Migrant workers are often described as the unsung heroes of the family. They come to a foreign country for a better wage, hoping to provide more for their families back home. According to data, there are over 169 million overseas workers worldwide. But what happens when these workers start to feel homesick?
It’s normal to miss home when you’re away from your family and friends, especially if it’s your first time living abroad. But there are ways to cope with these feelings and make the most of your experience. Here are some tips on how to deal with homesickness when you’re working overseas:
Keep in touch with friends and family back home.
With today’s technology, it’s easy to stay in touch with loved ones back home. Unlike in previous times, everyone today has the luxury of staying connected through social media, video chats, and even phone calls.
You can send them a text, give them a call, or have a face-to-face conversation with them on various apps. By simply hearing their voices, you will feel more connected to home. And if you can’t talk to them as often as you’d like, it’s easy to send them photos and updates of what you’ve been up to, so they can feel like they’re a part of your experience. You can even purchase amazing canvas, poster, and wallpaper prints from Photowall.com and have them shipped just about anywhere in the world!
So, set aside time to connect with your family. It’s an affordable and easy way to help you feel closer to them and ease some homesickness you’re feeling. Thus, you can keep on enjoying your time living and working abroad.
Make friends with locals.
Living alone in a foreign country can be tough, but making friends with locals can help. You don’t have to be best buddies with them, but having a few friends to go out and explore with can make you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings.
In addition, learning about their culture and way of life can also help take your mind off missing home. They can introduce you to new experiences and help you see your host country differently. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two that you can bring back home with you.
So get out there and socialize. You can attend meetups, join social media groups, or take a language class. Whatever you do, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make some new friends.
Keep up with your hobbies or explore new ones.
If you have some free time, don’t just sit around thinking about home – that will only worsen homesickness. Instead, stay occupied by doing things you enjoy.
If you have hobbies back home, see if there are any clubs or groups here that support those interests. It is also a perfect time if you’re looking to try something new. With so many things to see and do in your host country, there’s no reason not to explore.
When you have something to look forward to outside of work, you’ll be less likely to spend all your time thinking about home. By keeping yourself busy with activities you enjoy, you can beat homesickness and make the most of your time working abroad.
Send a care package to your loved ones.
Do you have something unique from your host country that you know your family or friends back home would love? Why not send them a care package?
Also known as the balikbayan box, it’s a popular way for Filipinos working abroad to send gifts and supplies to their loved ones back home. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, either. Just a few small items can go a long way in making your loved ones feel special. A thoughtful balikbayan box is a great way to show them you’re thinking of them and to share a piece of your experience with them.
Not only will they appreciate the gesture, but it will also make you feel good knowing that you’re bringing a bit of home to them. Plus, it will give you something to look forward to – putting together the care package and then hearing about how much they liked it. It’s a gratifying experience that can help ease your homesickness.
Living abroad can be a fantastic experience, but it’s normal to feel homesick from time to time. Although there is no single best way to combat homesickness, the above tips can help. So, if you’re feeling down, try these ideas for a headstart. With a positive attitude and some effort, you can push through the homesickness and make the most of your time working abroad.
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