You dreamed about this move for so long. A fresh start in a new country. But now, instead of soaking in the adventure, you find yourself missing home more than you expected. The food, the people, even the small, silly things you never thought twice about.
Homesick abroad? It is completely normal. But what if, instead of letting it drag you down, you used it to create an even better experience? Let’s turn homesickness into a stepping stone for something greater.
Make Your Space Feel Like “Home” (Even If It’s Not)
Your new apartment, dorm, or rental might feel like a hotel at first. Cold, impersonal, just not home. That is a major trigger for homesick abroad blues. Fix that ASAP.
- Unpack, don’t live out of a suitcase. The sooner your stuff is out, the more settled you’ll feel.
- Add familiar touches. Photos, your favorite blanket, a scented candle. Small things that remind you of home.
- Stick to routines. If you always had a Sunday morning coffee ritual back home, recreate it. Routines = comfort.
You don’t have to rebuild home, but making your space cozy goes a long way in easing that unsettling, out-of-place feeling.
Stay Connected (But Don’t Overdo It)
Missing your people is one of the toughest parts of being homesick abroad. But spending all your free time texting and FaceTiming? Not the move.
- Schedule calls instead of checking in every hour. Have a set time to catch up, so you’re not glued to your phone all day.
- Limit the social media rabbit hole. Watching everyone back home hanging out without you? Not helpful. Live in your moment.
- Write letters or emails. It’s old-school, but sometimes writing your feelings down makes you feel closer to home.
Staying connected should bring comfort, not make you feel stuck in the past. Keep that balance.
Also read : Moving Abroad? Here Are the Essential Legal Documents for US Expats
Get Out and Meet People (Even If You Feel Awkward at First)
Loneliness fuels homesickness remedies like Netflix marathons, but let’s be real, that is a temporary fix. What really helps is finding your people.
- Whether you join a hiking club, take up a cooking class, or play on a local sports team, you will find like-minded people along the way.
- Make friends with locals AND fellow expats. Locals help you integrate, and expats understand what you’re going through. Win-win.
- Say “yes” more. Even if staying in feels easier, step outside. New experiences shape new memories, turning unfamiliar streets into home.
Friendships do not have to happen overnight, but connections big or small make a new city feel less lonely.
Stay Busy—Boredom is Homesickness’s Best Friend
If you’re sitting around thinking about home all day, guess what? Homesick abroad feelings will hit harder. Keep yourself occupied:
- See your city with fresh eyes. Be a tourist. Walk its streets, taste its flavors, find its secrets.
- Try something new. Ever wanted to learn a language? Now is the time. Take a class. Love photography? Start documenting your experience.
- Move your body. Exercise is a game changer. A walk, a jog, a dance class, anything that gets those endorphins flowing.
The more you engage with your new life, the less time you spend missing your old one.
Adjust Your Mindset—Homesickness is Temporary
When homesickness hits, it is easy to idealize home. But to be honest, your hometown has its flaws too. Shift your mindset:
- You’re growing. Every challenge you overcome is making you more independent and resilient.
- This is temporary. Homesickness fades with time. In a few months, you’ll look back and realize you’ve adjusted.
- You wanted this. Remind yourself why you came. Career growth, adventure, education. Whatever it is, keep that reason close.
Your mindset shapes your experience. Focus on the positives and settling in will feel easier.
Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture
Feeling out of place? That’s normal. The key is to stop watching the culture and start living it.
- Learn the language (even a little). Just basic greetings make a difference. Locals appreciate the effort.
- Try the food. Stop looking for the same meals you had at home. Dive into local dishes. You might find a new favorite.
- Festivals, holidays, and customs. Get involved and watch your new city feel less like a stranger and more like home.
The deeper you immerse yourself, the faster the unfamiliar fades into familiarity.
Accept That It’s Okay to Miss Home
Feeling homesick does not make you weak. It is just part of the process. Some days will be harder than others, and that is completely okay.
- Allow yourself to miss home but do not dwell. A bad day does not mean a bad experience. Feel it then move forward.
- Have comfortable days. Watch a favorite movie, cook a meal from home, just do not let it turn into isolating yourself.
- Take it one day at a time. Adjustment doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself grace.
No need to rush the process. Give it time, and soon enough, your new place will start feeling like home.
Conclusion
Feeling homesick abroad? Totally normal. But do not let it take over your experience. You are in a whole new place with new faces, new adventures, and stories waiting to happen.
Try these ways to overcome homesickness: Stay busy, make local friends, find little comforts from home, and keep an open mind. It gets easier, promise.
And one day? You will be the one dishing out tips on how to deal with homesickness to the next newbie in town. Enjoy it while it lasts. You have got this!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homesickness last?
Homesickness fades at its own pace. Stay engaged and build routines to adjust faster.
What are the best ways to deal with homesickness abroad?
Make your space cozy, stay in touch but not too much, build connections, stay active, embrace the culture, and focus on why you moved.
How can I make my new place feel like home?
Unpack, decorate with familiar items, keep routines, and add comforting scents, music, and traditions.
How can I make new friends in a foreign country?
Join clubs, attend events, accept invites, and try language exchanges to meet people.
What if I don’t like the food in my new country?
Try local dishes, find international stores, or cook familiar meals. You might discover new favorites.
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