How To Deal with Confusing Feelings: Homesickness and Culture Shock

Traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. Learning about new people and cultures is my personal meaning of life, and I love to take advantage of any opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. Throughout all these times traveling, across different states in the US or different continents, I have not felt homesick.

However, life becomes pretty different when one moves abroad for four months to study and live in a foreign culture. I never thought I would be writing a blog about the topic of homesickness, yet here we are! Homesickness can occur for many reasons, and culture shock may also contribute to these confusing feelings.

Sometimes there is a lot of pressure to have an amazing time at all times, but it is completely valid and normal to feel anxious, lonely, or even grieve the life you were comfortable with back home. It is a process that everyone experiences at some point, to varying degrees. Here are some of my best methods for dealing with homesickness.

1. Make Plans to Look Forward To

Immersing myself into new cultural norms is one of the first things I like to do. Whether it's by making dinner or travel plans to look forward to, or the actual action of exploring somewhere new, I find that the excitement of immersing myself is a great way to make new memories. It is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the fact that I live in a new place. There is such a special opportunity to get to know it. Practicing the gratitude of being here has created a more positive mindset for me.

By making plans with others or myself, I am able to become familiar with my new surroundings. Instead of being in a scary new place, the streets and views feel normal. One of my favorite things to do is take a daily walk from near the Duomo to the Arno River. I particularly like people-watching all of the tourists taking photos or riding gondolas on the river.

2. Keep Your Personal Care Routines

Self-care is often emphasized among students, and doing that during a study abroad experience is no exception. It can sound cliche to "focus on self-care," but it truly works. The same methods that a student in the US uses to take care of themselves are what can be used in Florence.

I have found that setting a certain day to do essential chores such as grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning has helped my daily life feel more organized and structured. When I was first getting settled, it was overwhelming to remember what I needed to do and when to prioritize my tasks. Now, I am able to wake up and know the things I could do that day to make my week flow more smoothly.

3. Connect Your Old Life with Your New One

After establishing a greater familiarity with your new city and a comforting routine with your new home, the natural next step is staying in touch with your roots. The time difference between Italy and the US can make schedules differ greatly, but doing a few simple actions can still maintain meaningful relationships.

Whether it is calling your home friends randomly or sending a quick photo to your parents, I have found that staying in touch can be easier when I casually check-in at seemingly random times. I enjoy sending friends and family random photos of my day, or texting someone when I see something that reminds me of them!

4. Connect to a Community

I find so much meaning when I learn about others and can be a part of something greater than myself. Whether it is joining a volunteer opportunity from CEA CAPA or taking the initiative to meet my fellow students, I love the feeling of being part of a community. In a way, being yourself and engaging with others is a way to contribute to the community and make someone else's day, and it is so rewarding.

I have been a participant on CEA CAPA Florence events such as a gelato tour, a Florence city walk, and a Siena day trip. Outside of CEA CAPA, I regularly walk around Florence to explore the shops and alleys. Because of this intentional engagement, I can feel myself being less of a tourist and more of a resident of this community.

Ultimately, the goal of integrating one's self is not to escape homesickness, but to create a new home while remembering to be grateful and connected to the old. I hope these tips can help you adjust to your new city and make it feel more like home!