Daily Practices that Help with Homesickness and Culture Shock
搬到一个新的国家 宝博体育 can feel incredibly daunting, and upon arrival, you may feel the effects of 乡愁 和/或文化适应. First, this is normal, and these feelings will come and go. While it may feel uncomfortable, know you’re not alone.
A morning run on the Arno River, which runs through 弗洛伦斯.
作为美国人.S. 学生宝博体育 弗洛伦斯, I have experienced feelings of 乡愁 and 文化冲击 but also used these four accessible practices to limit their effects:
1. 杂志
First, and what has helped me the most, journal! 杂志ing is a practice I incorporated into my life for the past few years, but I have relied on it more and more while abroad. 杂志ing is a healthy way to release emotions and process events. Most days, I simply write down what I did that day and upcoming events. Even a little journaling goes a long way, and I always feel better after writing. It’s also a great keepsake after studying abroad and can help you remember little day-to-day moments.
杂志ing in the Piazza Massimo D'Azeglio neighborhood.
2. 保持你的爱好
Secondly, keep up with your hobbies you enjoy doing at home. As an avid runner, I knew that running was a practice I wanted to continue while abroad. Carving out time for myself every morning to run is extremely helpful for my 心理健康和福祉 and even introduced me to iconic landmarks and unique parts of 弗洛伦斯 在安静时间. 在阿诺河的另一边, 佛罗伦萨安静多了, and full of family-run shops and restaurants.
A quiet morning at one of 弗洛伦斯's most famous landmarks, the Duomo, during my run.
+, 我喜欢做饭, and my roommates and I found ways to make some delicious Italian meals and snacks at home! We copied dishes with melon and prosciutto, bruschetta, and mini caprese bites.
在家喝意大利开胃酒!
3. 选择一个熟悉的地方
第三,选择一个熟悉的地方! I love a morning cup of coffee or a quick afternoon smoothie, and finding a delicious coffee shop or café is an excellent way to have a place I can count on knowing in the city.
Cappuccino from Ditta Artigianale, a neighborhood café.
我个人喜欢摇咖啡, 健康的咖啡, 和Ditta Artigianale, a go-to place for some American staples like salmon and lox. Finding a restaurant or café, library, or park you can count on going to is a tremendous reassurance. It’s also a great way to have some familiar faces of people not in your 东航卡帕 宝博体育 program and an excellent way to practice your host country's language!
Smoothie from Shake Café on my way to class on Via del Corso.
4. 探索
最后,探索! You’re in a new country, so enjoy all its differences and unique offerings. Sometimes, the best way to deal with cultural adjustment is to jump right in! I love venturing around narrow stone streets and coming across unique stores. For example, walking around and finding the Scuola del Cuoio is a highlight of my time here. (It's an Italian leather school with artisan works and smaller items as well. 免费的黄金雕刻是可用的!) Keep the curiosity that brought you to your 宝博体育 program!
佛罗伦萨的Scuola del Cuoio.
梅尔罗斯的 is another popular spot amongst 东航卡帕 students and thrift lovers. It's a huge vintage shop with unique items.
梅尔罗斯的.
Alexa柯南道尔 is the Content Creator - Photographer in 弗洛伦斯, 意大利, and is currently studying at Tulane University.