“First of all, coming to Taiwan was the first time for me to leave my home and family and venture off to a very far place. Dealing with homesickness was tougher than expected, because dealing with this situation needs persistence to overcome the difficulties. There were many ways that I used to deal with this kind of situation, first of them was convincing myself that I went abroad to achieve my aim (which was being a doctor) & second is that I went out every weekend with friends and/or classmates to see how beautiful Taiwan is because this allowed me to further broaden my view on the country and thus feel more integrated into the society. Also the feeling of acceptance into a new environment or culture lead to my not feeling so dejected about not being at home. Furthermore, it really helps to constantly find time to communicate with friends and family back home. Speaking with loved ones not only means you stay connected with them but also feel a connection with them as well as their never-ending support, which drives you on to be the best version of yourself. This then leads to attaining self-confidence and self-reliance which are two very key attributes needed to successfully combat homesickness.”

Anonymous

“When I felt homesick, the first phase of my long journey to convalescence was denial. You lie to yourself and others that you don’t feel homesick, when in fact you do. Then there is the internal breakdown when everything seems to fall apart and nothing goes right. Your grades drop, you don’t eat well and your finances are a disaster. The first thing I did was to try and stay busy and that wasn’t necessarily studying all the time or doing homework but rather it was more going out to pay bills or starting a new project that was always on the back of my mind etc., just to take my mind off things. I refrained from speaking at length or any at all with folks back home for approximately two weeks because it constantly reminded me of where I wanted to be which distracted me from focusing on the task at hand and adjusting to life in Taiwan. Furthermore, I kept attending various club meetings, constantly engaging in a sport, going out “window” shopping and continually staying social. These helped me clear my head because only with a clear head can you proceed to the next step. What followed was that I always looked forward to what was ahead, because knowing that tomorrow I’ll be travelling to some beautiful city, although I had an exam the following Wednesday, really kept me going. It may seem reckless but putting yourself out there and indulging in things you never dreamt you would really does help. However, never neglect your academics because that is one of the main reasons why you’re but then again don’t worry about it too much, finding a balance between academics and social life is a problem even while you’re at home so don’t let it nag you. An advice, just as you found the balance (between your academics and social life) back home and made it all the way to Taiwan, then do the same again, because you’re obviously as smart as a whip to even be here in the first place. I might be losing the plot so I’ll put an end to this and I really do hope my experience helps you overcome your homesickness as well.”

Franklin

“Stress is a normal part of life. You may feel stress about friendships, grades, tests, family issues, homework, work, extracurricular activities, or your life. We can't rid our lives of stress, but we all can learn how to cope with it. You have to stand and be strong for whatever challenge you might meet, don’t lose hope, and keep pushing. No matter how bad it gets and how much you think there is no hope ,do not let your depression take over, you can always dig yourself out of that hole and find a way to manage your depression and you are not alone.”

Patience

Making Friends as an International Student

“Being in a new environment, feeling as if you’re starting over – which includes having to make friends all over again can be a difficult situation. It is a situation that I never thought I’d find myself in, but a situation that occurred nonetheless. While I was able to easily make friends with my fellow country mates and other International Students (and I assure you that you will too), I found that I was having a hard time making, and keeping, any local friends. The fact that I had come to a new country, and was unable to make any friends from that country was rather disappointing to say the least, and it could often times even be saddening.

But what I forgot to remember about my situation was that my life in Taiwan had only just started: even after 6 months here, it was still very early. I was only just beginning to learn Chinese and beginning to learn the ways of Taiwanese culture. And both these things play a part in my interacting with Taiwanese people. What I needed to remind myself to do was, rather than rushing for everything to fall into place right away (for me to find local friends that actually stick around) and rather than focusing on what wasn’t happening, I should be living in the moment, and enjoying what exists around me right now. Pushing myself to learn more Chinese and immerse myself in the culture of Taiwan will, in the long run make it easier for me to interact with others and, eventually, make friends, all of which comes with time.”

Khaila