Closer to the origins: being homesick in Australia

When living in a foreign country, many of us have experienced being homesick. Although we learn to deal with the way we miss family and friends, it is the little things what gains more importance in our lives. Things like food, weather conditions, hobbies, and even places never had as much meaning as when you are away from home.

Many student agencies include this topic in their interviews with students in order to prepare them for a life experience in another country. The idea is to advise foreigners on how to face the first homesick episode and prevent them from giving up and going back home too soon without achieving their goals in Australia.

We asked some students about what they do when they feel homesick. Check it out:

“I miss my family and friends very much, and the fact that I cannot always talk to them because of the difference of hours between Spain and Australia sometimes can make me extremely upset. So, to feel closer to them, while I´m here, my boyfriend and I try to cook some of the Spanish cuisine recipes. It makes me feel in one of those moments when my friends or family and I would have a great lunch or dinner, in a very nice environment.” Mireia Jut, Spanish girl who came to Australia with her boyfriend to improve their English, travel and have wonderful experience abroad.

---

“I really miss my country and I´ve been feeling more homesick than ever. Every single day I miss the Colombian food, just thinking about it, I can feel the smell of fresh meal cooked by my mom. Anyway, I try to visit Evo, Tairona and have some Colombian coffee and also watch some Colombian football matches on TV. When I do that, I feel like being at home.” Omar Galeano España, Colombian student who is living in Australia with his girlfriend for one and a half years.

---

“Here in Australia I must book my friends agenda to be able to see them and they are available only on the weekends, whereas in Brazil we didn´t need a reason to meet each other, we could be working and decide to go to the closest bar to have some beer and snacks. And I couldn´t miss it more! While I´m here, I try to Skype my family and friends frequently (I call my parents every week) and visit them in Brazil at least once every two years. I also love going to the beach in warm days since I used to live in a beach city in Brazil, it makes me feel a little closer to my origins.” Cláudia Portella, Brazilian student who came to Australia to learn English and is having a lifetime experience

By Ligia Ruy