it took time,” Daniel said. “But regular video calls, cooking familiar meals, and staying active helped manage the homesickness.”
Gomez He added, “The unexpected benefit was how much it made me appreciate my own culture. I also built lifelong friendships.”
One area often overlooked is how students make new friends. “Joining clubs, attending events, and making an effort to connect with people from different backgrounds really helped,” Gomez, Daniel said.
According to Ana Rodríguez, resilience is key. “Students who are curious, adaptable, and independent tend to thrive,” she said. “Studying abroad helps develop problem-solving skills and a global perspective.”
Still, financial barriers remain a major concern. “Many students are interested but discouraged by tuition and living costs,” Rodríguez noted. “More scholarships and funding would make studying abroad more accessible.”
Lucas is aware of these realities but remains hopeful. “I’ll explore opportunities, but Medellín will always be home,” he said. “My advice? Be patient, research your destination, and keep an open mind—it’s an incredible experience.”
Carolina, though emotional, knows this opportunity will shape her son. “It will make him more independent and open-minded,” she said. “As hard as it is to let him go, I know it’s the right decision.”
Daniel’s advice to others is simple: “Be open-minded. Embrace challenges. They’ll help you grow.”
As more Colombian students pack their bags and board planes toward unknown futures, the stories of Lucas, his family, and countless others highlight that studying abroad is more than just a passport stamp—it’s a journey of transformation.