Homesickness is a very normal feeling to have when you are studying abroad. It is perfectly natural to miss your family, friends, and home country. For some people, studying abroad is their first time living away from home. It can be tough to talk about it because you are supposed to appear happy and excited about your newfound independence.
But it might be a bit hard to adjust to life outside your comfort zone – whether you moved minutes from home or across the globe. If you feel homesick, stay busy, make friends with other students, keep in touch with family and friends, and explore your new surroundings. Homesickness is only temporary, and you will soon adjust to your new life abroad. Here are some helpful tips that can help you to overcome homesickness and easily integrate into student life abroad.
Try to stay busy
If you have a lot of free time, you will likely start feeling homesick more quickly. Keeping yourself busy with classes, clubs, and other activities will help take your mind off of being homesick. Spending time with friends, going to the gym, and attending all your lectures are some of the ways to prevent you from feeling homesick. Take a look at the university campus’ bulletin boards as well. The school officials are conscious that students might feel isolated or nostalgic for home, so they regularly host activities and social gatherings to help them become more accustomed to student life abroad.
Make friends with other international students
If you can find other students from your home country, you will likely have an instant connection with them. This can help reduce homesickness, as you will have someone to relate to and share your experiences with. In addition, connecting with other international students will also help you feel less alone. It can be easy to forget that everyone else is in the same boat as you – everyone is trying to make friends and figure out student life abroad.
Keep in touch with family and friends back home
One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to stay in touch with your loved ones back home. Whether you are Skyping, texting, or emailing, staying connected will help you feel less homesick. It can be helpful to set up a regular time to chat with your family and friends, so you always have something to look forward to. Just knowing that you will be able to talk to them soon will help your homesickness subside. This also goes for visiting home. If you know you will be able to go home for winter or summer break, the time abroad will feel more manageable.
Explore your new surroundings
The multiple advantages of studying abroad are getting to experience a new culture, language and people. Make sure to take some time to explore your new surroundings and learn about the culture. This will help you feel more comfortable in your new environment and less homesick. Visit the local museums, take a walking tour of the city, or try some food at the local restaurants. The more you immerse yourself in student life abroad, the less homesick you will feel.
These are just a few tips to help reduce homesickness while studying abroad. Remember, it is normal to feel homesick. Just take some time to adjust, and you will feel like a local in no time. Remember the advantages of studying abroad – make the most of your experience!
