Are you relocating overseas? Going to a new place can be an exciting experience and open you up to new cultures and ideas, but it can also be an incredible challenge. It's very important not to let homesickness stop you from getting the most out of this experience. You might feel homesick for different number of reasons: adapting to a new culture, feeling alone away from friends and family, language challenges and an apparent lack of control over your situation. Here are a few tips that can help you adjust more easily. Visit the city as a tourist: Visit all the tourist sites and attractions as if you were on vacation to get a feel for the country’s culture, history and habits. Have an open mind to accept the newness of it all. Once you’re feeling comfortable, begin to find the places where you feel most comfortable, maybe a restaurant that you’ve learned to love, a nearby yoga studio or a daily jogging route. Find whatever is most important for you to establish a routine. Taste the local gastronomy: Finding foods that you enjoy right away will ensure that you always know where to go and what to order. Be open to new experiences and tastes as well as enjoying your familiar favorites. Explore your new city: Do some research, ask locals and colleagues and make a list of a few places you’d love to explore: local cafes, unique markets and shops, venues featuring live music or local artists, museums, historical landmarks. Cross them off as you explore each one. This will give you goals and fun things to look forward to. Create a routine: Schedule regular plans for your daily and weekly routines. Make it fun and engaging: Friday night dinner with friends, joining a cycling club each Sunday, yoga every Tuesday and Thursday. Studies show a routine reduces the stress of being homesick. Study something new: Studies have shown that when you’re homesick, you can be absent-minded, too. Stay sharp by studying a topic or learning something new every day. Learn a new language, how to cook popular local dishes, or begin a new yoga/martial arts course or other skill building activity. Immerse yourself in the local culture by relating your new activities to your new country. Create a comfortable home: Invest a little time and money in creating your new environment and make your home a comfortable, familiar place you enjoy each day. Meet your neighbors, create a support network of friends. Make it a point to discover a favorite café, music venue, library, park or anywhere else that makes you feel more at home; you’ll make new friends just by getting out in the community. After a relocation it’s natural to feel a bit homesick, but don’t let that hold you back from fully enjoying this new adventure. You’re creating new experiences and new memories that will last you a lifetime. If you need help with your relocation contact our local consultants.