How to overcome homesickness while studying abroad

Hey, are you going abroad ? You are happy and excited but a little sad too. Right? Packing your baggage, your gadgets, clothing etc etc. Parents are also helping you out to do the things swiftly. Mother is packing some eatables. Papa is busy arranging for funds, tickets. Mummy is instructing you , do this, don’t do that, be safe, sleep well, eat well in time etc and you are giving a all yes nod to her. This is true, that initially and later also, you will feel homesick. Missing friends, city atmosphere, home cooked meals because you are stepping out of your comfort zone. But, as you are there to study further, you need to focus on that . You have to make the most of the time you are there. Remember, this is a life time experience and growth and adventure too.

There are some ways which may make you comfortable there also . Follow them and you will feel connected at home, de-stressed and happy.

1.      You are in a new country, new city, new people. Try to embrace with the new culture. Understand the geography of the city, the people, your fellow students. May be you have to adopt some new routine, but take all of them with a positive stride. Believe me, you will feel easy and comfortable.

2.      Prepare a daily plan and follow it. Your study schedule, college timings, self study are your priorities. Then you can follow what you were doing here, for ex. A morning walk, some yoga practice, listening music, meditation. This all will ease you out. Be active and remain busy but don’t over work. You will feel less lonely or home sick.

3.      If some problem, you can look for support from your friend, some professor, some other student who has come there to study from some other country. Even you can find some student who is there from your country itself. Both of you will be more then comfortable to share many things, Universities also have cells to help international students feeling homesick or facing some other problem. You can talk to them also. They will counsel you to ease you out. But, do not take wrong decision like returning home. First talk to some one there, detail him your problem , listen to his solutions and follow.

4.      Start engaging in social atmosphere there at your university. This will help you mingle with other students, sharing about you with them, growing your network and eventually you will start enjoying your stay there. Join some club, some hobby group, sport activity, stage acts etc which keep you engaged in your leisure time.

5.      Always be connected with your parents, your loved ones back home.Talk to them on regular basis, share what is going on there, what you are doing. Do video calls , or phone call, send emails. Keep in mind, they are also missing you and worried a little but when they will see you happy and comfortable, they will be more happy and at peace and you will also feel the same. In nutshell, remain in touch always. If possible, you can come back home once in a year or two. It will be a happy time for you and your family.

6.      See, if you have time to learn something new. Be it some sport, some cooking recipe, some language etc. The idea is to keep yourself busy and feel less homesick. Learning something new will also avoid boredom, you will remain active.

In vacation time there, do not remain confined to your room, rather plan a visit to nearby city or tourist place. Spend some personal time in the lap of nature. This will re-energize you.

Do connect with me for further queries https://www.preplaced.in/profile/arvind-jain-79 through preplaced, be a long time mentee.