Feeling Homesick in Spain? 9 Tips To Survive

Ah, Spain–a land of tapas and sunshine. But even though it’s an exciting and often exotic place to be, at some point, you might experience a deep longing for home. Feeling homesick in Spain often begins to set in for many reasons, including feelings of loneliness and disconnection due to language barriers and missing out on enjoying important celebrations with your loved ones back at home.

In this blog post, we will explore key tips for dealing with homesickness when living abroad or visiting Spain. With a few strategies, staying connected with your hometown or country can be easier than it initially feels. Dealing with homesickness is a necessary part of exploring new places and it can also enhance your overall experience if appropriately managed.

9 Tips to survive when you are feeling homesick in Spain

1. Use Skype or Facetime regularly

Texts and calls go far in keeping up with the people closest to you, but nothing beats a face-to-face conversation. You can also contact family members and friends nationwide via Skype. Visual contacts are important because they help you feel connected to the people you miss. Try to call home regularly, talk through your experiences, and keep your family updated on the stories you’ve created. You will have an intimate connection to your life here and you may not want to be afraid if something doesn’t go right.

2. Make new friends

Always remember to keep in touch with your family and friends back home, however, don’t forget that you are now living a life away from them. If you make the mistake of relying solely on their social interaction, then suddenly, when they’re not around anymore – neither is anyone else…and that can be incredibly isolating. Making friends abroad will help you to connect with your new home, adjust to the culture and find your way in a foreign country. Make the most of your time abroad by joining local Facebook groups and Meetups. You can also try to do volunteer work – it will make you feel good and is a great way to meet new people who share similar interests.

3. Head to the kitchen

As the saying goes, food tends to unite people, and it is truly the global vocabulary of heritage, culture, and celebration. There are plenty of ways to recreate the comforting meals you love. If you’re missing a taste of your home country, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Homemade meals are a great way to bring a bit of your home country to Spain.

4. Turn up the tunes

Listening to music can bring back a rush of emotions. Music is a great way to make yourself feel better when homesick. Listening to your favorite songs can result in an instant wave of happiness and comfort. Many expats find music a great way to get through their homesickness. Put on some feel-good tunes from your favorite artists and let them take you away to a happier place.

5. Find your country store

You should definitely look for the closest store or shop in Spain that sells products from your home country. Whether it’s chocolate, magazines, or food, you can find it all in the country stores. That way you can still feel at home and enjoy some of your favorite snacks from back home.

6. Let your feelings out

Release your emotions – it truly does make a difference! Talk to a friend or family member about homesickness, or write down your feelings in a journal. This can help you process your feelings, understand them better and eventually make them easier to cope with. Being away from home can be hard, and it’s okay to talk about it.

7. Keep yourself busy

Experiencing homesickness in a sedentary lifestyle is undoubtedly difficult. But the worst thing you can do when feeling this way is to remain idle and overthink. Rather, take action and get out there. Explore your new environment – it’s an opportunity of a lifetime. Join a club, class, or event to keep your mind busy and meet new people. Experiencing homesickness doesn’t mean you should stop yourself from living your life to the fullest.

8. Meet other Expats

Connecting with other expats is an excellent way to make friends and share stories. Chances are that they are in the same situation as you and can relate to what you’re going through. Meeting other expats will not only help you feel less alone but also give you a whole new perspective on your homesickness experience.

9. If all else fails, consider returning home

Although you may feel a sense of nostalgia, it won’t remain forever. Change can be intimidating at first, but gaining the ability to adjust and grow through these changes is an essential part of life. Everyone experiences a change in their lives at some point or another; embrace this challenge and use it as an opportunity for personal growth. If you feel homesickness is getting too much, the best way to cope with it is to take a trip back home. A week or two away can give you the time and space you need to really think about your situation and recharge.

Don’t be embarrassed if you experience homesickness while living in a foreign country or studying abroad – it’s totally natural! You may find yourself missing the comforts of home, yet don’t let that get you down. The most effective cure for homesickness is time. Soon enough, you’ll develop into the rhythm of your new life overseas and become more thrilled and daring than ever before.

Is there a word for homesick in Spanish?

The word for homesick in the Spanish language is “nostalgia”. Alternatively, the phrase “echar de menos” (to miss) is often used when referring to homesickness.

How long does homesickness last abroad?

Homesickness varies in length and intensity depending on the person and their situation. It typically lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. After that, most people find themselves adapting to their new surroundings and can focus on all the wonderful things they can experience in their current environment. However, if you still feel homesick or depressed after a considerable time, look for professional help.

Why do people feel homesick when they are abroad?

People often feel homesick when they are living abroad due to the unfamiliar environment and lack of family and friends they may have at home. The new culture, language and environment can be overwhelming for some and cause feelings of loneliness and disconnection. This can lead to homesickness as people attempt to settle into a new home.

Is homesickness a real thing?

Yes, homesickness is a very real thing, and it is defined as an emotional pain due to missing one’s home and loved ones. Homesickness is a natural response to leaving home and is experienced by many people worldwide. It can range in intensity from mild to severe but can be managed with the right coping strategies and support.

A word from SpainDesk

Feeling homesick in Spain can be a challenging experience, but with the right mindset and tools, it is possible to overcome. It is important to remember that homesickness is a normal emotion and that it is ok to feel it. There are many tips and tricks to help you adjust when feeling homesick in Spain. Don’t forget to try and keep an open mind and enjoy the diversity of Spanish culture too. Hang in there, take some time off to yourself when needed, and appreciate the beauty of your new home away from home. Immerse yourself as much as possible in the Spanish language – it will surely help in connecting with the locals and making new friends.