Moving to a new country for the first time can be an exciting experience, but it can also be challenging. Homesickness is a common experience for people who move to a new country, especially for those who are staying for an extended period of time.
If you are an international professional who is considering coming to the United States as a visiting fellow, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of homesickness. Here is a comprehensive blog post about how to deal with homesickness as a visiting fellow in the United States:
What is homesickness?
Homesickness is a feeling of longing for home that can be experienced when you are away from home for an extended period of time. It is a normal and healthy emotion, and it is important to acknowledge that you are feeling homesick. Homesickness can manifest in a variety of ways, such as:
- Feeling sad or depressed
- Missing your family and friends
- Feeling lonely or isolated
- Wishing you were back home
- Having difficulty adjusting to your new surroundings
Why do visiting fellows experience homesickness?
There are a number of reasons why visiting fellows may experience homesickness. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Being away from family and friends for an extended period of time
- Adjusting to a new culture and way of life
- Facing language barriers
- Experiencing culture shock
- Feeling isolated or misunderstood
How to deal with homesickness as a visiting fellow in the United States
Here are some tips on how to deal with homesickness as a visiting fellow in the United States:
- Acknowledge your feelings. It is important to acknowledge that you are feeling homesick. Homesickness is a normal and healthy emotion. Don’t try to suppress your feelings or pretend that you are not homesick.
- Talk to someone about how you are feeling. Talking to someone about your feelings can help you to feel better. You can talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or another visiting fellow who may be going through the same thing.
- Stay connected with your loved ones back home. There are many ways to stay connected with your loved ones back home, such as video chatting, calling, emailing, and texting. You can also send them care packages or letters.
- Get involved in your new community. One of the best ways to overcome homesickness is to get involved in your new community. This will help you to feel more connected to your new surroundings and meet new people. There are many ways to get involved, such as joining a club or sports team, volunteering, or taking a class.
- Take care of yourself. It is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally when you are feeling homesick. Make sure to eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. You should also find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful for visiting fellows in the United States:
- Make friends with other visiting fellows. Other visiting fellows may be going through the same experiences as you are and can offer support and understanding. You can meet other visiting fellows through your university or research institution, or through online groups and forums.
- Find a mentor. Having a mentor can be helpful for both personal and professional reasons. A mentor can help you to adjust to your new life in the United States, navigate the academic and professional cultures, and provide you with guidance and support.
- Take advantage of the resources that are available to you. Many universities and research institutions offer resources for international students and scholars, such as orientation programs, cultural workshops, and counseling services. Be sure to take advantage of these resources if you need them.
- Think about the benefits of going to the United States. There are many benefits to going to the United States as a visiting fellow, such as:
- Access to top research univ facilities and resources
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in your field
- Achieve career growth and enhance your professional development
- Gain international experience
- Expand your network of contacts
- Study abroad with your children and experience American culture
Conclusion
Homesickness is a normal and healthy emotion that many people experience when they move to a new country. There are a number of things you can do to deal with homesickness as a visiting fellow in the United States, such as acknowledging your feelings, talking to someone about how you are feeling, staying connected with your loved ones back home, getting involved in your new community, taking care of yourself, and making friends with other visiting fellows. Remember that homesickness is temporary, and it will take some time to adjust to your new life in the United States. If you are struggling to cope with homesickness, please reach out to someone for help. There are many people who care about you and want to support you.
