Homesickness as an Au pair
10 Tips for conquering your homesickness
Dear reader,
Feeling homesick? Well, you’re not alone! Moving to a foreign country for your au-pair year, that homesick feeling is bound to happen. During my second day in Germany as an au pair, homesickness hit me hard, and it only intensified as I began to experience culture shock. A foreign country, a language I couldn’t understand, and a city that i’d be calling home for the next year — it was all a lot to take in at once.As someone who has personally experienced the pangs of homesickness with over 5,000 miles between me and my loved ones, I’d like to share some tips that helped me overcome those feelings.
Call Your loved ones:
It might seem obvious, but staying connected is one of the easiest ways to combat homesickness."I’m just a call away” is what my mother would always tell me anytime I called her and complained about feeling homesick. So make those regular video calls or schedule chats with your family and friends back home or even set times to connect so you have something to look forward to.
Write postcards to your loved ones: Sending postcards or letters can be a fun and rewarding experience. There’s something special about receiving mail that can lift your spirits and strengthen your connection with home.
Create a comfortable space for yourself:
Personalize your room with photos, mementos, or decorations that make you feel comfortable and more at home.
Establish a routine:
Creating a daily routine can help you feel more settled. Include activities outside of your aupair duties that you enjoy, such as exercise, hobbies, or downtime, to provide structure to your day.
Explore Your Surroundings:
Use your free time to explore your city or town. Finding local cafes, parks, or attractions can help you feel more connected to your new environment. Starbucks was my go-to spot whenever I felt homesick; enjoying a coffee there made me feel more at home.
Learn the local language:
If you’re in a country where a different language is spoken, making an effort to learn the language can boost your confidence and help you integrate. Initially, I wasn’t motivated to learn German since I could get by with English, but my host mother encouraged me. The more I learned, the more included I felt.
Stay Positive:
Keep a journal to reflect on your experiences and the positive aspects of your stay. Acknowledging the good moments can help shift your perspective.
Engage with Your Host Family:
Take the time to get to know your host family. I’m naturally not the most outgoing person, so it took me a while to warm up to them. However, spending time together, participating in family activities, and communicating openly about your feelings can foster a sense of belonging. The closer you get to your host family, the easier it will become to adjust.
Set Goals for Your Stay: Focus on specific goals you want to achieve during your time as an au pair, such as learning a new skill or exploring a certain number of local sites. Having something to work towards can give you purpose.
Be Patient with Yourself: Understand that feeling homesick is a normal part of the adjustment process. Give yourself time to acclimate, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
The feeling of homesickness will always come and go and Some days will be better than others, but don’t worry you will conquer this! By embracing these strategies, you can make your time as an au pair more enjoyable and fulfilling. It’s all about finding a balance between cherishing your roots and embracing new experiences. I wish you nothing but the best off luck !
-Your
Airiel