Dealing with Homesickness While Living Abroad
Ways to Combat Feelings of Missing Home During Time Overseas
Jul 31, 2009
Homesickness? Not a great feeling. And it can be even more difficult to handle when in a foreign country, because, on top of being away from people from home, there is a whole different culture, and most likely even a different language, to deal with. Here are a few ways to help lessen feelings of homesickness while living abroad for an extended period of time to work or study.
Take Advantage of Location: Gain an Appreciation for Surroundings
Travel, travel, travel! Take day trips to nearby sites worth visiting. Visit museums featuring the local culture, as well as non-touristy towns. Be sure to balance that, though, by checking out one or two tourist attractions to help trigger the "Wow, I'm actually here!" realization.
Spend Time with Locals: Learn What Makes the Place Their Home
If making friends is difficult, try to get to know someone from work, a class, or study abroad program. This person may end up becoming a close friend. Sometimes, this person may even extend an invitation to his or her home for coffee or dinner, and being in someone's home (rather than a bare apartment or dorm room) can be comforting. If homesickness and alone time is a serious worry, consider finding a work or study program that offers the opportunity to be placed with a host family.
Keep Busy: Help Ignore Feelings of Homesickness
One way to stay busy is to joining a group of interest similar to one from home, like a club or community group. Participate in activities related to work or school by taking advantage of event invitations. If foreign language is a concern, try taking a language class.
Remember to Stay in Touch with People from Home
While email is wonderful for communication, sometimes a letter is more personal. Send birthday cards, holiday cards, and handwritten notes, and the chances of getting the same in return are greater. Receiving mail at an address abroad is also good for establishing that that is the place of temporary residence, and may even help a bit in making it feel more like home. Be sure to give loved ones the address abroad before departure!
While staying in touch with loved ones is important, it is also a good idea to try and appreciate the culture and lifestyle of the foreign country. Working or studying in another country is most often an experience that occurs just once or twice in a lifetime, and for an all too brief period of time. Remember to enjoy the memorable experience while it lasts.
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