Study Abroad Tips: Homesickness

Dealing with homesickness on your Study Abroad Programme

If you’re reading this, then I’m sure you’ve imagined it over and over again. You fly off to an exotic destination, go to classes at your perfect school, make amazing new friends and have the best time of your life.

These are all the things that most high school study abroad students will get to do, but even with all these incredible experiences, the effects of homesickness can still kick in.

It’s important to understand that homesickness is a natural part of studying abroad and it is extremely common to miss home when you are in a foreign country. Studying abroad is full of amazing moments but that’s not to say you won’t have a couple of down days!

Here are some tips on how to cope with homesickness…

Try not to call home too often

• Studying abroad is all about getting out of your comfort zone! Calling your family back home maybe useful in small doses but try not to become too dependent on it. Living abroad is all about facing your fears and making the most of your time, you’ll be grateful for it when you go back home!!

Exercise!

• Staying in your room may feel comforting for a little while but if you’re feeling down and homesick, exercise is a fantastic way to help you to distract your thoughts and clear your mind. Get outside, explore your surroundings, take up a new sport or just do some simple yoga and stretching.

Mix up your routine

• Sometimes doing the same thing repeatedly can make you feel a little bit disheartened. Mixing up your routine, even slightly, will help to give you a fresh mindset and something to look forward to. Even if it’s something as small as walking a different way home or taking part in a new hobby or activity.

Write out your feelings

• This is an amazing outlet for getting out all your emotions and it will also help to be a reminder that these feelings are not permanent! Write down what you are feeling as a way to channel and say goodbye to negative feelings. Also use it as a way to reflect on the positive, for example making a list of all the new things you’ve seen and learnt since you’ve been abroad.

Take some time to yourself

• Whether that means putting on your favourite album, going for a walk, eating your favourite comfort food, reading a book or doing facemasks! Taking some time for yourself is always a good idea.

Focus on the positive

• Remember you’re not going to be here forever! Take a step back, realise where you are and what you’re doing. It’s an amazing opportunity and experience and you should be very proud of yourself.

Talk to someone

• If you’re feeling upset and missing home, don’t bottle it all up. Speak to your Student Advisor, they are there for you to talk through any issues you may be having and offer solutions on how to cope.

Meet Nelly!

Watch the video below to get an insight into Nelly’s experience with homesickness and how she overcame it during her exchange programme.

Don’t worry, you will get through it!

Missing home, your friends and family are a natural part of studying abroad and you are likely to have days where you feel upset. BUT these feelings are not permanent and more than likely the bad days are going to be heavily outweighed by the good!

For more Study Abroad Tips click here.