Dealing With Homesickness
By Gap 360
Working as an au pair in the United States is an incredible adventure. However, you will be living a long way from home and will undoubtedly miss your friends and family at some point during your trip.
The key thing to remember is that feeling homesick is natural! Here are our top tips for dealing with homesickness:
Keep in touch
It’s never been easier to keep in touch with family thanks to modern technology. Use social media to stay updated with your friends and set up a Skype account to call home for free!
Speak to other au pairs
Other au pairs will have been through exactly the same thing as you. Make sure to keep in touch with the other au pairs you met during your orientation. Your monthly cluster meetings are also a great chance to share how you feel and get advice from other au pairs.
Speak to your local coordinator
Your local coordinator is always there to talk through any concerns you may be having during your time abroad. They’ll be able to offer advice and comfort you if you feel homesick.
Speak to your host family
Share how you feel with your host family – after all, you are a part of the family! Your host family will make every effort to make you feel at home and you shouldn’t feel worried about talking to them.
Enjoy yourself
Homesickness is natural and it will pass. Focus on enjoying yourself and making the most out of this once in a lifetime adventure. By the end, you won’t want to leave!
Have any top tips for dealing with homesickness? Let us know!