I am on exchange and I get homesick what should I do?

Question

I am on exchange and I get homesick what should I do?

Answer 1

Call your home and talk to your family. Then go out and have some fun!

Answer 2

I studied abroad for a semester and homesickness can get rough. Dunno where you are and how many of these are possible but somethngs that helped me:

-talking/emailing family friends

-getting care packages from family. My favorite items sent: a new People mag (didn't realize how much I was out of pop Americana) and a jar of peanutbutter.

-randomly found an episode of Conan O'Brian on a late night British channel.

Just little things that gave me a little piece of American culture provided me with the fix I needed to be satisfied and still excited about the opportunity I had to be in Italy.

Answer 3

You have my sympathy, I left home when I was 19 and that was quite a few years ago, I still do feel homesick, I keep busy, I have a cry, I sing a lot, I use my pc to look at my country's tv news and listen to a lot of music, read and go out with friends.

Answer 4

Write letters, not E-mails, to those you care about. Describe where you are, what you feel about them and your country.

Answer 5

When I get lonely and want to go home I read a book . Maybe call somepeople just to chate or even go on line and talk to people. It might help take your mind of it for a short time.

Answer 6

Get a computer cam, have those at home get a computer cam and it's like they're right there with you.

Answer 7

I found that calling my family helped a lot.  I also asked them to call me and when they did it made me really happy.  If there is something you want from home ask someone to mail it to you.  If you are with a host family they should not mind.  I have also had several friends who have stayed with a family I know and the family has allowed them to call home or email their family and friends and they have actually encouraged it.  My friend is currently an exchange student from Thailand and her mother sent her a box of presents and food that she likes.  I hope this helps. Hand in there, my best friend was on exchange here from Argentina and in the beginning she was counting down the days until she got to go home but by the end she was begging to stay.  Good luck!  Caroline

Answer 8

Not sure where you are 'Exchanged' in Germany, but what I found helpful when I was homesick was to do something where I could possibly meet other people from my country. Some examples, a movie theater showing 'Art House' films like 'Harold&Maude'. Even if the film is in German you will find a few Americans there(That happened to me in Karlsruhe). In Frankfurt I am always meeting tourists, so you could maybe go to places where tourists are, your local knowledge could really help out some poor traveler. Do you have any hobbies? I love to go walking. I found there is an exstensive network of German clubs(IVV) that organize walks thru forests. At the one near Heidelberg I met bunches of Americans. I like to read and have met some very interesting people at book readings by American and English authors. The other advice offered here is also good. A care package from home is time tested goodie - just ask any soldier who got a box of cookies from their Mom or Sweetheart. How long you will be here for? I assume you will be returning to the States, so try and make the best of it, have a cry, and then find something you like to do that will keep you busy.

Answer 9

I have traveled the world extensively in exploratory missions and vacations and can surely relate to your feelings.  I recommend the following:  Keep yourself busy.  Immerse yourself into the culture and talk to the locals.  Find out what it is that makes them tick.  Local people love foreigners and would love to show around.  Homesickness is cured mostly by time, but it is also a sign of boredom.  Stay busy and be outgoing.  Overall, study hard and make your sponsors proud.

Mr. M on "homesick.