Feeling Homesick While Abroad? Try doing these!

To work and study abroad are something that many of us strive to do. It is a unique opportunity to see the world and make a connection with people from all around the globe. Unlike taking a vacation, staying long-term in another country provide you with the experience of living day-to-day like the locals. Whether you end up staying or going back to your country, living abroad is an opportunity that should not be passed upon. However, being apart from your family and friends and things that you are familiar with can be hard. Being homesick while abroad is nothing that you should be ashamed of because it is quite common. There are a few things you can do when you feel homesick while abroad.

Be active

When you have some free time, don’t just spend it all resting in your room. Go out and travel. See the local sights. Set up a routine exercise schedule. Learn new things. Eat local food. Take up a new hobby that will get you to go outside, like hiking or photography. Participate in group activities to meet new people. Sign up for volunteer work. There are many things that you can do to keep yourself busy when you are in a new environment. The feeling of homesickness will only get worse if you lock yourself in your room and spend too much time scrolling through social media. If you can have fun while being in this new country, then it will not be long until your new place feel more like a second home.

Remember your purpose

It is good to remind yourself from time to time on the reason why you are in this foreign country. Maybe it is your childhood dream. Maybe you have an unquenchable thirst to see the world. Or, maybe you just want to experience something new because life feels stagnant at home. Whatever it is, hold on to that feeling when you start to miss your country and feeling homesick while abroad. Remember that you are where you want to be and that you are going to get the most out of your time here. Life is different but that is exactly what you were hoping for when you decide to go there, and it is not something that should be resented for. 

Interact with your new friends

Part of what is so exciting in being in a new country is the people. Never pass on the opportunity to get to know someone new. Having new friends will definitely make you feel more at home and maybe even make you feel reluctant to go back to your country. Talk, play games, go shopping, travel, watch movies, and do many other activities together. You will be surprised when you found out how both different and similar people are there compared to the people you know back home. Other than that, you can also make friends with other foreigners that are on the same boat with you. You can easily share your feeling of homesickness with them because they too know how that feels.

Immerse yourself with the familiar

Living in another country is a precious opportunity to interact and try out new things that you cannot find back home. However, when you are feeling homesick while abroad, it is fine to take a step back and surround yourself with things that you are familiar with. Call your family and friends, and even do a video call with them. Cook food that your mom used to make. Go to a restaurant that offers authentic food and experience of your country. If you are religious, you can always participate in a local religious event and meet people that have the same faith as you. Search for community for people from your country and talk with them. It will surely make you feel at least a little bit better.

Feeling homesick while abroad is a common experience that people who are living away from their home country will most likely feel at least once. It does not mean that it is an easy process to go through. Always remember that you are not alone. There are many people that can help you feel better and many things that you can do to keep busy. Enjoy your time abroad and do not be afraid of new experience.