A

At the Start

B

Bathrooms

C

Compromise

D

Doctors

E

Events

F

Food

G

Going Out

H

Helping Out

I

Internet

J

Jam Tarts

K

Kilometre or not

L

Laundry

M

Making Plans

N

Not Happy

O

Other Students

P

Paperwork

Q

Questions

R

Rice Pudding

S

Stereotypes

T

Trips Away

U

Urgent contact

V

Visitors & Guests

W

Weather

X

X-rays & Airports

Y

Your Adventure

Z

zzz… Sleep!

Choosing to live in a foreign country is a really exciting and life-changing thing to do. You should be really proud of that. However, everyone who does it will experience difficult times. We all deal with things differently, but here are some thoughts we hope will help if you feel down.
  1. Feeling worried or homesick is a normal part of coming to live overseas and it is ok to feel that way.
  2. Everyone in your group will have moments when they feel the same, even if you can’t tell from the outside.
  3. That does not mean you should ignore the feelings. It is worthwhile thinking about how you will cope with difficult times before they arise.
  4. Embrace the opportunities available to you, try new things and stay busy.
  5. Spend as much time as you can with the people who are sharing your experience: Homestay families, other international students or people on your course are good examples.
  6. Remember, it is easier than ever to stay in touch with people back home. This can help, but it is important not to shut yourself away.
  7. For some people, the first few days in a new place can be especially difficult. Give yourself time to settle in and talk to your hosts before you arrive to discuss the things that you are worried about.
  8. If you have had difficulties in the past such as anxiety or depression, it is really important that you tell your programme leaders before the programme starts.
  9. Remember that homestay families are not medical counsellors. They may be able to listen and give some general support, but their role is not to solve problems.
  10. If you need help, talk to us. We can work with you to plan the steps to take, including professional support if you need it.
  11. See our advice about Health Care in the UK for more information about this.

Homesickness Advice

Communication

Homesickness Advice

Communication