How to Overcome Homesickness While Studying Abroad
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Studying abroad for a high school semester or longer is an exciting adventure that allows participants to travel the world and grow as a person.
For many, this becomes the adventure of a lifetime. However, those who study abroad inevitably face challenges when living in a different country. One of the biggest challenges of studying abroad for teens is overcoming homesickness.
This guide covers all you need to know about how to overcome homesickness when studying abroad on a high school semester abroad program.
What Does Homesickness Mean?
Homesickness is an umbrella term for the negative feelings one has when moving away from home and loved ones. Common triggers of homesickness include the feeling of not belonging and difficulty adapting to a new culture when immersed in a place vastly different from home.
When moving abroad, teens may experience this cycle of feelings:
- Honeymoon period: The initial feeling of excitement and positivity when first arriving in a new place.
- Culture shock: The feeling of stress and anxiety experienced when adjusting to a new culture and a different language after the honeymoon phase passes.
- Adjustment: The period when feelings of negativity begin to subside as you adjust to the different social norms and language barrier.
- Adaptation: The feeling of belonging to your host country with a renewed sense of positivity.
Symptoms of Homesickness
Although everyone experiences homesickness differently, it can affect how you feel both physically and emotionally.
Some common homesick symptoms include:
- Feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability or anger
- Isolating yourself from others
- Low motivation or difficulty concentrating on simple tasks
- Physical ailments like low energy, headaches, body aches or stomach issues
- Increased or decreased appetite
In moments of homesickness and all aspects of living abroad, CIEE high school semester abroad programs prioritize participant health and safety at all times.
What Are Some Tips for Overcoming Homesickness While Studying Abroad?
It’s completely normal to feel homesick when studying abroad. Here are 6 tried and true tips to overcome homesickness so you can make the most of your high school semester study abroad experience.
1. Practice Self-Care
Although prioritizing self-care can be one of the most difficult things to do when feeling homesick, it can also be the ticket to improving your mood. Normal tasks like eating well and exercising can be small steps toward overall mood improvement. It’s essential to make time to do things that contribute to your health and well-being abroad, as you would at home.
2. Stay Connected with Loved Ones
The feeling of homesickness is triggered by being away from home, so having consistent communication with loved ones can help alleviate those feelings. With your friends and family, try to schedule weekly video calls (weekends are usually best due to time zone differences) and maintain communication through a messaging app or email.
Another excellent way to stay connected to home while away is to bring mementos important to your life. Items like photo prints, stuffed animals, a favorite blanket, and comfort snacks can turn your unfamiliar room abroad into one that feels just like home.
3. Stay Busy and Don’t Forget to Socialize
Sometimes the last thing we want to do is meet with others when feeling blue. However, socializing can help lift the feeling of isolation or not belonging, which is common when feeling homesick. Some great ways to meet others are by participating in the organized excursions that are part of your program, joining local social clubs, and keeping in touch with fellow high school study abroad participants. Don’t forget to follow @cieeglobalnavigators on Instagram or TikTok.
Staying busy can also help. Try to find the time to enjoy a hobby, explore your new neighborhood and make the most of your time abroad and travel.
4. Embrace the Language and Social Norms
Besides being away from loved ones, one part of homesickness is feeling left out of the community you're immersed in. The unfamiliarity of local social norms or the language barrier typically causes this feeling of isolation.
One way to overcome this feeling is to embrace the local language and join community events to connect with locals. This will not only help you feel less lonely but also help you adapt and understand cultural differences more quickly, helping alleviate culture shock.
5. Get Help from Local Staff When Needed
When the feelings of sadness and anxiety become too much to handle on your own, be sure to ask for help. One vital resource on CIEE high school semester abroad programs is the local staff. With decades of experience under their belt, local CIEE staff members are trained to assist young students with the mental and emotional ups and downs of studying abroad.
6. Go Easy on Yourself
Remember to go easy on yourself. Studying abroad can be a glorified experience, but homesickness is normal and something that everyone goes through when living abroad. It's completely okay not to like or enjoy certain parts of living in a different country.
Conquering Homesickness During Your High School Semester Study Abroad
While on your high school semester abroad program, don’t let homesickness overshadow this unique opportunity to study abroad in a local high school abroad. Stay open to new experiences, form and maintain meaningful connections, immerse yourself in the local culture, and always ask for help from local staff. With CIEE, you’ll 24/7 supportive assistance at every step of the way for smooth and happy exploring.
Remember, the memories you create and the personal growth you achieve will far outweigh the temporary feelings of missing home.