How Do You Beat Homesickness While Living Abroad For An Extended Period?
You’re very likely to suffer from some form of homesickness the first time you move abroad for a long period of time. You might be an exchange student living away from home for a year in order to immerse yourself in a new culture. Maybe you just took a new job halfway around the world. Whatever your reason for heading into the unknown, you might need some help in adjusting to your new environment. Know that there’s a good chance some feelings of melancholy will develop after a month or so. The stages of culture shock are often described as a “W-curve.” The first loop of the curve begins with a high point, or “honeymoon” stage in the host country, and then descends into a period of culture shock. The curve turns back up again as one adjusts to his new surroundings. Try to meet people. Get involved in the community early on so as to diminish the blow of hitting the “culture shock” part of your stay. If you already have a friend or two, or at least a few activities you can participate in,
