Homesickness Abroad: Coping Strategies for When You Miss Home
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Are you living abroad and feeling a little homesick? Don't worry, it's completely normal! Even the most adventurous and independent individuals can experience homesickness at some point while living away from home. But don't let homesickness get the best of you. With a little bit of effort and the right coping strategies, you can overcome it and continue to thrive in your new home away from home.
I want to share with you a personal homesickness story from myself:
"I vividly recall the first time I felt homesick. I was just 16 years old when I moved from Iceland to Ecuador and was hit with a major culture shock. All I wanted was to be back home, surrounded by my loved ones and living the life of a typical Icelandic teenager.
I remember one day in school when I hadn't received the memo that my class was participating in a parade and needed to wear a different uniform. I found myself alone in the classroom with no form of entertainment or connection to the outside world. It was then that I started thinking about what my friends back home in Iceland were doing, and the feeling of being stuck overwhelmed me. I broke down in tears and felt helpless, unable to make any calls to my family or friends. I searched for a professor to explain my situation, but none of them spoke English.
After what felt like hours of distress, the professors were able to contact my host parents, who came to pick me up. The rest of the day was spent on video calls with my family and friends, and I was sure that I was going to buy a ticket back to Iceland.
However, something my dad said made me pause and reconsider. He reminded me of how badly I had wanted to go on this exchange program in the first place. Those words struck a chord in me, and I decided to stick it out. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I ever made."
Here are some coping strategies that can help you when you miss home:
Connect with friends and family back home: One of the best ways to ease homesickness is to stay connected with the people you love. Schedule regular calls or video chats with family and friends back home. You can also share photos and videos of your new life abroad and stay updated on what's happening back home. Most likely it is not as exciting as your mind makes it.
Embrace your new surroundings: Take time to explore your new surroundings and discover the unique culture and lifestyle of your new home. Join local student associations clubs or activities that interest you and make new friends. This will help you feel more connected to your new home and less focused on what you're missing back home.
Create a home away from home: Decorate your new space with familiar items from home, like pictures, blankets, or other items that remind you of your loved ones. This will create a comforting environment and help you feel more at home in your new space.
Stay active and healthy: Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and relieve stress. Join a gym or find a local fitness class that you enjoy. It can also be a great way to meet new friends.
Seek support from others: Talk to other expats or locals who may have experienced homesickness themselves. Join online forums or groups where you can connect with others who are in a similar situation. You can also consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, feeling homesick is completely normal and it's okay to miss home. But by taking care of yourself and trying these coping strategies, you can overcome homesickness and embrace your new home away from home. So, stay positive and enjoy this unique experience to the fullest!