Studying abroad can be an exciting but equally terrifying experience especially if you are going abroad alone and for the first time. When you step out of your comfort place, things might surprise and frighten you in the beginning. Staying away from your loved ones and hometown to see a complete cultural difference and language difference, adapting to a new country, a new education system, new people and lifestyle, everything can be hard but this is very normal. Don’t worry! We are study abroad consultants in Kochi and we know how things work with international students, so we will give you some important tips that you can do to overcome homesickness.
Stay Connected with Family and Friends
Let’s start resolving homesickness with people at home and hometown.
What you can do:
• Regularly call your friends and fam
• Organise virtual gatherings
• Send them letters or gifts
• Keep in touch with them through social media platforms
• Share your academic performance, adventures, and stories with them
In this generation where mobile phones and numerous applications are abundantly available for chatting, you will never feel far from your loved ones.
Learn Something New
Some research has shown that absent-mindedness is commonly seen in those with homesickness. Therefore, the important thing to consider is to keep your mind active through some of these techniques;
• Learn a new foreign language
• Try to cook some native dishes
• Start learning dance, music, or art
• Learn swimming or other activities of interest
Participate in Events and Activities
What can create more networking than participating in events? Learn the new culture, appreciate it, and indulge yourself in the local events and activities as these give you a feeling of belonging.
• Join Local Events
• Join in Sports Clubs
• Go to Art Exhibitions
• Join Language Exchange Programs
• Volunteer for Local Causes
• Attend Cultural Festivals
Prioritise Self-care
Taking good care of your mental health is essential for managing homesickness. Prioritise your well-being by doing things that make you happy and calm. Try a variety of things to see what suits you the best. Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs will improve your general wellbeing and overcoming homesickness easier.
Try some activities like:
• Reading a Book
• Taking a stroll
• Listening to Music
• Practising Meditation
• Doing yoga
• Engaging in art
• Watching a movie
Make Use of Resources for Support
Your university or study abroad program is available to help you through this transition.
Make use of resources like these:
• Student Advisors
• Mentors
• Study abroad consultants
• Language Exchange Programs
• International Student Services
These professionals are able to provide insightful guidance and support. They can also put you in touch with local groups and events that suit your interests, which can help you become more indulged in the community and feel at home in your new surroundings.
Know What You Eat
Unhealthy eating behaviours, such as constant sugar cravings or overeating, can frequently be a symptom of negative emotions like loneliness and homesickness. Make sure you consume enough fruits, vegetables, and other foods high in vitamins each day. You can use this as an opportunity to try new restaurants or to get better at cooking! Furthermore, don’t forget to try indigenous fruits and veggies.
Explore the Country
Every country in the world has a lot of places to explore. Search about your current locality and identify a few spots that you really must visit, such as the top 10 restaurants in the area, museums or cultural heritages, places for various recreational activities like kayaking, scuba diving, cycling, etc. Make a list of these locations or things to do, then set a goal for yourself to visit or do them all before you depart. This will keep you from worrying about what's going on at home and provide you with something enjoyable to do while you're there.
Try the Local Cuisine
You love home food and prefer cooking for yourself, but since you are abroad you should never miss the chance to try native cuisine. Don't be afraid to occasionally try new dishes and cuisines. Additionally, keep in mind that sharing a meal with others is a fantastic way to meet new people and socialise. Thus, when studying abroad, make sure to get out and meet new people as well as immerse yourself in local food.
Take Care of Your Health
Taking care of your physical and mental health can make a lot of changes to your overall emotions. Make sure you exercise every day. One of the finest methods to get over homesickness when studying abroad is to exercise on a regular basis. It will support you in maintaining your physical as well as mental health and fitness. Fortunately, in foreign countries there are many free spaces and parks where you can exercise freely, they also have cycling trails and walking paths which you can effectively utilise.
Be Kind, to Yourself
It is not possible to hasten the process of getting over homesickness; everyone handles it at their own pace. Recall that this is a perfectly natural and reasonable reaction to relocating overseas, and that occasionally missing home is okay. However, don't let a few weeks of homesickness depress you; after all, you don't want to spend your entire time overseas wishing you were back home. Make every effort to ensure that your study abroad experience is one that you'll look back on with joy, whether you decide to adopt some of these tips given or strategize your own plans. Who knows? Maybe you'll be homesick for your study abroad destination when you go back home!
Studying abroad presents a fantastic chance for academic development, cultural involvement, and personal growth. Although it's normal to feel homesick during this time, it shouldn't ruin the whole trip. By taking note of the advice and techniques provided in this article, you may overcome homesickness and have an amazing study abroad experience. If financial management seems to be the concern, then you can see some tips to manage money while studying abroad.
Always keep in mind that while homesickness is momentary, the experiences and memories you get while studying overseas are lifelong. Thus, take advantage of the chance and turn your study abroad experience into a beautiful chapter of your life.
If you are presently not studying abroad but planning to pursue education overseas, then we are overseas education consultants in Ernakulam who can help you through processing right from the scratch to take you abroad and provide settlement support.