BAHRAINIS studying abroad have been struggling to cope with Ramadan away from their families as they miss out on traditional festivals, religious gatherings, local Iftar meals and Gargaoun celebrations.

They have created their own home away from home in Muslim communities across the globe, but say this year has been an endless challenge as the majority of their Arab colleagues fly back during summer and they have been on their own for the most part of the holy month.

However, having to fast more than 15 hours a day and fend for themselves has made the special moments with friends and family during Ramadan even more important.

"Away from home during a month I hold so close to my heart has only made me realise how special Ramadan truly is," said 20-year-old Lebanon-based American University of Beirut student Mona Al Sari, who is currently at a seminar in Salzburg, Austria.

"To me, it is not only about fasting and breaking your fast around a table but rather it is the small, little details that I miss the most.

"I long for the family gatherings and the discussions that take place among us.

"I miss Gargaoun night and the voices of children singing traditional songs at each door.

"And of course not to forget the endless television shows and the overcrowded malls.

"But, most of all, it is these small details combined together in a place called home.

"The reality of having to be so far away and being unable to share these special moments is definitely despairing."

Another student, Ali Al Jamri, tries to recreate the religious spirit of Ramadan with his Bahraini friends in a university dorm room in Malaysia.

"There are lots of Bahrainis (in Malaysia) and we know each other. We came together as a group," said the 20-year-old, who studies at Victoria University.

"So we try to read Quran with a group of about 20 Bahrainis whenever we can gather.

"We also eat together and pray as well and cook our own food."

Others have found it "daunting and tiring" to keep up with their hectic schedules as their workloads do not accommodate fasting students.

One Bahraini, who studies at Philadelphia-based University of Pennsylvania, said being away from loved ones during the holy month was difficult as she did not have a support system from her family and friends.

"It is also different since school and work hours aren't adjusted accordingly, so at times the day can feel extremely long," said 20-year-old Bodoor Al Alawi.

"The sense of community you feel when you are in Bahrain is hard to match here, since there isn't a large Muslim community and most students are not on campus during the summer."

However, Bahraini Muhanned Al Ghata has been receiving support from the Arab community in the UK, but says tackling Ramadan timings abroad was stressful.

"Since the UK has a large Muslim community, Ramadan is not as difficult here," said the 20-year-old University of Warwick student.

"However, the timing of Iftar during the summer can be tiring and stressful."

Some also said they have been through the test of time this Ramadan, as they struggle to be independent but at a high cost.

"Good food is hard to find and Arabic food is expensive," said 28-year-old Malaysian-based INTI International University and Colleges student Ahmed Al Majid.

"But if you don't feed yourself, nobody will do it for you."