Feeling homesick? 4 ways to build resilience as an international student

In many cultures, going to college often means moving away from your parents and living on your own, at least for a while. This step is often seen as the first real-life experience of being an adult. Living alone can be a great way to shape your character as a college student. However, international students who come to the U.S. may experience culture shock, which comes with some challenges. Navigating life in a foreign country requires many kinds of adjustments, which can impact your overall mental health and academic performance. 

As an international student, understanding the causes of homesickness can help you to manage these emotions and find good long-term solutions. Here are several strategies to cope with homesickness when studying abroad:  

After moving to a different country, one of the first things you might notice is the difference in your new physical settings - such as weather conditions, landscapes, and infrastructures, compared to your home country environment. In Arizona, you may immediately notice the dry climate and desert terrains. While these differences may seem new and exciting, they can also be overwhelming. In this case, try focusing on one change at a time. 

• Start by adjusting your sleeping schedule. You may experience jet lag, so try to sleep at the same time for the first week and minimize naps during the day. You can also start doing familiar activities, such as morning or evening routines that you would normally do in your country. Even small and simple routines like washing your face and drinking coffee in the morning can make you feel connected with your hometown life. These familiar routines will help you become physically adjusted, and once you are in this state, you will be more prepared to deal with mental and emotional challenges. 

In addition to a change in your physical location, homesickness can also result from cultural differences. For international students, navigating this area involves a change in language, food and perhaps religious practices. Having limited food options and using English all the time can at times feel exhausting. 

• Try to find or make authentic food. Local supermarkets often have sections for imported goods and you might find something familiar. In Arizona, numerous international restaurants and supermarkets offer a lot of food variety. 

• Cultural and faith communities can also give you opportunities to stay connected with your language or religion. At Arizona State University, there are more than 300 culture-based student organizations and a variety of events. If you have a busy schedule, plan some time to participate in a cultural event at least once a month.  

Even when you have adjusted to student life in the U.S., you may still feel isolated. Living far away from your family and friends back home may cause you some stress, especially for students who are not as comfortable with socializing. 

• Try to maintain consistent communication with your close friends and relatives in your country. If you do not have time to call them every day, exchange a few text messages or send them pictures. Knowing that you have a circle of trusted people, though far away, will help you feel supported and confident in your studies. If you are a student at Global Launch, you will also meet many students from various countries who may be going through the same experience as you.

• Build connections with other international students and share your struggles. Communicating about your challenges and sharing personal experiences can create a support system and confirm the fact that you are not alone. 

Another aspect that can trigger homesickness is dealing with constant adjustment. Regardless of how long you have lived abroad, you may feel you are in a state of adjustment as the culture continues to evolve. 

• Try doing reflection exercises. If you like writing, creating journal entries may be helpful. Make a physical or mental note about your strategies when dealing with homesickness. Think about what helps and hinders you when coping with complex situations. 

Looking back at your struggles and successes can give you confidence in knowing that you have the tools to overcome obstacles. Remember to give yourself a pat on the back; it is a great accomplishment to live and study in the United States.

Your journey may not always be smooth, but it will surely be worthwhile! As motivational speaker Maureen Muldoon once said, “In order to grow, you have to let go of all that you are and all that you know.”

Although homesickness may be difficult to navigate, there is an array of strategies to manage the situation. Creating familiar routines, making new friendships, and maintaining connections with your culture are a few things that can help to minimize the hardships. The challenges that come with living and studying abroad can also help you grow as a person.