I’m pretty sure every exchange student has felt lonely at some point and wanted to go back home because of missing their family and friends.
But how do you fight it?
Let’s break it down.
What is Homesickness?
It’s that feeling of loneliness when all you can think about is your family back home. You miss them so much, cry into your pillow at night, and feel like you can’t do anything about it. Yep, that’s homesickness.
But the good news is — you can beat it! Here are a few tips that really work:
1. Make friends!
Find a buddy or a group of friends who make you feel good, who can make you laugh and cheer you up when you need it. Trust me, with the right people, your problems feel so much smaller.
2. Focus on school.
Nothing distracts you better than diving into schoolwork. Do your homework, get involved in class, and stay busy — no time left for tears!
3. Join clubs.
Did you know how many different clubs your school has? Tons! Ask around and you’ll definitely find something fun and interesting to do.
4. Take a break from calling your parents.
I know it’s hard, but don’t call them all the time every time something happens. The more you do, the harder it gets to adjust and focus on people who are around you right now. I’m not saying you should stop talking to them — just set a small limit. It really helps!
Believe me, I’ve been through it myself, and these four methods were the only things that helped me beat homesickness. My friends were always there for me, and yes — sometimes I even skipped class just to cry on a friend’s shoulder. And that’s okay.Now, after living in America for 5 months, I can proudly say that homesickness is no longer my problem 😊
Now it’s your turn! Could you imagine yourself trying these tips while living abroad as an exchange student?