How Expats Cure the Homesick Blues

Expats must face down homesickness, particularly at the beginning of their time abroad, and from time to time throughout their expat experience.

Homesickness is a normal part of living far away from friends and family. It can be particularly acute at "markers", significant birthdays or life events, of both the expat and their close friends and relatives.

Here are some tips for what to do the next time you have an attack of the homesick blues.

Tip # 1: Normalize the experience.

It's crucial to realize that all expats miss family and friends, particularly at important life junctions, as stated above. There is nothing wrong with you for feeling homesick. It does not mean that you're depressed, or even that you should catch the next flight home.

It does mean that you have significant relationships with folks at home. If not, you wouldn't be missing them. So celebrate this, and know that your ability to establish meaningful relationships is something inside of you, and is something you take with you wherever you go.

Tip # 2: Let people at home know you miss them.

At first this might seem counter-intuitive; that if you get all mushy with the people you miss you'll feel worse. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

When you speak honestly with your friends from home, you're building a deeper bond with them, and this can go a long way in alleviating homesickness.

Friends and family at home might not realize how important they are to you, as they've stayed behind, and see you as someone who's gone off to live a glamorous life abroad. (Whether or not this is true is beside the point.) By being honest with them, you're leveling the playing field, and building a bridge to greater connection.

Tip #3: Reach out to someone close by.

You might be thinking, but I don't miss the people nearby so what good will that do? You might be surprised. Usually when you feel homesick, in addition to missing aspects of home, you're also missing connection.

This is a basic human need that we all have. When you meet your need for connection, it doesn't have to be person specific. Maybe there's a new friend who you've felt even a slight connection with. You may have felt like he or she understands you and that you're both on the same wave length. Call this person up, meet for a coffee, and once your need for connection is met, you will likely not feel nearly as homesick.