When You Feel Homesick Abroad
There are moments abroad when things get tough. Travel looks freeing, but you have to think and act on your own—and living without anyone giving you directions can be harder than it appears.
Read the following before you leave your country. It helps you prepare mentally.
How to Overcome Homesickness
These are the methods I used to overcome homesickness.
Listen to Music
Walking while listening to your favorite songs works, but I personally walked around with soundtracks from adventure video games.
(“I’m the main character…”)
Once you picture yourself that way, foreign scenery starts to feel more natural and you adjust faster.
Make Friends
Making friends can be tough, but I usually made friends at hostels with dorm rooms. Go to the common area often (same for long-term shared houses). I cooked often and exchanged part of the meal with others.
Also, offering to share your clothes or costumes surprisingly makes many people happy, so it’s recommended if the other person is okay with it.
Read Adventure Manga
If the surreal atmosphere of a foreign country feels overwhelming, reading adventure manga helps—at least you can “add” fictional companions and emotionally immerse yourself in their journey.
Bring Japanese Food
Instant noodles take up space, so powdered soup and furikake are better for mental stability. I also brought my usual tea. It made a huge difference.
Should You Contact Family or Friends Back Home?
My conclusion: it’s better not to. Cutting off your home country for a while actually helps you adjust faster. Focus instead on waking up early and sleeping early—nighttime makes you more negative.
If Homesickness Still Doesn’t Improve
Give it at least two weeks. If it’s still unbearable, returning home is completely fine. You’ll still have gained something—like rediscovering the good things about your home country.
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