How do I deal with missing my family when living abroad?
Posted by serenesi@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 15 comments
I’m an 18 year old female (turning 19) who will soon be moving from Australia to Canada on a working holiday visa. I initially planned to stay for six months, but I’m now considering extending my trip to a full year to make the most of this opportunity.
I’m not afraid to travel alone or deal with a little bit of isolation, but I’m worried about missing my family or something bad happening to them while I’m gone.
I’m particularly concerned about missing my mum and the family cat. While I’ve traveled alone before, I’ve never gone anywhere as far away as Canada, especially for such a long period (6 to 12 months).
Has anyone else experienced these feelings when moving overseas? Did the homesickness fade once you adjusted? And does the time really fly by?
I’d really appreciate any tips or reassurance on how to cope with missing my family and managing the fear of being so far away.
serenesi@reddit (OP)
Thank you all for the helpful advice/reassurance! Reminding myself that there’s always going to be a flight home is what is reassuring me the most. My family is going to be visiting me from time to time as well.
tomotron9001@reddit
It wasn’t your choice to be born in the country you’re born in. The opportunity and privilege to make the choice of leaving and experiencing another part of the world for an extended period of time is special.
Main tip would be to try not compare things to what you had at home. When I moved I tried to imagine what it must have been like growing up in the new location.
RavenRead@reddit
FaceTime exists. Don’t get a boyfriend/girlfriend. Have fun. Call home anytime.
Unable_Tumbleweed364@reddit
It’s not permanent so that should help! It’ll fly by!
FrauAmarylis@reddit
Study the Culture Shock graph and bring some sentimental items with you for the times you miss home. I brought Christmas ornaments my grandmother made, holiday placemats and small decorations for holidays that my country celebrates but not the place I’m moving to, and jewelry and gifts from family.
When you feel homesick, write in a journal, let your feelings out as you listen to music from home, cook a recipe from home, etc.
https://www.now-health.com/en/blog/culture-shock-stages/
mionel_lessi32@reddit
Hi I'm doing the inverse to you but from south america to Australia, I try to think that if I miss them and I do not feel comfortable in the new place I may go back to my country whenever I want.
Chary_314@reddit
I must say, your situation is quite light. You just need to understand that:- provided there is no new C0V!D-like thing, you can always book a flight and be home within a day (our world is quite small nowdays)- you are in Canada temporarily (only 1 year), so you just need to get as much as you can out of it.Things will become more difficult though in case you decide to settle in Canada (such things happen, you know, just think of falling in love). Then all the issues your raised (taking care of parents and missing them etc) will become more applicable
Zealousideal-Smoke44@reddit
If you hold the mentality that you can always book a flight home at any moment, it will help you focus on the now and make the most of your experience. In addition, your stay is temporary, not permanent. There will be a day when you’ll miss your friends in Canada when you’re back in Aus. Life is short, live it to the fullest.
pissboots@reddit
This!!! Before I moved, I had tons of anxiety about leaving behind my recently widowed mother. My husband said, "You can always just fly back if she needs anything" and it was like, it hadn't clicked in my head that I could still fly back to visit lol
KiplingRudy@reddit
WhatsApp for hours can keep you and Mum connected with each other's day to day lives.
Not sure if the cat will cooperate.
DrafterDan@reddit
Must be nice having a family you'd actually miss.
PacificTSP@reddit
You will FaceTime call or whatever. But probably you’re gonna be too busy having fun.
Fit_Caterpillar9732@reddit
As someone who first lived abroad, young and alone, when you couldn’t be in constant contact with family and friends from back home, and now considers that a blessing: concentrate on your life in Canada for the time you will be there. It’s temporary, you don’t want to waste it by 24/7 chatting with people at home about how you miss them. You’re young, you’ve chosen to go on an adventure, let yourself enjoy it.
smolperson@reddit
When it comes to worrying about family… it’s best to travel when you’re young because your parents are younger too so you can worry less about something happening. You’re going at a good time. Enjoy yourself and make the most of your trip. You’ve picked the best time for it.
DutchieinUS@reddit
It’s something that comes with the territory. For me, it didn’t fade but I did have to learn better ways to cope with it.