How I have Managed Homesickness here in Aotearoa!
1. Finding food that feels like home.
While this may be shallow, I have found that when I feel homesick, I tend to gravitate towards foods I already know. One great thing about Auckland is that it has McDonald's (Macca's), Taco Bell, Starbucks, and so much more. Though I do get the cheeseburger meal I always get, they have items on the menu that aren't available in other countries. When I feel down, I go out and get food; it serves as a sensory gateway to my friends and family at home. I remember all of the times my best friend and I went to McDonald's after soccer games, or how, before class at my home university, I would stop by to get a refresher to help 'focus'.
2. Nintendo ANYTHING!
No matter how bad I feel, I make myself go to my IES Abroad group's room and play games. One of the members in my group brought his Nintendo Switch, and the games we usually play are Mario Party, Mario Kart, or Boomerang Foo. This little tradition helps me not feel lonely at night after not hearing from my family for hours, due to the 17-hour time difference, provides an easy way to socialize, and still activates part of my brain. Plus, the whole group gets together and chats through all the games; since everyone in the group has different majors, it's easy to get lost in scheduling, but having game nights on multiple nights allows us to still see each other and keep up when life gets busy.
3. Immersing myself in the Māori culture.
While this may seem counterintuitive and lead to a much stronger sense of homesickness, it has helped me personally. Going to a haka on my first day of arrival set off the passionate curiosity I have for cultures (anthropology and sociology major LOL) and unlocked a new mission -- I needed to learn as much as I could about the culture. Now, as I have been here, IES Abroad-sponsored trips and my own personal adventures have given me knowledge that most locals don't have about the island. I have learned Māori games, language, and even a small haka. I have seen marae, or their spiritual meeting places, hold some of their weapons and even say some karakia, or prayers. All of these things have made New Zealand my home. Texas will always have my heart and is so rooted in me, which is why I feel homesick, but creating a home here has helped alleviate some of my anxieties. Plus, one thing you will learn is how Māori people take care of each other; going to the West Coast of the South Island, you learn how many people truly take care of each other. This philosophy and way of life allowed me to feel secure in such a foreign place.
These tips may not work for everyone, but I highly suggest that if you feel homesick on your journey to Aotearoa or in Aotearoa, you try some of these tasks. Also, never forget PEOPLE AROUND YOU FEEL THIS TOO. My IES Abroad group and I have had so many amazing conversations about why we miss home, the people we have there, and how we talk through our struggles together. It helps us mentally overcome homesickness and allows us to form deeper connections we wouldn’t have if we weren’t vulnerable.
Brooklyn Sims
I am a rising junior from Texas who has never been outside the USA! I love dogs, travel, and lots of people. Fun fact, I've been to 48 U.S. States. I am big into posting on social media for my friends and to have an impact on my community.
