{"id":20923,"date":"2023-01-17T04:04:44","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T09:04:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abroader.org\/?p=20923"},"modified":"2023-01-17T22:38:29","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T03:38:29","slug":"how-to-overcome-homesickness-while-interning-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abroader.org\/how-to-overcome-homesickness-while-interning-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Overcome Homesickness While Interning Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Studying abroad can be one of your life’s most memorable, exciting experiences, bringing challenges and opportunities you could never imagine! Living in a new country without the presence of friends or family, on the other hand, can be quite a daunting experience! You might find yourself longing for a home, missing your loved ones, and wondering if you made the right decision to move abroad. In fact, whether individuals want to admit it or not, nearly everyone has to deal with it at some point in their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homesickness is a very real anxiety issue, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Everyone goes through feeling homesick at their own pace, and it\u2019s not a process you can be rushed. Remember that missing home is fully natural to going overseas and that it’s alright to miss it every now and then. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to find ways to overcome the fears of studying abroad, then you are in the right place! Try one or more of these suggestions if you find yourself feeling blue and missing home during your time abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t be ashamed of your emotions<\/strong>!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s reasonable that you’re missing home right now. After all, everyone misses their loved ones from time to time! Instead of being embarrassed or ashamed of feeling homesick \u2013 simply recognize that it\u2019s normal and strive to cope with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It may appear like you are the only person who isn\u2019t immediately enamored with Florence, but the truth is that you are not the first person to feel homesick \u2013 you\u2019re probably not the only one in your program. You might feel a lot of pressure to be positive about the entire experience, especially if you had high expectations when you arrived, or to put on a cheerful face when you talk to folks back home, but there\u2019s no shame in being homesick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It happens to almost everyone and ignoring it will not make it go away. You don\u2019t have to mope around all the time, but it\u2019s completely fine to confide in some friends about any sentiments you’re having \u2013 chances are they\u2019re going through a similar process, or have experienced something like it in the past and can offer you the support you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When arriving in the Mekong Delta, the best way to travel the region is by boat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Keep in touch with your loved ones<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling down, this is probably the simplest thing to do that will help you feel better. Call your loved ones or send them a text to let them know how you\u2019re doing, and keep up regular communication! Tell your parents about any exciting experiences you might be having so they can live vicariously through you for a bit. This will definitely help them feel less far away! Keep an old-school paper diary or journal so you can write your thoughts and feelings down as well if that\u2019s something you enjoy doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that if you spend two or three hours a day keeping up with folks back home, you will have less time to live your life in the present. Try to allow time to communicate with loved ones from home, but also set aside plenty of free time to explore your new home or go out with new friends. Your family members and friends will be waiting for you to return, eager to hear about all of the fantastic things you’ve done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stay in touch with your long-distance folks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Find an activity to occupy yourself with<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Homesickness is usually more of an emotion than it is a physical feeling. Longing for home worsens homesickness, so overcoming yourself with activities will help you put your mind elsewhere. Go out and explore your new city or country, join a sports club or engage in a new hobby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the greatest ways to accomplish this is to make a close friend. They will be a sympathetic ear when you’re feeling most lost. Keep yourself active by exploring or seeing as much as possible while you\u2019re here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Exploring Ha Long Bay and immersing yourself in new cultures! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Make new friends<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to overcome homesickness and loneliness is to make new friends. A leisurely evening out with friends is a great way to lift your spirits while getting a better feel for your new surroundings at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, don\u2019t feel shy! Invite your local buddies out for a meal or a drink. Moreover, if you\u2019re the culinary type, invite them for a home-cooked meal. Remember that other foreigners are in your shoes and will almost always be grateful for some new friends and companionship. Locals are usually eager to show you the ropes of their hometown, so don\u2019t be afraid to ask. You never know who may end up being your new best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s easier than you think to find your community while traveling\u2014but you still need to put in some effort to find your sympatico.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t compare your experience abroad negatively to your life back home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may experience homesickness because things are entirely different here from home, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority. Try not to make too many comparisons between your old and new lives \u2013 it will get you nowhere fast! Instead, embrace the differences between the two places and try to enjoy them. Moreover, many things change when you go abroad, but not everything has to. If you were part of an activity, it\u2019s reasonable that you\u2019ll miss that aspect of your social life. So why not try to find a version of it in your new place?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allow yourself a little time each day to talk honestly with people about how you\u2019re feeling without fear of judgment. Studying a topic or learning every day will keep your mind active. There is availble to maintain a favorite sport or activity that brings balance and routine back to your daily life. Furthurmore, it can make new spaces feel a little more familiar and welcoming. There are probably people doing the same activities in your new location. You can do some research to find them, and you might even end up making some new friends. After all, you’re here to immerse yourself in this culture and overcome homesickness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Study abroad is a challenge, a way to experience new culture, and an emotional roller coaster all at once at times.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is Vietnam worth visiting? Yes, it is!! Check out our available programs here to see the real Vietnam!<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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