How To Avoid Feeling Homesick During the Holidays While Studying Abroad
It’s a common experience — you’re halfway around the world, studying in a picturesque yet unfamiliar city. Your international student loans have made this dream a reality, and for the most part, everything’s going smoothly. Then the holiday season rolls in, bringing a wave of homesickness you didn’t see coming.
Suddenly, the festive cheer trumpeting around you feels a touch too foreign, making you long for the traditional holiday celebrations of your hometown. So, how do you stop the homesickness from turning your holiday season blue? This guide will help you avoid homesickness as you enjoy your studies abroad.
Understand the Cause of Your Homesickness
Homesickness is a complex emotional response to leaving your comfort zone. It’s the yearning for familiar surroundings, people, food, sounds, and even smells. During the holiday season, these feelings can intensify because holidays are typically a time for family, friends, and familiar traditions.
For international students, homesickness can hit a fair bit harder. You’re not just a few miles away from home; you’re in an entirely different country. The environment, culture, and holiday traditions might not align with what you’re used to, making the homesickness feel more poignant.
Connect With Family and Friends
Thanks to our laptops and phones, distance is no longer an insurmountable barrier. Technology allows you to stay in touch with your loved ones, schedule virtual meet-ups, indulge in family traditions, or play childhood games — all through the magic of video calls.
WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, and countless social media channels present platforms where you can share your experiences while indulging in nostalgia. This digital connection can help soften the pangs of homesickness, offering you a comforting slice of home amidst the bustling, foreign milieu of your university abroad.
Embrace Local Traditions
While it’s comforting to stick to what you know, immersing yourself in local holiday traditions can also alleviate feelings of homesickness. You’re in a unique position to learn about and experience different cultural festivities.
Attend holiday events, participate in public celebrations, or participate in local community service. These activities can help you better understand the local culture while creating new memories and traditions tied to your study abroad experience.
Find a Community
Remember, you’re not alone in feeling homesick. Most international students will experience this emotion at some point during their studies. Seek the support of other international students who might be feeling the same way.
Universities often have a rich network of groups and forums designed to assist students in coping with homesickness. Engage in these communities, participate in their activities, and make the most out of these available resources. You’d be surprised at how much better you’ll feel when you realize you’re not alone in this experience.
Explore Financial Resources
When it comes to managing homesickness, international student loans can be more helpful than just paying for flights or tuition fees. Think creatively and you’ll realize that these funds can make a significant difference.
For example, you could use part of your loan to invest in comforts from home. Familiar snacks, decorations, or even clothing can bring a slice of home to your new surroundings. Do your room walls need a touch of personalization? A poster or painting depicting landscapes or scenes from your hometown can evoke a sense of familiarity.
In certain cases, your loan can even make it possible for a quick surprise holiday visit back home. Although returning home is not always practical or affordable, if planned well in advance, it could be a feasible option, providing you with the comfort and connection you’re yearning for.
Conquering Homesickness When Studying Abroad
Studying abroad is an adventure filled with new experiences, cultures, and friendships. But that doesn’t exempt it from having its set of challenges, homesickness being right there at the top. It’s quite natural to miss the comfort of home and the charm of familiar traditions, especially during the holiday season.
Despite the wave of emotions that homesickness might bring, remember that it’s a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone, growing both academically and personally. Coping with homesickness involves understanding your feelings and discovering new ways to connect with your roots while embracing the cultures around you.
Being away from home during the holidays can be tough. But remember, it’s also an opportunity to create new traditions, friendships, and memories that can last a lifetime. Reach out to your support networks, lean into your feelings, and engage with the unique experience of studying abroad. With these strategies, you can reframe this difficult time into an enriching experience.