As a Slovak person studying in the UK, I have a fair amount of experience with feeling homesick, like an outsider and intruder in the foreign culture. Not the most pleasant, may I say. But it’s okay, it happens. The most important thing is to accept it and in case of going to study/work abroad, to be aware that it may happen.
It is said that the culture shock has a few phases – honeymoon, frustration, adjustment and acceptance. Well, I’m afraid I skipped the first one (IYKYK) and fell right into frustration, spending Christmas by all myself (not to say I wasn’t offered to spend it with other people, but in the midst of pandemic, it wasn’t the best idea). But luckily, it didn’t last long and I went home. So when I was supposed to go back to the UK, knowing what was to happen, I was stressing out even before going. And while it didn’t hit me as bad as the first time, I still wasn’t feeling exactly happy in the new culture.
Surprisingly, what I found the most difficult (except for not being able to spend time with certain people and pets) was not being able to make references to “national inside jokes”. I have great friends in the UK, I have people to spend time with, but even then, they don’t understand the background of some things I may want to say, which is quite limiting, especially because living in the culture, you learn and understand most of those things in the foreign culture. Of course, you can always try to explain but it’s also about having experienced it. (Just try to say that zumba is like spontaneous spartakiáda and you’ll get the looks.)
And what to do when homesickness hits? Well, I can’t say I know exactly. Cry, I suppose? (The number of my breakdown selfies no one will ever see is embarrassing.) But really, it’s great to have some plans, whether is study/work-related (but careful not to turn into a workaholic trying to keep yourself busy!), or something fun. Also, it’s quite helpful to have a date to look forward to. If you can, buy a ticket home and the time will fly without you noticing. And finally, get to know yourself. If you’re a young adult, this is your time to experiment, to find out what you enjoy and what you dislike. Take up a new hobby, try something you’ve always wanted, go on a solo trip. You’ll learn about yourself more than you could ever imagine, as cliché as it sounds.
The time you spend by yourself abroad is valuable. And even if there are some bad moments, at least you can appreciate the good ones even more.
