AUTHOR
Kalyani Yalamanchi (PhD) Founder & CEO | WhatNext Overseas Education Consultancy
Helpful advice for staying mentally strong, socially active, and academically driven abroad. One of the most transformative experiences a student can have is studying overseas. It provides access to cultural diversity, international education, and personal development. Regardless of how thrilling the journey may be, homesickness is a feeling that practically all international students experience but are frequently reluctant to discuss. I can confidently state that experiencing homesickness is common — and controllable — having coached hundreds of students at WhatNext Overseas. Actually, stepping outside of your comfort zone is a necessary part of the growth process.
Accepting that you're missing home and that it's okay is the first step. It won't help to suppress your feelings; it will help to express them in a healthy way. Speak with a friend, mentor, or counselor who understands what you're going through.
It's beneficial to have regular phone conversations or video chats with your loved ones back home. However, avoid using it as a daily crutch. Strike a balance between being fully involved in your new environment and maintaining ties to your home country.
Use familiar items like pictures, snacks, music, or homey scents to decorate your space. A cozy, customized environment can significantly reduce emotional stress and make your new place feel more like home.
Participate in volunteer work, cultural clubs, or student organizations. Building a community overseas helps with social and emotional development and provides a diversion from homesickness. Engaging with your new environment actively helps you feel more connected and less isolated.
Mental and physical health are closely related. Maintain healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep, and practice mindfulness. Improve your mood through simple routines such as journaling, walking, or listening to music. Taking care of your body directly impacts your emotional well-being.
Recall the reasons behind your decision to study abroad. Keep objectives like career opportunities, academic success, or personal development central to your daily life. A purpose-driven mindset helps in staying grounded and reminds you why you embarked on this journey in the first place.
If homesickness becomes overwhelming, speak with local support services or student counselors. Most universities provide free emotional wellness resources for international students. Don't hesitate to reach out—seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Homesickness is not a weakness but an indication of concern for your heritage, culture, and family. Remember that you are building a strong future, and every day spent overseas contributes to your resilience, independence, and preparedness for the world. This experience is shaping you into a more capable, confident, and globally-minded individual.
WhatNext Overseas is dedicated to assisting students at every stage of their journey, not just sending them abroad. We aim to make studying abroad easier, more robust, and more successful. Let's connect, support, and inspire the next generation of global learners.
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