Dealing With Homesickness & Culture Shock
Culture shock: It’s only natural that you’ll miss the old familiar faces, places, and flavors of home.
- Sign up for international cell phone service – Many providers can simply activate service on your phone, or you can upgrade to an international plan.
- Email – It’s cheap, it’s everywhere, and if you don’t have your own computer, Internet cafés are pretty much accessible wherever you go.
- Blogging and social networking – Start a blog of your experiences and journeys and let others comment, or post your latest escapades and photos on your favorite social networking site. Your friends and family can post the latest news and upload images on your site, too!
- Postcards – Sounds old fashioned? That’s the point! Surprise your stateside correspondents with amusing images and funny anecdotes.
- Go for comfort food – Every once in a while, you might crave the taste of a burger and fries. Seek out – but not too often – those familiar flavors at restaurants and fast-food sites catering to American tastes. And maybe your mom can send you a care package with peanut butter and other favorites.
- Go to the movies – Seek out a “foreign” movie house that features English-speaking films.
- Viva la difference – Embrace otherness and aim for cultural immersion. Get out and about; experiment with new foods and music. Rent a bicycle. Instead of wishing you were there – back home – tell your homies: “Wish you were here!”