What to Do If You Feel Homesick While Living Abroad

Living abroad offers an exciting adventure filled with opportunities for personal growth and cultural exploration. However, homesickness can sometimes make the experience challenging. Being away from a familiar environment, loved ones, and routines may lead to feelings of loneliness or longing for home. Knowing what to do if you feel homesick while living abroad is essential to adapting successfully. This guide will explore the stages of homesickness, strategies to manage it effectively, and practical tips to help make your time abroad rewarding and positive.

Stages of Homesickness Abroad

Homesickness often follows certain stages, which can differ from person to person. Recognizing these stages can help you manage your emotions and adapt better to your new environment. These stages include:

1. The Honeymoon Stage

• Excitement and enthusiasm about your new surroundings take center stage.
• Exploring the culture, meeting new people, and trying new things feels enjoyable.

2. The Frustration Stage

• As the newness fades, challenges with cultural differences, language barriers, or unfamiliar routines become more noticeable.
• During this stage, feelings of loneliness, unease, or longing for home may arise, which are signs of homesickness.

3. The Adjustment Stage

• Over time, daily life becomes easier to navigate.
• Familiar routines form and relationships start to grow.

4. The Acceptance Stage

• The new surroundings start to feel more comfortable and familiar.
• Homesickness fades as a sense of belonging develops.

Reminding yourself that homesickness is temporary can provide reassurance as you manage these emotions.

How to Overcome Homesickness Abroad

First, know that homesickness is a normal reaction to change, especially when moving to a new country or city. There are practical steps you can take to manage and overcome these feelings.

Staying connected with loved ones is one of the most effective ways to feel supported. Schedule regular calls or messages to share your experiences with them. Additionally, creating a routine can help bring stability and familiarity to your day. Activities like morning walks, meal prep, or consistent study schedules can anchor your day and provide a sense of control. Incorporate hobbies you enjoyed back home into your routine, such as going to the gym or grocery shopping on a specific day.

Immersing yourself in your new environment is another way to combat homesickness. Exploring local events or festivals and learning about the culture can help you feel more connected to your surroundings. Meeting new people through work, school, or social activities can reduce feelings of loneliness and help you build a support network. Let people know you’ve recently moved—they are often more than willing to be welcoming.

Lastly, focusing on why you decided to live abroad can be a powerful motivator. Whether it’s for education, career advancement, or personal growth, keeping your goals in mind can shift your focus from what you miss to what you’re gaining. And remember, this experience is temporary. You don’t want to look back and wish you had enjoyed your time there more.

Make it a goal each day to speak with someone new, even if it’s just to say “hello.”

Feeling Lonely While Living Abroad

Loneliness is often a significant aspect of homesickness, especially since you are in an unfamiliar place away from everyone you know. It’s important to acknowledge this feeling and take steps to change the situation.

Joining local communities or groups with similar interests can provide a sense of belonging. Staying busy with hobbies, exercising, or learning a new skill can also help distract from negative emotions and add fulfillment to your days.

Make it a goal each day to speak with someone new, even if it’s just to say “hello.”

Check out How to Make Friends While Studying Abroad.

How to Stop Homesickness on Holiday

Even during holidays, homesickness can arise, especially when traveling alone. To minimize these feelings, plan activities that genuinely excite you. Seek out individuals who share your religious background to celebrate the holidays together.

Finding a comforting item, such as a favorite book, a photo, or even watching a childhood movie, can help you feel connected to home. Staying present and savoring new experiences will make your holiday more enjoyable and memorable.

How to Overcome Homesickness at Night

There’s something about nighttime that often intensifies feelings of homesickness and other emotions. The same holds true even if you were back home. This might be because the day’s distractions have faded, allowing the intrusive inner voice to emerge. Engaging in activities like reading, journaling, or meditating before bed can ease these moments.

Avoid scrolling through social media late at night, as it may amplify feelings of missing out. Instead, focus on gratitude by reflecting on positive moments from your day. A small sense of familiarity, such as using a favorite blanket or pillow from home, can also bring comfort.

Challenge: Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you are grateful for each night.

How Long Does Homesickness Last Abroad?

The duration of homesickness varies significantly among individuals. For some, it may last only a few weeks, while for others, it might take months to feel fully comfortable. Factors such as personality, previous travel experience, and the cultural gap between home and the new country influence how quickly one adapts. Homesickness may come and go, but with time and effort, it becomes more manageable. 

The key is to embrace the journey. Living abroad presents challenges but also offers incredible rewards. Homesickness is a natural part of the process. Remember, these feelings are part of human nature, and you are not alone. Instead, focus on transforming homesickness into an opportunity for self-growth. Every step you take to overcome homesickness brings you closer to enjoying the moment and creating a life without regrets. 

Study at the Best English School in Florida with 25+ years of experience. Learn more about our programs at www.ohla.com and get in touch with one of our many Student Advisors who will help you every step of the way.