Tips to Avoid Becoming Homesick While Volunteering Abroad
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) January 31, 2014 -- Many travellers are deterred from going abroad by fear of becoming homesick. While stepping out of one's comfort zone can be a scary process, it is one of the best ways to grow and acquire new skills and perspectives. Many overseas volunteer and internship projects offer great opportunities for both personal and professional growth. While it is completely natural to feel nervous before a trip, the experience is definitely worthwhile. Cross-Continental Solutions has recently released some practical tips to help travellers minimize the risk of becoming homesick abroad.
- Understand that Feelings Can Be Controlled
Usually homesickness sets in later into a trip, after the initial euphoria of being in a new place has worn off. Travellers then start feeling homesick as they experience how different things are abroad. There are many ways one can manage homesickness and prevent it from stopping one's enjoyment. It is important to realize this fact and simply being aware of it can help travellers keep their feelings under control.
- Stay in Touch with Family and Friends
Being abroad does not mean that travellers should disconnect themselves from their support network back home. Travellers may need emotional support from their loved ones and they are usually no more than a phone call or email away.
- Keep Occupied
There is no better solution to prevent feeling overwhelmed by homesickness than by occupying oneself with work or other activities. Travellers tend to have little time to feel homesick if they are busy with projects abroad. That is also another reason why joining international internships and volunteer abroad programs are ideal for long term travellers.
- Become Adaptable and Make New Friends
One of the most important lessons to learn from overseas adventures is that one must adapt to the local culture. A proactive attitude and a willingness to learn are great assets. Travellers shouldn't wait for the local people to adapt or approach them. Sometimes initiative is key to showing respect and friendliness. It is advisable to ask questions and show interest.
- Keep a Diary
Writing can be extremely cathartic and a good way to spend lonely hours. Try to keep a journal where one can record all their adventures and feelings. It will help travellers to keep things in perspective and keep them busy. Writing one's feelings out can help relieve the emotional burden.
By employing these preventative measures, travellers can better enjoy their volunteer abroad experience.
To access free resources or plan a life-changing trip, sign up for free tips at http://www.CrossContinental.org.
About Cross-Continental Solutions:
Cross-Continental Solutions provides affordable yet flexible volunteer abroad, intern abroad, cultural immersion, language study, and gap year programs. A large variety of work placement options are available such as: Teaching, Healthcare, Community Development, Business Coaching, HIV work, Care-giving, Orphanage Work, Journalism, Photography, Wildlife, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Microfinance, Tourism, Marketing, and more. Programs are available at many locations around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By living and working side by side with locals, participants gain an exceptional cross-cultural experience and the opportunity to truly make a difference. For more details, visit CrossContinental.org.
Jian Leslie, Cross-Continental Solutions Inc., http://www.crosscontinental.org, +1 (604) 700-6096, [email protected]
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