Back home: strategies for overcoming homesick during the exchange

The study abroad experience is an incredible opportunity for personal growth, learning, and discovery. However, along with all the excitement, it is common for exchange students to face an emotional challenge: homesick, that is, homesickness. Be easy, a specialist in educational programs abroad, provides valuable tips to help you overcome homesick and make the most of your international experience.

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Understanding Homesick

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Homesick is the feeling of longing and nostalgia that comes when we are away from home, from our family environment, and from the people we love. This emotion can be triggered by several factors, such as geographical distance, cultural difference, adaptation to new routines, and lack of home comforts. It's important to note that feeling homesick is a common reaction and doesn't mean you're not taking the opportunity to Learn a language abroad Or make one University abroad. With the right strategies, it is possible to transform homesick into an impetus for personal growth and for the construction of incredible memories.

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Creating Bonds in the New Home

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One of the best ways to deal with homesickness is to create genuine connections in the new country. Get involved in activities that you like, join student clubs and organizations, meet people with interests similar to yours. By building friendships and feeling part of the local community, you'll have a valuable support system for times when homesickness strikes.

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Maintaining the links with the roots

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Maintaining regular contact with family and friends is essential to ease emotional distance. Schedule video calls, share photos and experiences, send affectionate messages. However, it is important to dose this communication so as not to create an excessive dependence that hinders your adaptation. Find a healthy balance, reserving specific moments to connect with home, but also allow yourself to live the experience intensely outside.

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Transforming space into a welcoming haven

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To minimize the feeling of homesickness, transform your outdoor space into a welcoming and familiar place. Take with you objects that remind you of happy memories, such as photos, favorite books, or an item that brings comfort. Choose suitable accommodation, whether it's a family home, student residence, or shared apartment, ensuring that you have a comfortable environment to call home during your exchange.

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Embracing Local Culture

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Immersing yourself in the culture of the country you are in is an incredible way to feel more connected and reduce feelings of longing. Explore local cuisine, visit tourist sights, attend festivals and traditional events. By creating new experiences and positive memories, you strengthen your bond with the place and decrease the intensity of homesick.

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Cultivating comforting routines

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Having an established routine can bring a sense of stability and comfort, even when you're away from home. Create habits that are good for you, such as exercising regularly, taking time out for hobbies you love, or simply enjoying coffee at your favorite coffee shop. Find a balance between studies and pleasurable activities, understanding that caring for emotional well-being is fundamental to a positive exchange experience.

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Celebrating Cultural Roots

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Celebrating your culture of origin is a way to keep the connection with your roots alive, even when you are far away. Look for restaurants that offer typical dishes from your country, celebrate holidays as you would at home, listen to music that takes you back to happy moments. Sharing this cultural connection with other Brazilian exchange students can create a support network with people who understand your experience.

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Welcoming emotions

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Dealing with homesick also involves welcoming and managing the emotions that arise. Allow yourself to miss them when they come, but also seek strategies to reframe those feelings. Writing about your experience in a journal, practicing meditation, or seeking psychological support online are some options. Remember that this journey goes far beyond the classroom and that taking care of your emotional well-being is fundamental.

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Homesick as an impetus for growth

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As challenging as homesick may seem, it also brings with it opportunities for growth and self-knowledge. As you face homesickness, you develop valuable skills, such as resilience, adaptability, and independence. Take this experience as a chance to reinvent yourself, to discover new strengths and to expand your horizons. Embrace this growth journey and transform homesick into a source of incredible learning and memories.

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Be easy

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Na Be easy, we understand that homesick is part of the study abroad journey, but we are committed to providing all the necessary support to overcome this challenge and have an unforgettable experience. Our team is ready to guide you at every stage of the process, from choosing the ideal destination to adapting to the new country. If you want to know more about how Be Easy can support you on this incredible journey, contact us today. We look forward to being part of realizing your dream of studying abroad!