Top Tips for Overcoming Homesickness When Moving Abroad

Hello, global adventurers and brave souls!

Moving abroad is an exciting journey, a leap into the unknown that promises new experiences and growth. But let’s be honest, it’s not all about picturesque sunsets and new adventures. There’s a more challenging aspect that many of us face – homesickness. As someone who has navigated the choppy waters of moving to a new country, I understand the mix of emotions it brings. Here, I share some personal insights and practical tips to help you overcome homesickness and embrace your new life abroad.

How To Overcome Homesickness When Moving Abroad

Understanding Homesickness: It’s More Common Than You Think

Firstly, know that feeling homesick is completely normal. It’s a natural response to leaving your comfort zone and familiar surroundings. It can manifest in longing for family, friends, or even simple things like your favorite food or the comfort of your known neighborhood.

1. Create a Comforting and Familiar Space

Your New Home: Personalize your new living space. Bring or buy things that make you feel at home – photos, artwork, or even a favorite blanket or pillow. A comfortable environment can work wonders in easing homesickness.
Familiar Scents and Sounds: Sometimes, it’s the small things that bring comfort. A scented candle that reminds you of home or playing a playlist of your favorite songs can have a soothing effect.

2. Establish a Routine

Familiarity in Routine: Create a daily or weekly routine similar to the one you had back home. Whether it’s a morning run, a weekend coffee ritual, or setting aside time for hobbies, routines can provide a sense of normalcy and control.
Local Activities: Incorporate local activities into your routine. It could be a language class, yoga, or a cooking course – anything that gets you engaged with your new environment.

3. Stay Connected – But Not Too Much

Regular Contact: Stay in touch with friends and family back home. Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to call, text, or video chat.
Avoid Overdoing It: While staying connected is important, overdoing it can increase homesickness. Find a balance that allows you to maintain relationships without being constantly reminded of what you’re missing.

4. Explore Your New Surroundings

Be a Tourist in Your New City: Take time to explore your new surroundings. Visit local attractions, try out new restaurants, and take walks in different neighborhoods.
Local Friends and Networks: Building a social network in your new home can be a game-changer. Connect with locals or fellow expats who can introduce you to the area and its culture.

5. Embrace the Local Culture

Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture. Learn the language, participate in local festivals, and try new foods. Understanding and embracing the local culture can help you feel more connected to your new home.
Cultural Exchange: Share your own culture with new friends. Hosting a dinner with your home country’s cuisine or celebrating your traditional festivals can be a way of bringing a piece of home to your new environment.

Overcoming Homesickness While Travelling

6. Document Your Journey

Journaling and Blogging: Keep a journal or start a blog to document your experiences. Writing about your journey can be therapeutic and helps put things in perspective.
Photography: Take photos not just of the tourist sites but of everyday life in your new home. This can help you see the beauty in the mundane and appreciate your new surroundings.

7. Seek Out Familiar Interests and Hobbies

Continue Old Hobbies: Engaging in hobbies or interests you had back home can bring comfort. Whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, or a sport, find ways to continue these activities.
New Hobbies: At the same time, be open to developing new interests that your new home offers. It could be anything from hiking, if you’re in a mountainous region, to salsa dancing in a Latin country.

8. Make Travel Plans

Explore Nearby Places: Plan trips to explore your new country or neighboring regions. Traveling can provide a new perspective and appreciation for your new home.
Home Visits: Plan visits back home, if possible. Having a set date to return, even if it’s months away, can ease the feeling of homesickness.

9. Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness

Physical and Mental Health: Take care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep are crucial. Mindfulness and meditation can also be helpful in managing emotions.
Professional Help: If homesickness feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Many countries offer counseling services, and some are even geared towards expats.

10. Be Patient with Yourself

Adjustment Takes Time: Remember, adjusting to a new country takes time. Be patient with yourself. It’s okay to have days when you feel down or miss home.
Celebrate Small Victories: Celebrate small accomplishments, like successfully navigating the public transport system or having a conversation in the local language. These small victories are steps towards feeling more at home in your new environment.

11. Volunteer or Join Community Groups

Giving Back: Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with your new community. It can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment while helping you integrate into your new environment.
Joining Clubs or Groups: Look for local clubs or groups that align with your interests. This can be an excellent way to meet people and form new friendships. Many cities have expat groups, which can be a great starting point.

12. Develop a Support System

Building Connections: Developing a support system is crucial when living abroad. This can include friends, colleagues, or even neighbors. Having people to share experiences with, or turn to for advice, can significantly ease the feeling of isolation.
Expanding Your Circle: Don’t limit your social circle to only fellow expats or people from your home country. Interacting with locals and people from diverse backgrounds can enrich your experience and help you see your new country from various perspectives.

13. Reflect on Your Reasons for Moving

Remembering Your Why: On tough days, remind yourself of why you chose to move abroad. Whether it was for career advancement, study opportunities, or personal growth, recalling your initial motivation can help realign your focus and overcome homesickness.
Embrace the Learning Experience: Living in a new country is a learning experience. Embrace the challenges and changes as part of your personal growth journey.

14. Celebrate Your Home Country’s Traditions

Maintaining Traditions: Celebrating festivals, holidays, or traditions from your home country can be a wonderful way to feel connected to your roots. It can also be an opportunity to share your culture with new friends.
Finding a Balance: While it’s important to maintain a connection to your home, it’s equally important to find a balance and be open to adopting new traditions and celebrations from your host country.

15. Engage in Language Learning

Learning the Language: If you’ve moved to a country with a different language, actively engaging in learning the language can be incredibly beneficial. It not only helps with practical day-to-day life but also deepens your connection to the country and its people.
Language Exchange: Consider joining language exchange meetups. They can be a fun way to learn and meet people who are interested in sharing their language and culture.

Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Your New Adventure

Overcoming homesickness is a gradual process. It’s about finding comfort in the unfamiliar and building a new life that incorporates the best of both your home and host countries. Remember, every expat’s journey is unique, and it’s okay to experience a range of emotions.

Living abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences. It teaches resilience, adaptability, and opens your eyes to different ways of life. With each passing day, you’ll find that the unfamiliar becomes familiar, and what once felt foreign will start to feel like home.

So take heart, be kind to yourself, and embrace the journey. The world is a mosaic of experiences, and you’ve taken a brave step to explore it. Your time abroad has the potential to be one of the most enriching chapters of your life – full of growth, adventure, and a deeper understanding of the world and yourself.

As you navigate this journey, remember that homesickness is just a sign of the love and connections you have back home, and it’s a natural part of venturing into new territories. With time, patience, and an open heart, you’ll find that you can build a home anywhere in the world.

Here’s to your adventure abroad – may it be filled with growth, joy, and countless new memories.

You May Also Like: