Moving to a new country is like embarking on a grand adventure, an enriching journey that promises novel experiences, cultural insights, and personal growth. But amidst the excitement of this new chapter, the pangs of homesickness can strike, often making us yearn for familiar faces, places, and routines.
Emigrating changes you, subtly but surely. Immersing yourself in a different culture, mastering a new language, building relationships – all these experiences shape your perspective on life. But as you acclimate to your new environment, life back home continues, sometimes causing inevitable changes in relationships.
The bonds you share with your family and friends might evolve. Distance can sometimes lead to growing apart, yet, in many cases, it can also deepen the bond. Unlike a fleeting evening catch-up on a birthday, visits from family or friends when you live abroad often last several days or even a week. These extended visits provide a unique opportunity for more profound interactions and shared experiences, strengthening the connection you have with your loved ones.
In moments of loneliness or homesickness, it’s useful to put things into perspective. How often would you see your loved ones if you were back home? While the thought of dropping by a friend’s place for a coffee may seem appealing, remember that they too are leading their own busy lives, often caught up with work or other commitments.
A crucial aspect to consider is that moving back home might not always be the solution to homesickness. The phenomenon of reverse culture shock can make resettling in your home country challenging. The newfound freedoms, the different lifestyle you’ve adopted abroad might not fit well into the life you once led back home, causing a sense of disconnection and confusion.
Many people who return home after living abroad often feel a sense of dislocation, a feeling of being a stranger in their own land while missing their life in the foreign country. It’s like being caught between two worlds, belonging fully to neither.
So, when you feel the pull of homesickness, give it time. The transition phase is always challenging, and it’s essential to allow yourself to go through it. Deciding to move back should ideally be your last resort, only to be considered when you’ve exhausted all other options and given it your all.
A mental timeframe, like “I’ll move back if things don’t work out in six months,” can undermine your adaptation process. You might find yourself focusing more on the countdown rather than immersing yourself in your new environment and truly giving the experience a chance.
Emigration, in all its complexity, can be a profoundly transformative experience. As you navigate the challenges, remember to celebrate the small victories, learn from the setbacks, and above all, embrace the journey.
