It’s normal for international students to miss their friends and family, especially during times like the holidays when these feelings can intensify. Some may experience greater challenges with homesickness or acculturation stress. These emotions are a natural part of the adaptation journey. When both students and families acknowledge and understand these feelings, it becomes easier to cope with them and develop effective strategies for management. One of the best ways a host family can support students is by creating a warm and understanding environment that encourages open expression and discussion of their emotions.
Homesickness
Homesickness is a natural response to being away from familiar people, places, and routines. Many students feel it the strongest during the first few weeks after arriving, as everything feels new and different. However, as they begin to connect with others, establish routines, and explore their surroundings, homesickness usually starts to fade. Each positive experience, like sharing a meal, making new friends, or exploring Vancouver, helps them feel more confident and comfortable in their new home.
Acculturation Stress
Acculturation stress refers to the ongoing process of adjusting to a new culture, which can take more time and may last longer than initially expected. After the initial excitement wears off, students find themselves learning about the social norms, routines, and expectations of their host family and school. This adjustment often occurs gradually as they adapt to life in their homestay, settle into a new school, meet new academic and social expectations, and develop friendships.
Simply knowing that both homesickness and acculturation stress are normal and temporary can be immensely reassuring for students. Host families who recognize these experiences as natural can offer understanding and encouragement, creating a warm, stable environment where students feel safe, valued, and more at ease to openly share their feelings. This empathy and support can make a profound difference, helping students adapt and thrive.
Recognizing Signs of Homesickness and Cultural Adjustment
Students may show signs of homesickness or cultural adjustment stress in various ways, including physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. Identifying these signs early allows host families to respond with empathy and support:
- Physical Signs: Changes in appetite, fatigue, or mild discomfort.
- Mental and Emotional Signs: Feelings of sadness, a longing for home, or loneliness.
- Behavioral Signs: Difficulty focusing, withdrawing socially, or a decrease in motivation.
By noticing these subtle indicators, host families can offer comfort and reassurance, helping students feel understood and supported during their adjustment period.
Tips for Supporting Students
- Open Communication: Encourage students to share their feelings and experiences. Create a safe space for them to express their emotions without judgment.
- Be Patient: Understand that adjusting to a new culture takes time. Be patient and give students the space they need to adapt at their own pace.
- Involve Them in Activities: Invite students to join in family activities. Whether it’s going for a walk after dinner, grocery shopping, or visiting the mall, including them in regular routines helps them feel included.
- Share Your Culture: Introduce students to your traditions, cuisine, and customs. Sharing your culture can help them feel more connected to your family and their new environment.
- Offer Reassurance: Remind them that feeling homesick is normal and that they are not alone in their experience. Share your own experiences of adjustment to help normalize their feelings.
- Encourage Routines: Establishing daily routines that include study time, relaxation, and social activities can provide a sense of stability and structure.
- Check-In Regularly: Make it a habit to check in with students about how they’re feeling. This shows that you care and are there to support them.
- Be Supportive of New Friends: Encourage them to build friendships with peers, which can enhance their sense of belonging and ease feelings of loneliness.
- Encourage Staying Connected: Suggest that students maintain regular contact with friends and family back home. Staying connected can provide comfort and help ease feelings of homesickness.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Encourage students to engage in simple practices like deep breathing, journaling, or crafts. These activities can provide an outlet for them to unwind and process their emotions.
- Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate their milestones, no matter how small. Recognizing achievements boosts confidence and reinforces a positive outlook on their experience.
Final Thoughts
Welcoming a student into your home provides many chances for growth, learning, and shared understanding. As a host family, your kindness, empathy, and patience create a stable and supportive environment that helps ease the challenges of being far from home. This caring atmosphere allows students to feel comfortable and confident, encouraging them to embrace new experiences and handle any stress they may face. With your support, you play an important role in making their journey as exchange students and your experience as a host family both rewarding and memorable for everyone involved.
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First Choice International Placement Inc. is a North Vancouver based company that works with local school districts to provide homestay opportunities for international students from across the globe.
Founded by the husband and wife duo, Beth Mercer and Collin Mercer, FCI prides itself in providing students the opportunity to develop their own independence and discover themselves while discovering Canada.
FCI recruits, locals families to host the students and supports both the students and the families to provide the best experience for all involved.
For more information:
Diana Salcedo
Communications Specialist
First Choice International Placement Inc,
p: (778) 836-0908
e: [email protected]