Times Of TIU

Writer: Samantha P.
Editor: Natsumi K.

Have you ever felt homesick? It’s usually a feeling of sadness due to the longing for family, friends, and a familiar environment that they have left behind. It is very common, especially for E-Track students who are studying here at Tokyo International University (TIU) and live miles away from their home country. Most of them came from different countries to study here in Japan, which translates to ryugaku (留学) in Japanese. Some of them study for a few months, while others study for the whole four years. Studying abroad can be an exciting adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities. However, for many international students, the journey comes with its own set of challenges, and adjusting to the culture might be overwhelming at first. So, in this article, we’ll explore the concept of homesickness, its symptoms, and how it affects students’ mental health.

Symptoms

How do you know if you’re feeling homesick? Homesickness can manifest in various ways. That includes feelings of anxiety, difficulty concentrating on academic work, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, reluctance to socialize, and a longing for familiar routines and environments.

Causes

Several factors contribute to homesickness among international students. These include the language barrier, cultural differences, living away from family and friends, and academic pressure. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial in addressing homesickness effectively.

1. Language Barrier

The importance of Japanese language skills cannot be underestimated. Students may find it challenging to navigate daily life, academic tasks, and social interactions without proficiency in Japanese. Being able to communicate effectively in Japanese enhances students’ ability to make friends, participate in discussions, engage in cultural exchange activities and basically help with their daily life endeavors.

2. Cultural Difference

Adapting to a new culture can be both enriching and challenging. While learning about different cultures offers unique advantages, cultural differences may also lead to misunderstandings and, perhaps, discomfort. Cultural differences can sometimes contribute to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially if students struggle to integrate into social circles due to cultural differences in communication styles or social behaviors. Japan’s work and study culture often emphasizes dedication, long hours, and attention to detail. International students may experience pressure to conform to these expectations, leading to stress, burnout, or difficulties balancing their academic workload with their personal well-being. The combination of cultural differences, language barriers, and unfamiliar environments can contribute to homesickness and cultural shock. The cultural differences between the student’s home culture and Japanese customs and norms may be the cause of these responses.

3. Living Alone

A lot of students come to Japan by themselves, so they are separated from their loved ones. Living away from family and friends can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness, and longing for home. The absence of emotional support from familiar faces can amplify these emotions, especially during significant events like holidays or personal celebrations. Also, building a strong emotional support system in a new environment can be challenging. International students may face difficulties in establishing close relationships or finding individuals they can confide in and rely on for emotional support. Furthermore, managing daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and budgeting can be overwhelming, especially for students who are accustomed to relying on family members for support or assistance.

4. Academic Pressure

The differences in education systems and teaching styles can add to the stress levels of e-track and international students, making it harder to cope with homesickness. International students often come from diverse educational backgrounds with varying approaches to teaching, learning, and assessment. Adjusting to the academic expectations, curriculum structure, and grading systems in Japan can be challenging and may lead to heightened stress levels. The teaching styles in Japan may differ from what international students are accustomed to in their home countries. This includes lecture style, class participation expectations, group work dynamics, and assessment methods. Adapting to these new teaching styles requires time and effort, adding to the academic pressure experienced by students.

In my experience, I have been living in Japan for six years now. Initially, exploring a new environment filled me with excitement, making the first few weeks bearable. However, as time passed, I began to miss my friends and family back in my home country more intensely. Despite the convenience of advanced technology enabling constant communication, the absence of their physical presence left a noticeable void. Which led to nostalgia for cherished memories as well as cravings for familiar foods from home becoming frequent. Alongside these emotional challenges, I encountered practical difficulties in adjusting to Japanese culture and mastering the language, adding to my stress. This accumulation of stress led to emotional distress and anxiety, sometimes causing me to withdraw from social interactions and close relationships. Overcoming homesickness and cultural adjustment was a gradual process of change, but there are effective ways to cope with it, such as:

1. Socializing

Engaging in clubs, SLI internships (CG, PA, CP, or LC), and school events or language exchange workshops that are hosted by Campus Globalization (CG) allows students to connect with peers, share experiences as well as different cultures, and build a support network within the TIU community. Socializing improves communication skills, both in Japanese and English, as students interact with peers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Practicing interpersonal communication, teamwork, and leadership skills in social settings is valuable for personal and professional development. Encouraging active participation in school activities is essential for promoting a positive and enriching campus environment for all students. If students are more active with extracurricular activities, these can help them overcome the struggles of being alone and distract them from unwanted thoughts.

CG’s Fall 2023 Language Exchange Workshop

2. Exploring Japanese Culture

Embracing local food, visiting new places, and immersing oneself in Japanese traditions can foster a sense of belonging and create memorable experiences. It also gives an immersive experience that enhances cultural understanding, appreciation, and respect for Japanese customs and practices. If students were to embrace Japanese culture, it would create a sense of belonging and connection to the local community. By actively participating in cultural activities, students integrate into their surroundings, build relationships with locals, and feel more at home in their host country. From attending festivals and tea ceremonies to trying local cuisine and exploring historical sites, these experiences contribute to a well-rounded and transformative educational experience.

3. Communication

Maintaining relationships through video chats, social media, emails, and messaging apps facilitate regular communication with family, friends, and loved ones back home. This ongoing connection helps international students stay connected, share updates, and feel emotionally connected despite the physical distance. Regular communication helps reduce stress and anxiety by providing an outlet for expressing emotions, seeking advice, and receiving encouragement from loved ones. Knowing that they have a support system to rely on can significantly impact students’ mental well-being and resilience.

4. Self-support

Prioritizing self-care through adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices promotes overall well-being and resilience in dealing with homesickness. In addition, effective time management skills help balance academic responsibilities, social activities, self-care routines, and personal interests. Prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and establishing boundaries contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. 

Homesickness is a natural and personal experience that varies in its impact from one individual to another. Coping with homesickness effectively requires a combination of patience, communication, and active engagement in the new environment. By embracing homesickness as a part of their journey, international students can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and learning. Therefore, by seeking support from the school community, international students can navigate homesickness and make the most of their study abroad experience.