Struggling with Homesickness Abroad? 10 Ways to Feel Better Fast

Homesickness The learning abroad experience can be a thrilling adventure, but it’s normal to experience homesickness–a longing to return to the familiar home-like feeling. It doesn’t matter if you’re Australia, the U.S., U.K., Australia, or anywhere between, feeling of being away from your loved ones, family members and meals in your home is a typical feeling.

The good news? homesickness doesn’t last forever. It’s not a permanent condition but there are strategies that have been proved to defeat it. This guide can help you deal with these anxieties and will help you make the most of your time to another country.

What Causes Homesickness?

It’s not just about not being able to go back home. It’s also a mixture of:

• The culture shock Affirming new customs, foods and social norms.
• Loneliness – Being away from the usual support system.
• Routine disruption – Missing familiar daily habits.

Research has shown that the majority of students experience home-sickness in the first couple of months after arriving abroad11. The most important thing is to acknowledge the emotions and take action to deal with these feelings.

10 Ways to Beat Homesickness Abroad

1. Stay Connected (But Not Too Much)

• Videos calls with friends and family can be calming, however too much contact can make homesickness more severe7.
• Make periodic checks-ins (e.g. one time each weekly) instead of making daily calls.
• Send letters or postcards–there’s something unique about notes written by hand7.

2. Create a Home Away From Home

• Decorate your dorm room with pictures, your favorite blankets or little keepsakes1.
• Cook meals in your home in the country–food is an emotional anchor 9.
• Purchase local items that are cozy (like flowers or candles) in order to create a living space feel cozy and warm.

3. Make New Friends

• You can join Student clubs and expat organizations or join Facebook communities for students studying abroad1.
• Go to the university’s Welcome events–many students are feeling the same as you do.
• Answer your questions in order to cut the ice. Most people are nervous as you are.

4. Keep Busy & Explore

• Create a bucket list of places you want to explore in your new country1.
• Take a gym class or yoga class or hike group–exercise improves mood 4.
• Volunteer or take on an hourly job to keep you engaged14.

5. Establish a Routine

• A daily routine (study timing, mealtimes and walks) provides stability4.
• Explore new hobbies–journaling or painting or even learning a local language 12.

6. Limit Social Media Comparisons

• Reading through posts of friends can exacerbate the FOMO (Fear of not being able to attend)1.
• Create deadlines for your social media accounts and concentrate on your personal experience.

7. Talk About Your Feelings

• Homesickness is a normal thing–don’t keep it in a bottle. Talk to your roommates or counselors.
• Numerous universities provide counselling for free for international students 14.

8. Travel & Discover New Favorites

• Plan for weekend excursions to close cities or to nature spots7.
• Find your favorite café or a park place to design new comfort zones12.

9. Practice Self-Care

• Meditation applications (like Calm and Headspace) can help reduce anxiety1.
• Journal in a notebook to process your emotions9.
• Enjoy yourself–whether it’s a night out with a movie or shopping for the sweater you’ve always wanted.

10. Remind Yourself Why You’re Here

• Review your goals–career development, independence or exposure to culture.
• The homesickness goes away–most students claim that the adjustment phase is just a few weeks12.

When to Seek Help

If homesickness is the cause of:

• An extended period of sadness or isolation
• A loss of appetite or sleep problems
• It is difficult to concentrate on studies

Contact your support services at your university or consult with a counselor5. Mental health is equally vital in physical and mental health!

Final Thought: You’re Stronger Than You Think

It’s something that is a temporary problem and is not a sign of failure. A lot of students have experienced the same feeling and have thrived. The experience you have had will mold you into a stronger as well as a more global-minded person.

So, take your deep breath and step out from your comfortable zone and take on this amazing phase of your life. The home you’ve always wanted will remain around but this experience isn’t going to last forever. So make your most out of the experience!