If you feel that your parents call or e-mail you too frequently, it is okay to respectfully tell them you want to focus on your life in your host country. On the other hand, you should not stop all contact with them, and if you are not comfortable telling that to your parents, ask your host family or YFU for advice. Another way to keep up-to-date with your natural parents is to keep a blog, update your Facebook page or post on Twitter. Social media can be a great way to share with lots of people at once, instead of having to write individual e-mail. But remember to post on these sites in an appropriate manner, avoiding offensive comments. Updating your blog, Facebook or Twitter page, sharing photos of your new friends and host family, posting phrases you have learned, writing about food or recipes you love, or uploading a map of your town is a good way to share your experience. “Try not to use the internet or social networking sites often because that was a big mistake that I made. I used Twitter, Skype and Facebook all the time to communicate with my family and I saw that they were having fun and doing things without me, which made me feel even more homesick than I was. I think that if I never used Facebook while I was there, I would have enjoyed my time better.” ––Christina from USA (exchange to Japan)
I
t is completely normal to have a bad day or miss home once in a while. Here are some tips to get over these feelings: Do something you would do when you are having a bad day at home, like listening to music, taking a nap, exercising etc. This might help you to feel better. Think about what you are enjoying about your host country. Participate in something new with your host family or with friends at school. They might introduce you to an activity that you will deeply enjoy. You might realize that you are used to so many things that you take for granted in your home country. Sometimes you need the different experience to understand how much of your own culture is within you. It is fine to express your feelings on your blog or on your Facebook or Twitter page. Even though it is fine to post that you miss your home, negative comments about your host country or family may make your parents worry and this attitude can hurt your relationship with your host family.
© Youth For Understanding International Educational Services
31