Feeling Homesick

All students who come to Australia to study will feel homesick at some stage. For some students feeling homesick really effects their studies, their sleep and in severe cases it can cause nausea and headaches. For other students there may be days when they feel tired, sad and unmotivated. Everyone reacts differently to being away from friends, family and familiar surroundings.

There are things that you can do to overcome feelings of homesickness. Make sure that you have photographs of  family and close friends in your room and keep in contact with them through regular telephone conversations. Some students arrange set times for phone calls so they know they will be able to speak to a friend or family member at that particular time. This gives you something to look forward to and removes the disappointment of that person being unavailable when you call. Keep special possessions and things that are familiar to you close.

Eat your own traditional food as often as possible either by cooking yourself or going to a restaurant. Students who have a positive attitude about life and study in Australia will overcome homesickness quickly. Speaking and listening in English as much as possible increases your confidence with language and helps you establish friendships with other students.

Always remember that you are not alone. Homesickness is an experience that most people will have at some stage in their lives.