Homesick During Your Internship? Here’s How to Cope

16 Jul Homesick During Your Internship? Here’s How to Cope

Did you know that nearly 70% of students report experiencing homesickness at some point? 

And yet, unlike jet lag or culture shock, it’s rarely discussed as a core component of interning or studying abroad. 

If you’re feeling a pang (or ten) of longing for home while participating in a business internship abroad, welcome to the club. Being away from your comfort zone can hit harder than expected, especially when it’s mixed with new work pressures and unfamiliar surroundings.

But homesickness doesn’t have to derail your entire experience. This guide will equip you with practical strategies to help you cope, stay positive, and make the most out of your international internships.

What to Do When You’re Feeling Homesick

Feeling homesick doesn’t make you weak or unprepared—it makes you human. The key is tackling it head-on, rather than letting it simmer in the background. Here’s what you can do:

1. Name the Feeling

Identifying that what you’re experiencing is homesickness can be a relief on its own. Awareness allows you to take proactive steps, instead of sinking into sadness or frustration without knowing why.

2. Recreate a Home-Like Environment

Bring elements of home to your new space. Add familiar touches, such as photos, decorations, or scents (lavender candles, anyone?) to help create a sense of comfort. 

Eating nostalgic meals can also be surprisingly powerful. Craving Mom’s spaghetti recipe? Recreate it—even if your version isn’t perfect.

3. Focus on Small Wins

Dealing with homesickness isn’t about crushing it in a single day. Celebrate small victories like finding your go-to coffee spot or successfully navigating a new public transit system. Each small action builds familiarity and confidence.

4. Stay Busy

An empty schedule amplifies homesickness. Fill your days with activities, whether it’s exploring the city, meeting colleagues outside of work, or ticking off a bucket list item for your summer internship abroad.

5. Talk About It

You’d be surprised how many interns experience the same thing. Share your feelings with others—friends, colleagues, or even family members back home. Don’t underestimate the power of simply being heard.

How to Manage Homesickness During an Internship

As we mentioned earlier, during an overseas internship, homesickness tends to creep in during downtime. Balancing work and emotional well-being is tricky, but these strategies can help:

Set Personal Goals

This is your time to grow both professionally and personally. Set realistic goals around what you want to achieve during your internship. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or expanding your professional network, a clear focus will help channel your energy in productive ways.

Create a Routine

Routines give stability to uncertain environments. Establish a morning ritual before work or create a structured post-internship routine, like hitting the gym, journaling, or catching up on a favorite show.

Use Technology Wisely

Technology is a double-edged sword. While video calls are a great way to stay in touch, over-reliance can tether you emotionally to home and make it harder to immerse yourself in your new environment. Plan your tech use thoughtfully—more on this below.

Build New Connections 

One of the benefits of an internship abroad is the amazing people you’ll meet. Forge relationships with fellow interns, locals, and co-workers. Join clubs or attend events to connect with like-minded people, which will lessen feelings of isolation.

How to Balance Communication with Home

Keeping in touch with loved ones back home is important but finding the right balance is key. Over-communicating can pull your focus away from the incredible opportunities in front of you.

Plan Set Times for Communication

Instead of texting throughout the day, schedule regular check-ins. For example, a Sunday evening video call or short daily message works well and keeps your loved ones in the loop without distracting you from your overseas internship.

Share Wins, Not Just Struggles

It’s tempting to vent about challenges, but don’t make all your conversations about homesickness. Share your wins, cool discoveries, and positive experiences. Your excitement might even inspire others to consider their own best internship abroad programs in the future.

Limit Your Social Media Scrolling

Social media might make you feel more connected initially, but constant scrolling through updates from home can amplify feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out). Stay present in your new surroundings by reducing screen time.

Write Letters 

Yes, snail mail still exists—and it’s incredibly meaningful. Writing letters (or even emails, if you prefer) fosters a slower, more thoughtful way to communicate. Bonus points if you pick up some cool local postcards to send.

Don’t Overlook the Benefits of an Internship Abroad

Homesickness fades, but the advantages of a summer internship abroad will stick with you for years. Remind yourself why you took this step in the first place—it might just power you through the toughest moments.

Cultural Immersion 

By stepping into another culture, you gain a unique perspective that’s hard to achieve when staying close to home. Experiencing new languages, traditions, and cuisines enriches your personal and professional life.

Career Growth

Employers love international experience. It demonstrates adaptability, independence, and intercultural competence—qualities that set you apart from other job candidates. A business internship abroad might even open doors to future global career opportunities.

Building a Global Network

Working abroad connects you with professionals from all over the world. Those connections could lead to recommendations, collaborations, or even job offers later in your career.

Finding New Confidence

Living and working in a foreign country pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way. Conquering homesickness is just one part of the growth—you’ll also become more confident, resourceful, and resilient.

Absolute Internship: Your Gateway to the Best Internship Abroad Programs

If you’re feeling motivated to step into the world of international internships but unsure where to start, Absolute Internship has your back. Known for delivering the best internship abroad programs,  we pair students and young professionals with opportunities in over 14 cities across the globe, from London to Shanghai.

Whether you’re looking for a business internship abroad, a tech-focused position, or something in fashion, Absolute Internship offers customized placements to suit your career goals. Plus, with support on everything from visas to housing arrangements, you’ll have fewer logistics to worry about—and more time to focus on thriving.

An overseas internship isn’t just work experience—it’s a life-changing adventure. 

And homesickness? It won’t stand a chance when you’re part of an inclusive program designed to make you feel supported every step of the way.