How to Deal with Homesickness: 6 Tips to Overcome It
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You’re so excited to board that plane for a study abroad experience that will change your life, right?
So, why, in your first week of being there are you wondering, “Why am I homesick after a couple of days?”
Maybe you’re a picky eater who’s uncomfortable trying some of the very different food you’re seeing? Or you don’t think you’re as experienced in the foreign language as you thought you were?
Don’t worry. Just take baby steps for as long as you need to so you can beat your case of homesickness.
Read More: What is Culture Shock? 4 Examples and Tips to Adjust
What is the Meaning of Homesickness?
The homesick definition is almost self-explanatory: You feel sick for home. It’s most common when you’re away from your home for an extended period of time.
Like when you study abroad.
Whether your experience is just a few weeks or close to half the year, being homesick is a completely understanding feeling.
Use this guide to both recognize what some of your symptoms could be, as well as how you can combat them.
What are Homesickness Symptoms?
Even if you love traveling and haven’t experienced homesickness before, it’s a good idea to recognize what your symptoms may be. That’s because for many students, their study abroad adventure is the longest they’ve been away from friends, family, and home.
Some of these homesick symptoms could include:
- Sadness or feelings of grief: You may have hesitated on studying abroad because you’d have a case of FOMO (fear of missing out) because of what you’re missing out on at your college or at home. But your years in college are some of the best ones to travel – when you have fewer responsibilities. Rest assured, everyone in your life will be there waiting for you when you return!
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating: Your worries may be overtaking your other feelings. Have other, more positive thoughts at the ready.
- Social withdrawal or feelings of not belonging: It can be scary to not only meet new people, but to find your people. Just remember that those in your study abroad community will be doing the same thing as you!
- Lack of motivation or low energy: Not wanting to dive into new experiences could be a sign that you’re aching for your life at home. Remind yourself of just how much time you’ll be in your new country to amp yourself up, because you don’t want to miss out on anything while you’re there.
- Overeating or loss of appetite: Don’t replace one problem with another. Eating too much – or not enough – can be isolating. Make sure to both dine with others and eat a similar amount of food as you did at home.
These aren’t the only feelings you may face. If you notice any differences in yourself, take note. Consider speaking with a health professional before and/or during your trip to get advice on how to conquer these thoughts.
Read More: How to Cope with Culture Shock and Homesickness
How to Deal with Homesickness: 6 Tips to Overcome It
Tip #1: Bring Comforts from Home
When you arrive in your new city, you’ll be taken to your room to get settled in. Once there, you can unpack.
And that doesn’t mean just your clothes. Like many trips you’ve taken, you’ve probably brought additional items you can’t live without.
So, before you head out to study abroad, consider bringing things like:
- Your favorite and oldest stuffed animal
- Framed photos of your loved ones
- A college sweatshirt
- Snacks that aren’t sold in your new country
What could you not live without for weeks or even months?
Tip #2: Explore Your New Surroundings
That’s why you’re studying abroad, isn’t it?
Find out what’s close by and take it in. Grab a cup of tea and people-watch. Head to the local pub and make friends with the other guests. Or check out a boutique to see the latest fashion trends.
Pick an activity you’d do at home that makes you happy so you can make your travel transition that much easier.
Tip #3: Make New Friends
Touring your new city can be more fun once you add a few new pals into the mix! You’ll discover others doing the same study abroad experience, or you can make friends with the local residents.
Either way, having people to connect with will remind you of home, meaning your homesickness could be cured quickly.
Read More: Making Friends While Studying Abroad Alone
Tip #4: Maintain a Positive Attitude
If exploring on your own or finding friends doesn’t come quite as naturally to you as it does for others, don’t worry!
- Focus on the good: You’ve made your study abroad dreams come true! You’re actually in a different country, and you’re going to have so many stories to tell.
- Try inspirational quotes: Give yourself a few words to believe in. For example:
- “If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” – William James, philosopher and psychologist
- “If you push through that feeling of being scared, that feeling of taking risk, really amazing things can happen.” – Marissa Mayer, former Yahoo CEO
- "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." – John Wayne, actor
- No negative talk: Be kind to yourself! It’s hard to be on your own – never mind being alone in a new country. It can take time to push your homesickness aside.
Tip #5: Practice Self-Care
On the topic of being kind to yourself, be sure to carve out some “me” time. Take a walk, find a yoga class, start or write in your journal, or give yourself a facial. Even if just taking a few deep breaths puts you in a better place, do what works for you.
Read More: How to Practice Self-Care When You are Abroad
Tip #6: Stay Connected
Finally, reach out to your friends and family. Of course you’re going to miss them, and it’s completely encouraged to call, text, or email them.
In fact, they’re expecting to hear from you! They want to know every detail. And be sure to open up to them about your feelings of homesickness: They’ll probably have a few wise words to share.
Take Your Studies Global
Being homesick is completely normal and understandable when you study abroad. Just remember why you signed up for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure: To experience another country’s courses and culture.
Follow our tips, and you’ll correct your mindset in no time!