When I moved to study abroad, I was feeling enthusiastic about living in another country, speaking in another language, being independent for the first time, and even experiencing the change of four seasons (I come from a tropical country that only has a dry and rainy season, so watching the leaves to change color or living in below zero degrees was completely new to me).
I was feeling very excited about my future! And yet, from time to time a form of nostalgia would sink in and I would start to miss my noisy family, having coffee with my close friends, or the Sunday family gatherings at my grandmother’s house. Then the day of my birthday came, and I was alone. I received phone calls and WhatsApp messages from my family and friends, but they were not PHYSICALLY there. Birthdays, family weddings, holidays, and special occasions all turn out into long-distance events lived through my phone screen.
Most of the time, we hear about the bright and shining side of living or studying abroad, but we do not get to hear about the emotional cost that comes with it. That form of nostalgia or grief that I am talking about is called HOMESICKNESS. Let me tell you something quick about it: Homesickness is REAL, it can be VERY PAINFUL, and if you have been living abroad for a while, probably you have experienced IT whether you were conscious about it or not.
For me, homesickness felt like sadness or nostalgia. However, those are only two types of symptoms for something that is way more complex. Homesickness is a type of grief. Research has shown that grief is not only an emotional process but also a cognitive and a physical one. That means that your homesickness can affect your body, your mind, and your emotions.
Some of the symptoms that you may experience, include:
Homesickness is normal. Anyone who lives abroad can experience it at different points of their journey. After all, as human beings, we get attached to people, places, and things, and when they are no longer there, we grieve for those losses. But you are not alone!
If you are studying abroad and are feeling homesick, some people may be able to help you. Many colleges or universities in Europe and North America offer to their students free or low-cost mental health counseling, support groups, and other wellness resources. Make sure to check your University Website to find more information or ask your school counselor where you can access these resources! Another place you can look for is in your university’s Office for International Students. As I said before, many
international students experience homesickness, and your international student counselor may be able to assist you in finding the resources that you need to navigate that experience.
Other advice? Keep in touch as often as possible with your family, friends, or any other supporting person around you. Being physically apart does not have to mean being emotionally disconnected. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and with your process of adjustment. You are doing it great! Just take one day at a time!
Milena Tesi
(Bilingual Content Writer and Mentor for People Living Abroad. IG Account: @immigrantsplace)
We are on a mission to help you make a place for yourself in Armenia with the right educational opportunities. DA Education Limited is the best admission guide with a versatile range of counseling and guidance offers to choose from.
