Dealing with Homesickness While Away at College in the U.S.
There's a lot to do before leaving home to study in the United States. Unfortunately, many international students simply don't have time to prepare for the emotional impact that comes with entering an entirely different culture.
Homesickness is very common among international students, so if you find yourself feeling displaced or lonely, know that you are not alone and try to be patient. While there's no specific time limit, rest assured that those feelings will eventually pass. In the meantime, use these guidelines to start taking an active part in adjusting to your new surroundings.
Identifying Homesickness
Homesickness is a feeling or feelings that occur naturally when a person experiences a sudden change in environment or routine. It can manifest as vague sadness or uncertainty, anxiety, change in sleeping/eating patterns, feelings of isolation, inability to concentrate, and/or a desire to stay in close contact with people from home. For some people, these feelings pass quickly and for others it takes longer, but identifying homesickness is often the first step in resolving it.
Taking Actions
As difficult as it might seem at first, making an effort to meet new people can help tremendously when dealing with homesickness. Opportunities for positive social interaction at your new university can include:
With practice, you'll find it easier to make friends and get involved. Look to teachers, advisors, RAs, and other international students for tips on what's happening around campus.
Making Room for It All
Studying in the United States will put plenty of physical space between you and your home, but it's also important to distance yourself psychologically—at least for now. Try to focus on creating new routines and setting bigger academic goals. For starters, try to speak English exclusively, and limit phone calls and/or e-mail communication with friends and family back home to one day a week.
At the same time, you don't want to lose your connection to the familiar altogether; in fact, maintaining close friendships and keeping a few personal items from home within reach can help lift your spirits on those not-so-great days. Remember that by exploring other cultures you are not abandoning your own—you may even be surprised to learn that you're not missing out on much back home. You're simply allowing yourself to grow academically and gain experiences that will shape you for a brighter future..
Homesickness is very common among international students, so if you find yourself feeling displaced or lonely, know that you are not alone and try to be patient. While there's no specific time limit, rest assured that those feelings will eventually pass. In the meantime, use these guidelines to start taking an active part in adjusting to your new surroundings.
Identifying Homesickness
Homesickness is a feeling or feelings that occur naturally when a person experiences a sudden change in environment or routine. It can manifest as vague sadness or uncertainty, anxiety, change in sleeping/eating patterns, feelings of isolation, inability to concentrate, and/or a desire to stay in close contact with people from home. For some people, these feelings pass quickly and for others it takes longer, but identifying homesickness is often the first step in resolving it.
Taking Actions
As difficult as it might seem at first, making an effort to meet new people can help tremendously when dealing with homesickness. Opportunities for positive social interaction at your new university can include:
- Visiting your international student union
- Attending sporting events
- Signing up for campus activities
- Checking out local music and arts venues
- Joining clubs and groups
With practice, you'll find it easier to make friends and get involved. Look to teachers, advisors, RAs, and other international students for tips on what's happening around campus.
Making Room for It All
Studying in the United States will put plenty of physical space between you and your home, but it's also important to distance yourself psychologically—at least for now. Try to focus on creating new routines and setting bigger academic goals. For starters, try to speak English exclusively, and limit phone calls and/or e-mail communication with friends and family back home to one day a week.
At the same time, you don't want to lose your connection to the familiar altogether; in fact, maintaining close friendships and keeping a few personal items from home within reach can help lift your spirits on those not-so-great days. Remember that by exploring other cultures you are not abandoning your own—you may even be surprised to learn that you're not missing out on much back home. You're simply allowing yourself to grow academically and gain experiences that will shape you for a brighter future..
No comments:
Post a Comment