Homesickness
Even the toughest amongst us can fall victim to homesickness, even if we don’t want to admit it. But it’s not embarrassing, in fact, it’s perfectly normal to feel a longing for home when you’re far away and in a new environment and there are many techniques for helping you cope and adjust to your new life.
1) Tell someone
Having someone to talk to is paramount; having your troubles building up inside you will only lead to emotional strain so it’s important to talk to a friend or family member for support. Putting your anxieties out in the open will give you such a relief and communicating with others will ensure that you have someone to share your worries with.
2) To Skype or not to Skype
Fortunately we now live in an age where you can now talk to people on the other side of the world at the click of a button, thanks to the invention of Skype and similar software. Seeing your friends and family on a screen gives you the reassurance that they can be with you in the same room, despite your distance, and regular communication is key to ease of mind.
This technique however does not suit everyone Some people find it much better to detach themselves completely during their first few weeks away until they are settled. Talking and seeing family and friends can bring on the flood gates as you are reminded of home. It is important to use Skype as a way to talk about what you are doing, not a tool to pine for home. Have a goal of what you want to achieve and see yourself telling your friends and family about. Try and make them jealous! From their point of view they would much rather see you enjoying yourself than upset!
3) Little things
Memories of home can also alleviate your homesickness, so don’t be afraid to plaster your new bedroom walls with photos of friends and family and have no shame in secretly packing some Cadbury’s chocolate in your luggage – the smallest things can really help put a smile on your face. These mementos are great to share with the community you live with too, particularly if you are teaching where they can be used as fun and interesting teaching aids.
4) The British ‘Stiff Upper Lip’ Technique
For some, that’s not the best way to ‘cure’ homesickness. Some prefer to change the subject altogether, so putting your mind on something else - like planning a journey, for instance - focuses your energy on something else entirely. There’s nothing wrong with doing this and it may well work for some people, but if you keep bottling up your feelings then it might be worth going to step one before it all becomes too much! There is a lot of truth in the cliche of ‘keeping busy’
5) Embrace it!
Yes, it’s far easier said than done, especially if you’re dealing with a huge culture shock and a landscape far different to your usual one. But just remember that you have been given an extremely good opportunity and you should make the most out of your time there.
6) It’s not forever
Unless you’ve emigrated, then you won’t be in your new home forever. It has to end one day and you will be back home in the UK before you know it, pining for the adventure you just came back from. Many volunteers find that they suffer from reverse culture shock, feeling homesick for the country and placement they have just left
Although it might seem hard at the beginning and you find yourself welling up at the mere mention of home, you are not alone. It takes more than a few weeks for you to fully get used to a new location, but before you know it, you’ll be counting down the days until you can go on your next adventure.