Homesickness

Homesickness is probably the first thing that will get to you. Everyone misses their families, friends, and even the country itself. It's difficult to get used to never seeing a gum tree, or hearing kookaburras and galahs in the mornings. Here are some recommended ways to help alleviate the pain - some short term, and others to eventually get you on the road to recovery.

• Don't expect your new home to be like your old one. If you are mentally prepared for the differences, you'll be more able to accept them.
• A Vegemite sandwich and a cup of hot Milo does wonders for the Aussie spirit!
• Establish a way of getting your favourite Aussie foods; whether it's an Aussie food store on the internet, or family packages.
• Call home - there are so many cheap ways of telephoning Australia now, that it's just not a barrier anymore. However, some have said that calling home too often can make the homesickness worse.
• Get some Aussie landscape prints to decorate your home and/or an Aussie flag.
• Take an interest in the environment around you. Chances are you'll come to love your American surrounds too!
• Get on a bus, and get to know the area in which you live. The sooner you feel comfortable in your new surroundings, the better.
• Start driving as soon as possible.
• Use this website to get support and find some Aussies near you.
• If you are able to work, find a job as soon as possible. It keeps you busy and it's the best way of making new friends. This is probably the fastest way of helping homesickness for the long-term.
• If you are not working, join a volunteer organization. It's a great way of creating a new interest, making friends, and contributing to your new community too! If you have kids, this could mean becoming involved with various school volunteer activities.
• Join a special-interest club - same reasons as above.
• If you don't already have a pet, consider getting one. They offer all sorts of love and devotion when you're feeling low.
• Start a new hobby - maybe something that can involve both an American and Australian component, such as gardening.
• Lots of positive thinking! Embrace the differences, don't fight against them.
• Keep remembering why you came to America in the first place. It was a good reason then, and it probably still is.

Reader Feedback on this Topic

Send Feedback on this Topic

Note: When sending feedback on this topic, please use "Culture Shock Feedback - Homesickness" as the subject line.