Dealing With Homesickness While Studying Abroad ? Studying medicine abroad is both an exciting and challenging adventure. Leaving your family and home country takes bravery and genuine dedication to your future career as a doctor. And like pretty much everything in life, it has pros and cons.
Hundreds of international students experience homesickness during studying abroad. And that’s completely normal. No matter where you come from or the current country you live in, it is natural to miss home, friends, and family.
Homesickness is a real feeling, and it can ruin your study abroad experience. So we are here to share with you the top 12 ways to deal with homesickness and enjoy your years abroad. Dealing With Homesickness While Studying Abroad
What is homesickness?
What causes homesickness?
Usually, the main reason for feeling homesick is leaving your comfort zone. You are no longer sleeping in your bed, nor are you eating home-cooked food.
But homesickness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Struggle to adjust to a new environment
- Loneliness
- Feeling isolated from your support system
- Culture shock
- Difficult communicating with locals
That feeling of insecurity and wanting to go back home will not disappear overnight. However, there are many different ways to cope with homesickness while studying abroad, and you just need to find the right one for you. Put in a little work to make yourself feel better, and you will find that your new country is as wonderful as your home. Dealing With Homesickness While Studying Abroad
How to get rid of homesickness while studying medicine abroad?
1. Connect with your fellow students
One of the most important things to remember is not to isolate yourself. Talk with other international and domestic medical students.
Your friend and family will try to be as supportive as possible, but your fellows know best how you are feeling right now. Remember, they are probably missing home too.
You can join a study group to better connect with other students or organize regular dinners at popular restaurants. Together you will both enjoy your company and explore the city. What better way to create lifelong memories while making your dream of becoming a doctor true?
2. Create a routine
For some people sticking to a routine makes them more productive and helps them overcome difficulties faster. Those who believe they have more control are less likely to experience homesickness.
Creating a routine doesn’t mean setting up the alarm for a specific time each day. It means organizing your time efficiently.
Make sure to include a day out with friends in your weekly schedule, like going to a sports event, a walk in the neighborhood, or trying a new hobby.
Studying is important but having fun and interacting with others is crucial to your happiness.
3. Make your new house/room feel like home
While you won’t carry all of your stuff from home with you, you will not regret spending extra money making your new place feel like home. Invest some time in making your room your happy place.
Putting some family photos or maybe a few cushions in your favourite colours are not a bad idea. Little things may go a long way toward making a place more comfortable.
Nevertheless, you’re probably feeling homesick because you haven’t yet felt at home.
It might be hard to believe that you are not the only one missing home. But that is true. You don’t have to always put a smile on your face while talking with your family or other international students.
Share how you feel with your new or old friends. You will see that you are not the only one going through such emotions. They might help you better understand how to deal with it and give you the support you need.
5. Don’t forget your hobbies
Leaving your home doesn’t mean you have to give up your hobbies. Keeping up with your favourite activities or hobbies will make you feel less distressed. If you were part of a book club back home, why not try to join a new one or if you genuinely enjoy dancing in a group, search for a dance club.
Maintaining your favourite activities will keep both your mind and body in shape. Most people believe that they will have to give up what they love to do, but that is not true. Indeed, they are other people at your new location who enjoy the same things as you. So do a little research and go after your hobbies. Dealing With Homesickness While Studying Abroad
6. Keep yourself healthy and in shape / Dealing With Homesickness While Studying Abroad
When we don’t feel like our usual selves, we often neglect ourselves. And we all know that this will inevitably negatively affect our health and spirit.
Therefore, you should exercise regularly and spend some time cooking healthy meals for yourself.
It may take a few weeks to become accustomed to your new surroundings. But after you’ve figured out where everything is, make an effort to plan your day so that you may get some exercise and fresh air every day.
7. Make time for yourself
Even if you have the busiest schedule possible, you can still spare some time just for yourself. Sometimes even 5 minutes are enough.
Take time to enjoy your favourite song, watch a podcast or meditate in a peaceful place. We don’t frequently get the chance to detach from technology completely, so take advantage of it while you can.
Some “me” time is always a good idea and an excellent opportunity to calm yourself down and enjoy the little things in life.
8. Discover something new that you would like to learn and do it
When you don’t feel motivated, and you catch yourself constantly thinking about what your friends are doing back home or what party you have missed, try to find new things that give you a feeling of fulfilment.
It would be a good idea to learn the local language or sign up for a yoga/boxing class. These are great ways not to feel homesick when studying abroad.
9. Make a list of things you want to do in your new country
One of the many awesome benefits of studying medicine abroad is the opportunity to travel around a new country. Make a bucket list of all places you would like to visit, like historical monuments, parks, coffee shops, and landmarks.
Is it normal to be homesick studying abroad? Yes, but try to visit as many places as you can. This will help you create positive memories and keep you focused on the next adventure rather than going back home.
10. Explore the new culture
Exploring your new home and culture is a fantastic opportunity to fight homesickness.
Listening to traditional music, trying local dishes, and exploring local artists are a few ideas that you can try out.
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