6 Effective Ways to Reduce Homesickness Abroad

Living abroad can trigger intense homesickness, affecting both your mental well-being and daily life. Discover practical and effective ways to reduce homesickness while studying or working abroad, from maintaining hometown connections to building a comfortable new life in your host country. This comprehensive guide offers proven strategies to help you adapt and thrive in your new environment.

What is homesickness?

Homesickness is a feeling of emptiness and sadness when you leave a familiar environment to live in another place. It is often accompanied by the desire to return home and meet loved ones.

Common stages of homesickness abroad are:

• Excitement stage: When you first arrive in a new environment, you are attracted by the novelty.
• Crisis stage: After a while, feelings of loneliness and homesickness begin to appear when you face difficulties in integrating.
• Adjustment Phase: When you find a way to balance your life in a new place and your emotions.

How to Quickly Overcome Homesickness

If you keep dwelling on homesickness and can't get out of it quickly, you're more likely to think negatively and become depressed. Check out the following ways to change for the better.

Stay Connected with Family and Friends

• Use technology to video call or text regularly with family and friends.
• Watch movies, listen to music, or cook dishes that remind you of home.
• Join Vietnamese communities or foreign groups to stay connected to your home culture.

Build Meaningful Relationships Abroad

• Make friends with locals or other international students to expand your circle of relationships.
• Join clubs, classes, or social events to find people with similar interests.

Create a Comfortable Living Space That Feels Like Home

• Decorate your living space with familiar items from home, such as family photos or favorite decorations.
• Take care of your mental and physical health by creating an exercise routine and maintaining a scientific schedule.

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Why Exploring Your New Environment Helps Reduce Homesickness

In the mindset of changing to a new living environment, you need to add new knowledge and things.

• Immerse yourself in the culture: Participate in local cultural festivals to learn more about the people and customs where you live. Try traditional dishes or learn how to cook local specialties.
• Adventure and explore unique places: Plan a picnic or visit famous places near where you live. Look for coffee shops or healing spaces to relax and recharge.

Develop Independence Skills While Living Abroad

• Communicate to ask for support: Don't be afraid to share your feelings and ask for help from friends, teachers, or colleagues when you have difficulties. Besides, you can look for local support programs for foreigners.
• Love yourself: Maintain a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. And don't forget to spend time doing personal hobbies or trying new things.
• Maintain a balance between work and life: Set clear goals and allocate reasonable time between work and personal activities. Moreover, a relaxing space at home will help you feel more comfortable after stressful working hours.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

If you keep thinking about the past and homesickness, it won't help you improve every day. Therefore, you need to:

• Accept emotional changes: Understand that homesickness is natural and will not last forever. Take some time to reflect to adjust your thoughts and emotions.
• Reward yourself when you achieve your goals: Plan to reward yourself after completing your goals, whether small or large, such as buying a favorite item or organizing a trip.
• Build your self-healing ability: Practice meditation, yoga, or journaling to reduce stress and regain balance.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Homesickness Abroad

How long does it take for homesickness to go away?

This depends on each person. Some people can quickly take a few weeks, while others need a few months to fully adapt.

What is reverse homesickness?

Reverse homesickness is the feeling of emptiness and loneliness when you return to your homeland after a long time living abroad because you cannot integrate back into the old environment.

When living abroad, reducing homesickness is not a small challenge. But if you are strong and confident enough to overcome it, it proves that you have matured and have a certain independence. Most importantly, think positively and take advantage of the time away from home to become more mature.