A guide to beating homesickness for international students

Are you missing your family, friends, and all the familiar things from back home lately? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many international students, like you, are coping with homesickness while studying abroad. It's completely normal to feel confused and lost when you're adjusting to a new country and language. But don't worry! In this guide, we will explore practical tips and strategies for beating homesickness for international students just like you. So, let's explore some great ways to overcome these emotions and make the most of your time at English Path!

Step 1: Stay connected with your loved ones

One of the best ways of coping with homesickness is to stay in touch with your loved ones back home. Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to make a video call, send a message, or even send some pictures to stay connected. Don't forget to chat with friends and loved ones so you always have something to look forward to at the end of the day. It will help you feel less lonely too. Share your experiences, ask for advice, and remind them how much you love them (and the food back home!).

Step 2: Create a daily routine and follow it every day

When you move abroad to study, it can be hard to feel comfortable in your new settings right away. One way to make it easier is to create a routine – a list of activities or things you do daily at specific times. This can include things like studying, eating, exercising and doing things you enjoy. By following a routine, you create a sense of structure in your day-to-day life. This can help you feel more at ease and less homesick. So, try to make a daily routine for yourself and stick to it as much as you can.

Step 3: Make new friends to cope with homesickness

Making new friends is important when moving to a new country. You can join English Path's social programme to meet other students or the community at English Path and attend clubs and events. Doing activities you love, such as sports or music, can also help you meet people with similar interests! Making new friends and sharing experiences can help you feel like you belong and help in coping with homesickness. Don't forget, there is a person out there waiting to be your friend, you just have to take the first step.

Step 4: Create your home away from home

Make your new place feel like home by decorating it with all the things you love – pictures of your family and friends, your favourite quotes, or items that remind you of home. If you miss the food back home, why not cook it with the help of your new friends. You can even introduce your friends to your culture and learn more about theirs. It’s really important to create a happy place where you feel safe and comfortable.

Step 5: Go out and explore your new city

Take some time to learn things about your new city! Go for walks and visit parks and famous places to get to know the area. You can even go on weekend trips with your new friends, discover cool cafes together, and learn about the local history. The more you discover, the more you'll fall in love with your new city. This can help you feel more connected and less homesick. Attending community events and joining clubs can also help you to create a support system in your new country.

Step 6: Focus on your hobbies or find new interests

When you feel homesick, it can be hard to stop thinking about all the people and places you miss. One way of coping with homesickness is to focus on things you enjoy doing, like reading books, playing sports, or listening to music. Go back to the hobbies and activities you loved to do before you moved away. You can try to keep doing those things or even find new activities that interest you. Doing things you like can help take your mind off feeling homesick and make you feel more positive.

Step 7: Throw yourself into your classes and learn English

Staying busy with your English classes will help you in coping with homesickness. Participate in the class, join the English Path social programme, and focus on improving your English language skills. When you are busy with your classes and other activities, you are less likely to feel sad or upset about being away from home.

Step 8: Remember to take care of yourself

When you're studying abroad, try to focus on the positive things. Set realistic goals for yourself, like learning English, travelling around the city, exploring new places, or making friends. Celebrate your little achievements to stay motivated. But, don't forget to eat healthily and exercise regularly. By taking care of yourself both physically and mentally, you'll be able to handle anything that comes your way, even if you start to feel homesick.

Step 9: Keep a journal to share your feelings

Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can be really helpful for your mental health. It's a good way to look back on your journey to see how much you've grown and changed over time. So, give it a try and start writing about your experiences, feelings, and thoughts today!

Step 10: Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Don't let homesickness stop you from achieving your dreams. At English Path, we offer student support services. Reach out to our dedicated team for guidance and help. Remember, you are not alone. Facing homesickness is a common part of the international student experience, but with help, you can overcome it and enjoy your time studying abroad. We're here for you every step of the way!

Remember, homesickness for international students is a natural part of studying abroad, and you're not alone in feeling this way. Adjusting to a new country is tough, but your homesickness won't last forever. You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think! By following these tips, you can make new friends, build a new support system, create amazing memories, and discover yourself in a whole new way! But, if you ever feel like your English skills are holding you back? Don't worry because at English Path, we are here to help! With our fun and engaging courses, you can learn English and achieve your language goals.