by Roberta Geraci
Anyone living abroad for an extended period will be able to tell you that while volunteering or travelling is an incredible life changing experience, we have all had the odd day where we wished we could be at home. Homesickness can come in varying forms and to different extents, be it missing; loved ones and family, friends, home comforts, certain food and drink, or just your own bed. The key to combating homesickness is to realise that you are not alone and it is a perfectly normal part of living abroad.
Scientists, Psychologists and Authors have long debated, discussed and hypothesised about the reasons behind it, dating as far back as Homer’s The Odessy, where Odysseus wept and rolled on the hard ground thinking of home. Culture shock or the feeling of not belonging even has a graph associated with it, the so called “W-curve.”
So while homesickness is nothing to be embarrassed about and is a normal part of spending time abroad, can anything be done to lessen the effects, or in other words, how can you cope with being homesick? Below are a number of useful tips originating from discussions with experienced travellers and volunteers, which can have a real benefit to help you overcome homesickness.
1. Get stuck in
The most common tip from people who have experienced extended time away from home is to immerse yourself in the new culture, meet people, taste the food and drink on offer, experience the sights and sounds and become more like a local. Getting stuck in to your new way of life and keeping busy is the best way to enjoy and get the most from your experience, to make new friends and to learn a great deal. When you leave your placement the time you spent will be filled with positive memories and the place will feel like a second home.
2. Keep in touch
There are a whole host of ways to keep in touch with friends and family back home these days, including; phone calls, letters, emails, facebook, skype, carrier pigeons etc…The important thing to remember is that whilst you should make an effort to keep in touch with those back home, calling them every day or spending hours on the internet will likely make you feel more homesick. The best thing to do is to arrange a time to call your family once a week and try to stick to it. Of course, should circumstances change you should keep people at home informed of your whereabouts but remember to enjoy the freedom of your time abroad.
3. Practice makes perfect!
Some psychologists feel that homesickness is best dealt with by practising being away from home, and this makes a lot of sense. If you are used to going everywhere with your friends and family, try spending sometime on your own and practice being content with some alone time. Other ideas could include spending a week or two on holiday with friends or visiting other relatives without your siblings or parents, especially if you know you have a long-term placement on the horizon.
4. Dear Diary….
A great tip is to keep a journal of your experiences, or today’s equivalent a blog. This can be a great way to jot down memories and experiences and share them either instantly with those back home or when you get back. Keeping a diary is said to have therapeutic effects and can help give structure and reflection to your time abroad.
5. A Home away from Home
Finally remember that a home is not just a physical space but an emotional one. Try bringing some photos, your favourite book or small memorabilia with you to carve out your own space in your new country. Often making the place reflect your personality by decorating and customising it will make you feel more cozy and comfortable. A positive attitude will go a long way to helping you combat homesickness and getting the most from your experience.
Tags: homesick
